Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This homemade barbecue sauce is rich, tangy, and packed with bold flavors. It’s perfect for glazing ribs, brushing on grilled chicken, or adding a smoky kick to your favorite dishes. Making it from scratch allows you to customize the sweetness and spice to your liking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, whisk together all ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Step 2: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a boil, whisking frequently to avoid burning.
3. Step 3: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens and remains smooth.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and allow the sauce to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Tips & Variations

• For a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar by a quarter cup.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your desired spice level, or omit it for a milder sauce.
• Use apple cider vinegar for a balanced tang, or try white vinegar for a sharper bite.

Storage

Store the barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before using leftovers, stir well and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to restore its smooth texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this barbecue sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce can be made days in advance. In fact, the flavors often deepen when allowed to sit overnight in the fridge.

Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, making this barbecue sauce vegetarian-friendly.

Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 96 reviews

This homemade barbecue sauce is a rich and flavorful condiment made from a blend of ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and a variety of spices. Simmered to perfection, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that enhance grilled meats, sandwiches, and more.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 2 ½ cups 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Barbecue Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together ketchup, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, kosher salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
2. Heat to Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and promote even thickening. The sauce will thicken and develop a smooth texture during this time.
4. Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the barbecue sauce to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools, reaching the perfect consistency for serving.

Notes

• Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
• This sauce pairs excellently with grilled ribs, chicken, burgers, and roasted vegetables.
• For a smoother sauce, strain through a fine mesh sieve after simmering.

Keywords: barbecue sauce, homemade bbq sauce, barbecue condiment, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, grilling sauce