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This BBQ Sauce Recipe Was A Former President’s Favorite

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ribs being sauced

Created by legendary Texas pitmaster Walter Jetton, this BBQ sauce recipe is sure to be a crowd favorite. Former president LBJ loved it!

Walter Jetton’s Barbecue Sauce


walter jetton
Tried this recipe?Tell others what you thought of it and give it a star rating below.
3.76 from 37 votes
Jetton bragged that his barbecue sauce would "tickle the tongue of your Grandma's shoe." In his book, Jetton wrote "This is the secret of the ages I am giving you here, and I would not be surprised if wars have been fought over less. Use this as a plate or table sauce with beef, chicken, pork, or almost anything else. Don't cook things in it.

Course:
meat
Cuisine:
American
,
barbecue
,
texas
Author: Clint Cantwell

Makes:


Takes:


Ingredients

  • 1 cup tomato ketchup
  • ½ cup cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Morton Coarse Kosher Salt
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped onion
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon American style paprika
  • 1 dash finely ground black pepper
Notes:
About the salt. Remember, kosher salt is half the concentration of table salt so if you use table salt, use half as much. Click here to read more about salt and how it works.
Metric conversion:

These recipes were created in US Customary measurements and the conversion to metric is being done by calculations. They should be accurate, but it is possible there could be an error. If you find one, please let us know in the comments at the bottom of the page

Method

  • Combine all the ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and strain.

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Published On: 5/12/2021 Last Modified: 10/16/2023

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