Barbecue sauce seems to me to be a personal issue. There’s a dozen different ways to make it and each barbecue chef is convinced that his way is the right way. For our family, I make our barbecue sauce a little sweet with extra brown sugar to appeal to the taste buds of my kids. If you prefer a more savory sauce cut down on the brown sugar a little. And of course if you want more ‘kick’ to your sauce, add more chili powder, and a whole onion, finely chopped.
It’s important to note that the “sauce” really is technically more of a cooking marinade. Because of the juices from the pork chops, it will not be thick like regular barbecue sauce–but it is just as delicious! For this recipe you will need:
2-3 pounds of pork chops
McCormick pork seasoning
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1 cup cider or wine vinegar (I think cider vinegar gives it a more tangy taste.)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons dry mustard
3 or more tablespoons of chili powder (to taste)
2 cloves of garlic
2 teaspoons of onion powder (If you really like onions you should add finely chopped onions instead of onion powder. However, one small onion piece and it will surely be rejected from my kids’ plates!) Onion tip: a left over onion that’s already been cut will be the strongest in flavor.
Place all the ingredients for the barbecue sauce in your slow cooker and mix together. Rub each pork chop with pork seasoning and then place in your slow cooker. Make sure to spoon barbecue sauce over each pork chop as well so it won’t dry out while cooking. Leave them cooking on the low setting for 7-9 hours.
Make it Your Own: Try some honey in the barbecue sauce or add some Worcestershire sauce. You can also add cumin but taste as you go lest you burn the roof of your mouth with too many spices! Also consider adding some vegetables like chopped onions or chili peppers.
Important Note: Usually you can set your slow cooker on high and cook for half of the recommended time. However, because of the sugar in this recipe, I do not recommend doing that.
Serving Suggestions: We like this recipe with corn bread, baked potato fries, and a green salad.
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