As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Rib candy is a popular barbecue sauce that is sweet, tangy, and sticky. It is a sauce commonly used on ribs and other meats to give them a flavorful and delicious taste. Rib candy combines brown sugar, honey, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Rib candy has become popular among barbecue enthusiasts because of its unique flavor and versatility. Chicken, beef, and pork are just some of the meats that benefit from its versatility as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce.
What is Rib Candy?
Rib Candy is a barbecue sauce known for its sweet, tangy, and sticky flavor. It is commonly used as a glaze, marinade, or dipping sauce for various meat dishes, especially ribs. The sauce is typically made with brown sugar, honey, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and various spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
One of the best things about Rib Candy is its versatility. It can be used on various types of meat, including beef, chicken, and pork, and applied at different cooking stages. For example, it can be used as a marinade for overnight marinating, a glaze applied during grilling or smoking, or a dipping sauce served on the side.
The Ingredients in Rib Candy Sauce

Rib Candy sauce is a sweet, tangy barbecue sauce typically used as a glaze, marinade, or dipping sauce for various meat dishes. The sauce combines ingredients that give it unique flavor and texture.
The sweetness in Rib Candy sauce comes primarily from brown sugar and honey. These ingredients are essential to the sauce’s flavor profile and sticky texture. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the sauce, while vinegar provides a tangy kick.
How to Make Rib Candy Sauce at Home
Making Rib Candy sauce at home is easy and requires simple ingredients. Here is a basic recipe for making Rib Candy sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a medium-sized saucepan. Stir well to combine.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika; if using, add cayenne pepper to the saucepan.
- Stir to combine.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce comes to a simmer.
- Simmer the sauce over medium heat, occasionally whisking, for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Take the sauce off the flame and cool it to room temperature.
- When the sauce has cooled, please keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Variations:
- Smoke out the sauce with a few drops of liquid smoke.
- For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer for a thicker sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.
Making Rib Candy sauce at home is a simple and rewarding process. With just a few basic ingredients, anyone can create a delicious and versatile barbecue sauce that can be used in various ways.
Different Ways to Use Rib Candy Sauce in Cooking
Rib Candy sauce is a versatile and flavorful barbecue sauce that can be used in many different ways in cooking. Here are some ideas for how to use Rib Candy sauce:
Glaze for Ribs
This is the traditional Rib Candy sauce method. Brush the sauce over the ribs during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to create a sticky and delicious glaze.
Marinade for Chicken
Rib Candy sauce also makes a great marinade for chicken. Coat the chicken in the sauce and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
Dip for Appetizers
Use Rib Candy sauce for appetizers like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, or fried pickles.
Topping for Burgers
Add a dollop of Rib Candy sauce to a burger for a sweet and tangy twist on a classic.
Sauce for Meatloaf
Mix Rib Candy sauce with ketchup to create a flavorful sauce for meatloaf.
Glaze for Ham
For a sweet and tangy coating, brush the ham with Rib Candy sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Pizza Sauce
Use Rib Candy sauce as a unique pizza sauce instead of traditional tomato sauce.
Sauce for Meatballs
Use Rib Candy sauce as a glaze or sauce for meatballs for a sweet and savory twist.
Topping for Sweet Potatoes
Drizzle Rib Candy sauce over baked sweet potatoes for a delicious and easy side dish.
Salad Dressing
Mix Rib Candy sauce with olive oil and vinegar to create a sweet, tangy salad dressing.
Rib Candy sauce is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can add flavor and excitement to various dishes. Experiment with different ways to use it and see what delicious creations you can create.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information of Rib Candy Sauce
Rib Candy sauce is a delicious addition to many dishes, but it is important to consider its nutritional content and potential health benefits. Here is some information about the health benefits and nutritional information of Rib Candy sauce:
Nutritional Information:
- One serving of Rib Candy sauce (1 tablespoon) contains approximately 50 calories, 0 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and 11 grams of sugar.
Health Benefits:
- Rib Candy sauce contains ingredients such as honey, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and apple cider vinegar, which may aid digestion and help lower blood sugar levels.
- Rib Candy sauce gets its tomato flavor from ketchup, which is good because lycopene, a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, may help lower cancer risks and improve heart health.
- The spices used in Rib Candy sauce, such as garlic and onion powder, may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Rib Candy sauce, while delicious, is quite high in sugar and should be used sparingly as part of a healthy diet.
Additionally, store-bought Rib Candy sauces may contain additives or preservatives, so it is important to read labels carefully and choose brands that use natural ingredients.
Frequently Asked The Question
What Is Rib Candy Sauce Made Of?
Rib Candy sauce is typically made of ketchup, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and various spices. Depending on the recipe, the authentic ingredients and amounts may change.
How Is Rib Candy Sauce Used In Cooking?
Rib Candy sauce is commonly used as a glaze or marinade for meats such as ribs, chicken, and ham. It’s great as a burger condiment and appetizer dipping sauce. Rib Candy sauce can also be used for meatloaf, meatballs, or a unique pizza sauce.
Can Rib Candy Sauce Be Made At Home?
Yes, Rib Candy sauce can be made at home. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Whisk together all ingredients in a medium saucepan until thoroughly combined.
Stirring often, cook the mixture over medium heat until it bubbles.
- The sauce should simmer over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes while being stirred occasionally.
- Take the sauce off the fire and let it cool down before using it.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Rib Candy Sauce?
Rib Candy sauce contains ingredients such as honey, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and apple cider vinegar, which may aid digestion and help lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, the spices used in Rib Candy sauce, such as garlic and onion powder, may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Is Rib Candy Sauce High In Sugar?
Yes, Rib Candy sauce is typically high in sugar due to ingredients such as brown sugar and honey. Consuming Rib Candy sauce in moderation is important as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Rib candy is a delicious and versatile barbecue sauce that has become a favorite among enthusiasts. Its sweet, tangy, and sticky flavor makes it the perfect addition to any meat dish. Whether used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or glaze, rib candy will surely add flavor to any meal, so if you’re looking for a tasty and easy way to enhance your barbecue dishes, give rib candy a try.