A good barbecue sauce can make or break a cookout. The zesty, sweet and smoky flavor is the perfect complement to grilled meats and vegetables. But who has time to simmer a sauce for hours when hunger strikes? With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can whip up a fast homemade barbecue sauce in minutes. This quick and easy bbq sauce recipe will become your new go-to for backyard barbecues, tailgates and more.
What You Need to Make a Quick BBQ Sauce
Making barbecue sauce quickly starts with having the right ingredients on hand. Here are the basics you’ll need:
Tomato Product
Tomatoes provide the tangy base and background notes. You can use tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste or a combination. Tomato paste lends body and a deeper, concentrated flavor.
Sweetener
Molasses, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup lend a touch of sweetness to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Vinegar
Cider, white or red wine vinegar provide brightness. Go easy at first, you can always add more.
Spices and Seasonings
Smoky paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic, mustard and pepper deliver the classic savory barbecue flavor.
Extras
Ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, ketchup or fruit juice/purée customize the flavor.
Oil
A splash of vegetable oil or butter rounds things out.
Steps to Make Quick and Easy BBQ Sauce
With your ingredients assembled, it’s time to make some sauce. Follow these simple steps:
Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add any aromatic veggies like chopped onion, garlic, ginger or chili pepper and sauté until soft, about 3-5 minutes. This builds a flavor foundation.
Add Tomato Product and Sweetener
Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce, paste or crushed tomatoes along with 2-4 Tbsp sweetener like molasses, honey or brown sugar. Let bubble for 2-3 minutes.
Season Generously
This is your chance to add signature flavor. Throw in spices and seasonings like smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, mustard, Worcestershire, hot sauce or anything your heart desires. Start with 1-2 tsp of each and adjust to taste.
Simmer
Let the sauce simmer until thickened slightly, about 5-10 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Finish with a Splash of Vinegar
Turn off heat and stir in 1-2 Tbsp cider, wine or red wine vinegar. This brightens all the flavors.
Adjust Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, splash in water, stock or juice to thin it out. For a thicker sauce, blend in a spoonful of cornstarch dissolved in water.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning
This is the time to make sure the flavor and consistency hit the mark. Add more spices, sweetener or vinegar as desired.
And just like that, you have a homemade quick bbq sauce ready to slather over everything. The total active time is only about 15-20 minutes.
BBQ Sauce Flavor Variations
Once you master the basic method, there are endless ways to customize your quick barbecue sauce recipe.
Kansas City Style
- Molasses or brown sugar
- Cider vinegar
- Tomato sauce/paste
- Worchestire sauce
- Chili powder
- Mustard
- Black pepper
North Carolina Style
- Cider vinegar
- Red pepper flakes
- Hot sauce
- Brown sugar
- Ketchup
- Black pepper
- Hot sauce
South Carolina Style
- Mustard
- Cider vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Chili powder
- Cayenne pepper
Texas Style
- Ketchup
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Pepper
- Beef stock
Asian Style
- Rice vinegar
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Sesame oil
- Sriracha
Cooking with Quick Homemade BBQ Sauce
A good bbq sauce should do more than just taste good on its own – it should enhance whatever you’re cooking! Here are tips for using quick homemade bbq sauce:
Grilled Chicken
- Use about 1⁄2 cup sauce to coat 4-6 chicken breasts or thighs.
- Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Grill until cooked through and caramelized.
Pork Tenderloin
- Slather sauce on pork tenderloin 2-3 times when grilling, turning to coat all over.
- Baste again at the very end just before taking off the heat.
Baked Beans
- Stir 1⁄2 cup (or more!) bbq sauce into baked bean recipe. Use less added sugar.
- For even more flavor, mix in pulled pork.
Burgers
- Brush sauce on beef, turkey or veggie burgers during last few minutes of grilling.
- Offer extra bbq sauce for topping burgers.
Oven-Roasted Vegetables
- Toss cubed potatoes, carrots, onions, etc with olive oil and bbq sauce.
- Roast at 400°F until browned and tender, stirring occasionally.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Spread bbq sauce over pizza dough instead of pizza sauce.
- Top with chicken, onions, cilantro.
Pulled Pork/Beef
- Shred slow cooked pork shoulder or beef chuck roast.
- Mix with bbq sauce to taste and pile high on buns.
Baked Potatoes
- Bake potatoes, then split open and fluff flesh.
- Mix in butter, sour cream, bacon, cheddar and bbq sauce.
Meatballs
- Simmer frozen meatballs in sauce for 10-15 minutes.
- Keep warm in a slow cooker for dunking at parties.
Dip or Sauce
- Thin with a little stock, juice or water to use as a sauce for chicken nuggets, fries, etc.
- Or keep thick as a veggie or chip dip. Garnish with scallions.
Homemade barbecue sauce also stores well, so you can make a big batch for multiple uses.
How to Store Quick BBQ Sauce
One of the bonuses of a quick homemade barbecue sauce is that it keeps for a while in the fridge. Here are some storage tips:
- Let sauce cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Glass jars or plastic containers with tight fitting lids work best.
- For maximum shelf life, store in the refrigerator. BBQ sauce will keep for 1-2 weeks.
- You can also freeze barbecue sauce for longer storage. Allow space at the top for expansion.
- Frozen bbq sauce will last 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- If you see any mold, off smells or textures develop, it’s best to discard the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quick BBQ Sauces
Looking to become a backyard barbecue sauce pro? Here are answers to some common questions:
What is the fastest way to make bbq sauce at home?
The fastest route to homemade barbecue sauce is to start with a few boldly flavored prepared ingredients like tomato paste, pre-made chili seasoning or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Add sweetener, vinegar and spices and simmer just until combined.
How long does it take to make bbq sauce?
A truly quick barbecue sauce can be prepared start to finish in about 15-20 minutes. More complex recipes may require 30-45 minutes of simmering time for the deepest flavor.
What’s an easy bbq sauce recipe?
An easy go-to recipe would be equal parts ketchup, molasses or honey and cider vinegar. Season with garlic, chili powder, a dash of liquid smoke and pepper. Simmer to meld flavors and you’re done.
Do you have to cook barbecue sauce?
It’s not 100% required, but cooking the sauce helps intensify flavors and meld them together. A quick simmer for 5-10 minutes makes a noticeable difference in the finished product.
How do you thicken bbq sauce quickly?
To thicken barbecue sauce in a hurry, stir in a spoonful of cornstarch mixed with water. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. For a smoother sauce, blend or puree cooked sauce briefly before serving.
Can I use tomato paste instead of sauce?
Yes, tomato paste can sub in 1:1 for tomato sauce in a bbq sauce. The deeper color and flavor are perfect. You may just need a touch more sweetener and vinegar for balance.
With the right approach, you truly can whip up homemade barbecue sauce quickly. Experiment with different ingredient combinations so you have the perfect sauce ready for any backyard cookout or grill session. Your family and friends will be begging for both your grilling secrets and your special barbecue sauce recipe.
Conclusion
For fantastic barbecue without spending hours simmering a homemade sauce, try this easy recipe method for quick bbq sauce. With pantry staples like tomato paste, spices, sweeteners and vinegar, you can create finger-licking sauce in just 15-20 minutes. Add your favorite seasonings to put a signature spin on the classic condiment. Quick barbecue sauce also stores well, so keep a batch ready in the fridge to liven up everything from chicken to burgers. The next time grill cravings hit, don’t settle for bottled sauce – wow your crowd with your own homemade barbecue creation in minutes. You’ll impress everyone with your secret quick bbq sauce recipe!