Description
This Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe offers a sweet and tangy blend of classic barbecue flavors. Made from simple pantry ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices, it simmers gently on the stovetop to develop a rich and thick consistency. Perfect for grilling, dipping, or adding an extra layer of smoky sweetness to ribs, chicken, and burgers.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add all the ingredients — ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer without boiling over.
- Thicken Sauce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, sweetness, or heat according to your preference.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the BBQ sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer the sauce into a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- This BBQ sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For an added smoky flavor, incorporate a few drops of liquid smoke during cooking.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level, or omit it altogether for a milder sauce.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with ribs, chicken, burgers, or as a versatile dipping sauce.