How much cornstarch should you use to thicken barbecue sauce?

The amount of cornstarch you need to thicken barbecue sauce depends on a few factors:

* Desired thickness: How thick do you want your sauce? A thin sauce needs less cornstarch, while a thick sauce requires more.

* Amount of sauce: More sauce means more cornstarch is needed.

* Type of sauce: Some sauces, like vinegar-based sauces, are naturally thinner and require more cornstarch than tomato-based sauces.

Here's a general guideline:

* For a thin sauce: Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of sauce.

* For a medium-thick sauce: Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of sauce.

* For a thick sauce: Use 3 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of sauce.

Steps to thicken barbecue sauce with cornstarch:

1. Make a slurry: Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water (about 2 tablespoons per tablespoon of cornstarch) to create a smooth paste. This helps prevent lumps from forming.

2. Add to the sauce: Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering barbecue sauce.

3. Simmer and thicken: Continue to simmer the sauce, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.

Important tips:

* Start small: Always begin with a small amount of cornstarch and add more gradually if needed. It's easier to add more than to take it away!

* Don't overcook: If you cook the sauce for too long after adding the cornstarch, it can become too thick and starchy.

* Test the sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the cornstarch as needed.

Enjoy your thickened barbecue sauce!