Skip the preservatives, additives, and corn syrup and make this fantastic homemade barbecue sauce recipe in less than 15 minutes. Adjust the spiciness and sweetness to your likening and taste buds, and get ready to experience the best-barbecued ribs and pork steaks in town.
How to make Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Add the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and fresh ground black pepper to a medium saucepan. Place the pan over medium-low heat and add about 1/2-3/4 cup water in several increments until desired consistency is reached. If wanted, add a few pinches of crushed red pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring several times.
Recipe Tips
- Smoked paprika is the way to go with BBQ sauce. You can use regular sweet paprika, but you will not get that rich smoky flavor. Trust me on this.
- Simmer for at least 10 minutes but preferably 20 minutes, to let all the flavors meld together.
- To spice it up a little more, try adding a little hot sauce, adobo sauce, minced chipotle peppers, or ground cayenne pepper.
- If watching your sugar intake cut it back to 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar and add more to taste if desired.
- Cool fully and store in an airtight container or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- To freeze, first fully cool. Then transfer to a freezer container or freezer zipper bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Uses for Homemade Barbecue Sauce
- Burgers – beef burgers, turkey burgers, and brat burgers are all delicious with a generous helping of barbecue sauce.
- Potatoes – so much tastier than ketchup. Use it as a dipping sauce for French Fries or on potatoes O’Brien, pan-fried potatoes, grilled potatoes, and roasted potatoes.
- Chicken – a must-try for chicken tenders, chicken wings, or my crispy chicken sandwich.
- Pork – slather on your smoked or slow-cooked ribs. Or drizzle over your pulled pork sandwich.
- Sauce – try a heaping tablespoon in your favorite sauce like honey mustard sauce, comeback sauce, yum yum sauce, burger sauce, and boom boom sauce.
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Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
A sweet and spicy Homemade Barbecue Sauce made with common pantry staples in less than 20 minutes. Use it on smoked ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken.
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Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 52kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- ½-¾ cup water to reach desired consistency
Instructions
- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and fresh ground black pepper to a medium saucepan.
- Place the pan over medium-low heat and add about 1/2-3/4 cup water in several increments until desired consistency is reached.
- If desired, add a few pinches of crushed red pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring several times.
Notes
- Smoked paprika is the way to go with BBQ sauce. You can use regular sweet paprika, but you will not get that rich smoky flavor. Trust me on this.
- Simmer for at least 10 minutes but preferably 20 minutes, to let all the flavors meld together.
- To spice it up a little more, add a little hot sauce, adobo sauce, minced chipotle peppers, or ground cayenne pepper.
- If watching your sugar intake cut it back to 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar and add more to taste if desired.
- Cool fully and store in an airtight container or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- To freeze, first fully cool. Then transfer to a freezer container or freezer zipper bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition
Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 433mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 226IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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Sandra
I will be using this from now on! Thanks so much!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sandra!
Yeah Lifestyle
I often use BBQ sauce for my marinade but buy the ready made version. I did not know it was as easy as this to make it. Will definitely be giving your recipe a try
Stacie
This looks delicious. We just ran out of bbq sauce.
Nadalie
I always prefer homemade bbq sauce! I can prep it ahead and keep it for a while! This is really great with summer!
Tammy
Homemade barbecue sauce is the best and it’s delicious for so many different dishes…I love all the uses from a marinade to a dip. This one sounds delish!
KellyA
This is perfect timing seeing as we are heading into bbq season! Nothing beats a good smoky sauce.
Beth Pierce
I agree 100%
Samantha Donnelly
I do love barbeque sauce but have never thought to make my own this looks like a recipe I can make and know it will be a hit with my family
Allyson
This barbecue sauce is so tasty and flavorful, and easy to make!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Allyson! I am so glad that you liked it!
Catalina
Great barbecue sauce recipe! Even the picky kids enjoyed it.
Karen
oh myyyy! I never thought of making my own BBQ sauce, this is sooo exciting! I can’t wait to make your recipe.
Erin
We loved this homemade BBQ sauce. It was so easy and tasty
Erik
Looks absolutely fantastic! That is definitely a must make!
NOEL BRENNAN
Lovely dishes fresh cooking no pre cooked meals