Print

Easy Homemade Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce

Close-up of rich, thick homemade bbq sauce served in a small white ramekin on a wooden surface.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this quick, flavorful BBQ sauce from scratch using common pantry ingredients. It balances sweet, tangy, and smoky notes perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, water, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan.
  2. Stir all ingredients together until the brown sugar dissolves.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
  6. Use immediately for dipping or marinating, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • For a thicker sauce, simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
  • This sauce works well on chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and burgers.
  • You can substitute molasses for some of the brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/best-easy-homemade-bbq-sauce-recipe/