Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup) (150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons) (6g)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (US customary) (120 ml)
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (60 ml)
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (30 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed (30g)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (2.5ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick!) (1.25ml)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted (14g)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in the saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  2. Add beef broth, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the saucepan.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
  4. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and more black pepper if needed. This is where you become Tom Kerridge and truly make it your own!
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and incorporated for added richness and shine.
  6. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
  7. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.