Homemade BBQ Sauce
This homemade BBQ sauce comes together in 15 minutes with ketchup, brown sugar, and pantry spices. It is smoky, tangy, and exactly sweet enough to beat anything from a bottle.
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mason jar or airtight container
Ingredients
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and whisk until the sugar dissolves and the color is even.
- Warm over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until tiny bubbles form around the edge of the pot.
- Bring to a gentle simmer with small, lazy bubbles across the surface. Avoid a rolling boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce bubble softly for 10 to 12 minutes, until it thickens and tastes like real BBQ sauce.
- Test the thickness by dipping the back of a spoon in and running a finger through the sauce. If the line stays clean, it is ready.
- Taste the sauce warm and adjust with extra salt, vinegar, or cayenne as needed.
- Cool for a few minutes, then pour into a mason jar. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Notes
Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months. For a vegan version, swap the Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce or tamari. The flavor deepens after a day or two. Reheat gently and stir in a splash of water or vinegar if it gets too thick.