Homemade Bbq Sauce Recipe

ByJames Level

Making your own barbecue sauce is incredibly satisfying. This recipe combines pantry staples into a rich, versatile condiment.

The base of my sauce is 1 cup ketchup, which provides the classic texture and tang. I love how the addition of 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar cuts through the sauce’s sweetness and adds a nice hint of acidity.

The 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons honey deliver that essential sweetness, but I find that the 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce adds a depth and complexity that makes me never want to go back to store-bought sauce. A tablespoon of lemon juice adds a brightness that I really enjoy.

The smoky warmth of the 1 teaspoon smoked paprika might be my favorite component. Garlic powder and onion powder round out the flavor.

I finish it with 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to add a bit of heat. Adjusting the salt and pepper to taste means that the sauce will be just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy to suit you.

Ingredients photo for Homemade Bbq Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Homemade Bbq Sauce Recipe

Tomato base is provided by ketchup; it offers sweetness and tanginess, which are primarily carbohydrates.

Cider vinegar from apples: Provides a sour taste and a punch; famous for health benefits that may include helping with digestion.

Brown sugar lends sweetness to the sauce; it also contributes to the flavor, which is deliciously caramelized, so rich in carbohydrates that I debated whether to call it a “sauce” or a “liquid candy.

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Honey is a natural sweetener that gives depth and smoothness to a recipe.

It contains antioxidants, which may confer some health benefits.

Worcestershire sauce: Amplifies umami; offers anchovies for protein and the essential flavor complexity that makes it really sing.

Smoked Paprika: Delivers smoky depth; imparts a warm, earthy flavor that is rich in antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 cup ketchup

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons 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

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium pan, combine 1 cup ketchup and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar.

2. Combine 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of honey with the mixture.

3. Combine 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and mix well.

4. Incorporate 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard for depth of flavor.

5. Add 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked onion powder for seasoning.

6. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

7. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.

8. Put the saucepan on a medium burner and heat the mixture until it reaches a gentle simmer.

9. Lower the heat; allow it to simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. It should thicken nicely.

10. Take it off the heat and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to two weeks.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Mixing spoon or spatula
5. Airtight container for storage
6. Stove or burner

FAQ

  • Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar?A: You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or red wine vinegar, but it will alter the flavor slightly.

  • Q: How long can I store this homemade BBQ sauce?A: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

  • Q: Can I make this BBQ sauce less spicy?You can reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper to make it a less spicy dish.

  • Q: Is there a substitute for brown sugar?You can use white sugar or maple syrup as substitutes, but each alter the flavor profile a bit.

  • Q: Can this recipe be made vegan?To make it suitable for a vegan diet, replace the honey with a vegan sweetener, such as agave syrup.

  • Q: Can I freeze the BBQ sauce?A: Yes, it can be frozen in a suitable container in the freezer for no more than three months. When you’re ready to eat it, however, do remember to let it thaw out overnight in the refrigerator first.

  • Q: What dishes pair well with this BBQ sauce?A: It complements grilled meats, roasted veggies, and acts like an amazing sandwich spread.

Substitutions and Variations

Ketchup: Replace with tomato paste diluted with water and sweetened as needed with extra honey or sugar.
Apple cider vinegar: Use white vinegar or red wine vinegar as a substitute.
Substitute for brown sugar: Molasses, used in the same proportions, gives a similar flavor and depth. Granulated sugar mixed with a touch of molasses (1/4 cup molasses to 3/4 cup sugar) will also work.
Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard can work, but it may slightly change the flavor profile.
Smoked paprika: The smokiness of regular paprika can be mimicked by adding a drop of liquid smoke.