Description
This Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce is a quick and simple way to add a burst of flavor to your grilled meats, burgers, and veggies. With a balance of sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness, this versatile BBQ sauce can be customized to your taste. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just craving a flavorful sauce, this homemade version will elevate any dish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey for a different sweetness)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
-
Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Simmer the Sauce:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
3. Adjust to Taste:
- Taste the BBQ sauce and adjust the seasonings, adding more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne pepper for heat as needed.
4. Cool and Store:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the BBQ sauce to a jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
5. Serve:
- Brush it onto grilled meats, use it as a dipping sauce, or drizzle over your favorite BBQ dishes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Sweetener Options: You can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or even agave syrup depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Add More Heat: If you like your BBQ sauce spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Consistency Tip: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little water or extra vinegar during the simmering process.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce / Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 g