A good barbecue sauce can make or break a cookout. While store-bought sauces work just fine, a homemade BBQ sauce made with simple ingredients allows you to control the flavor profile and put your own unique spin on this versatile condiment. Making your own barbecue sauce from scratch is easier than you think. With just a few basic ingredients and a little time, you can whip up a custom bbq sauce that’s way better than anything you can buy off the shelf.
What You Need to Make a Simple BBQ Sauce
The great thing about homemade barbecue sauce is that you likely have most, if not all, of the ingredients on hand. To make a basic bbq sauce recipe, you only need:
- Ketchup or tomato sauce/paste – The base that provides rich “tomatoey” flavor as well as thickness and body
- Brown sugar or molasses – For sweetness to balance out acidic tomato taste
- Vinegar – Adds tanginess and helps cut through richness
- Worcestershire sauce – Provides depth of flavor
- Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin etc.
- Salt and pepper
That’s it! With just those simple ingredients, you can make a homemade bbq sauce with your own unique twist. The specific amounts will vary based on how much sauce you want to make. We’ll cover suggested proportions in the recipe below.
Tips for Making Great Homemade BBQ Sauce
Follow these tips to ensure your homemade barbecue sauce turns out with maximum flavor:
- Use good quality ketchup – The better the ketchup, the better your bbq sauce will taste. Opt for ketchup without high fructose corn syrup. Organic ketchup provides even more flavor.
- Cook the sauce – Simmering the sauce for 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t skip this important step!
- Add ingredients gradually – When seasoning, start with smaller amounts of spices, sugar, vinegar etc. and adjust to taste. It’s easier to add more than take away.
- Refrigerate overnight – This allows time for the flavors to develop fully. Taste again before serving and tweak if needed.
- Use within 2 weeks – For best flavor and food safety, use homemade bbq sauce within 2 weeks. Freeze for longer storage.
- Personalize it! Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients like honey, hot sauce, bourbon, coffee, fruit purees, herbs and more. The options are endless!
Now let’s get to the recipe…
Simple Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
This easy bbq sauce comes together in just 30 minutes. Feel free to double or triple the recipe as needed.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider, white or red wine)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine all of the ingredients and whisk until thoroughly blended.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow to barely bubble for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Add more sugar for sweeter sauce or vinegar for more tang.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop.
- Store leftover bbq sauce in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze sauce for longer term storage.
That’s all there is to it! Now you have a deliciously homemade bbq sauce ready to slather on everything from ribs and chicken to burgers and fries. The possibilities are endless. Experiment with your own flair by adding spices like mustard powder, cayenne, cinnamon etc. or swapping out components like using honey instead of brown sugar. The basic formula remains the same, so have fun customizing to create your dream barbecue sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade BBQ Sauce
Here are answers to some common questions about making and using homemade barbecue sauce:
What’s the best way to thicken homemade bbq sauce?
Simmering the sauce for 15-30 minutes will help reduce and thicken it. Letting it cool completely will also thicken it up. If needed, you can also add a cornstarch slurry at the end. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Slowly stir into simmering sauce and cook until desired consistency is reached.
How long does homemade bbq sauce last in the fridge?
Properly stored bbq sauce will last 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. To extend shelf life, freeze barbecue sauce in airtight containers for 4-6 months.
What’s the difference between ketchup and tomato sauce/paste for bbq sauce?
Ketchup adds great flavor, thickness and sweetness. Tomato sauce or paste provides richness without as much sweetness. You can use either/or or even a combo in bbq sauce recipes.
Can I use apple juice or another fruit juice in place of vinegar?
Absolutely! Apple juice, pineapple juice or orange juice make good substitutes for vinegar in homemade sauces. Start with a smaller amount and add more to reach desired tartness.
What are the best meat options for homemade bbq sauce?
Chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork and burgers pair deliciously with a homemade sauce. Brush on brisket, ribs or wings during grilling or smoking. Toss with pulled pork or chicken. Serve with just about anything you’d typically have with bbq!
Can I can or freeze homemade barbecue sauce?
Yes! Canning is a great way to preserve homemade bbq sauce for 6 months to a year. Or simply freeze sauce for 4-6 months in airtight containers. Be sure to leave room for expansion.
More Simple Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipes to Try
Once you master the basic homemade barbecue sauce recipe, have fun experimenting with variations like:
Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1⁄4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
Smoky BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1⁄2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup cider vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Asian BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Mix up a double batch so you have plenty of sauce for grilling season. Homemade BBQ sauce also makes a great gift for other sauce lovers in your life. Have fun with your bbq sauce endeavors!
Conclusion
Making your own barbecue sauce from scratch is easier than you might think. With basic pantry staples like ketchup, sugar, spices and vinegar, you can whip up a custom sauce in just 30 minutes. Allowing time for the flavors to meld produces incredibly delicious results that beat just about any store-bought sauce. Master the classic version then get creative with your own variations. Homemade bbq sauce is a game changer that will bring your grilling, smoking and barbecue game up a notch!