This is a homemade barbecue sauce recipe that can be easily made from scratch with simple ingredients! It has a sweet and tangy flavor and is great for dipping or grilling in the summer.
This homemade barbecue sauce tastes so much better than store-bought! It has a sweet and tangy flavor and tastes good seasoned with smoky spices like onion powder and smoked paprika. Even better, this easy barbecue sauce recipe requires simple pantry ingredients. You probably have everything you need to succeed right now!
I love making this homemade barbecue sauce during the summer. Perfect for baking or marinating, it comes together very quickly (less than 30 minutes on the stove!) and can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. It’s rich and flavorful, making it easier to enjoy simple meals. Read on to learn how to make it!
BBQ Sauce Recipe Ingredients
After living in Austin for many years, I’m the first to admit that BBQ sauce can be controversial. Do you like tomatoes? wry? Or is it syrupy and sweet, made from molasses?
I wouldn’t call this barbecue sauce recipe an authentic take on America’s regional barbecue sauce variations, but it’s closest to a Kansas City-style sauce due to its thicker consistency and tomato base. The contents are as follows:
- ketchup – Gives the sauce a soft and smooth texture. Any store-bought ketchup will work here, but you’ll want to choose a brand that doesn’t contain high-fructose corn syrup.
- apple cider vinegar – I love the tangy taste of barbecue sauce, so I don’t tolerate vinegar! I love that energetic kick.
- water – Loosen the sauce so that it is not too thick or chewy.
- brown sugar – For sweetness. The molasses flavor is key to giving this sauce that classic barbecue flavor. Both light and dark brown sugar work well here. Using dark brown sugar will give the sauce a stronger molasses flavor.
- tamari – Worcestershire sauce is a common ingredient in many traditional barbecue sauce recipes. Substitute with tamari for a vegetarian-friendly alternative. It offers similar flavors, and I always have it on hand! If you’re not gluten-free, soy sauce also works.
- yellow mustard – Adds a bit of bite and amplifies the tangy vinegar flavor.
- Garlic powder and onion powder – For extra umami.
- ground cumin – For earthy depth.
- smoked paprika – Makes the sauce taste rich and smoky.
- and freshly ground pepper – For a peppery kick.
Find the full measured recipe below.
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For spicy barbecue sauce, Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle.
How to make barbecue sauce at home
Making BBQ sauce is super quick and easy!
- Mix all ingredients together in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat. Then reduce the heat to low.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.
That’s it! Taste the sauce and adjust to your liking before using it in your favorite BBQ recipe.
How to Use Barbecue Sauce
BBQ sauce is traditionally used on meat dishes like chicken wings, pulled pork, and ribs, but that’s not the only way to use it!
How about using your own homemade barbecue sauce? Let us know in the comments!
How to Store Homemade BBQ Sauce
The sauce will keep well in a mason jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Favorite Sauce Recipes
If you like this easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe, try one of these sauces:
Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
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This homemade barbecue sauce recipe is so much better than store bought! It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and has the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, smoky, and savory flavors. Use it as a dipping sauce for whatever you’re baking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Prevent your screen from going dark
In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, water, brown sugar, tamari, mustard, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a few grinds of pepper.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes or until thickened. Season to taste and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
