Making delicious, homemade barbecue sauce for ribs doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a flavorful bbq sauce that will take your ribs to the next level. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make great bbq sauce for ribs right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
The basic ingredients for bbq sauce are:
- Ketchup – This provides a tomato base and sweetness. Use about 1-2 cups.
- Brown sugar – 1/4 to 1/2 cup of brown sugar adds sweetness and helps balance out acidity.
- Apple cider vinegar – 2-4 tablespoons provides tanginess and acidity.
- Worcestershire sauce – 2-3 tablespoons adds depth of flavor.
- Mustard – 1-2 tablespoons yellow or Dijon mustard gives the sauce a bit of zing.
- Smoked paprika – 1-2 teaspoons lends a smoky flavor.
- Garlic – 2-4 cloves minced or garlic powder, for richness.
- Onion – 1/2 cup minced onion or onion powder, for aromatic flavor.
- Chili powder – 1-2 teaspoons provides a touch of heat.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
- Spices like cumin or cayenne (optional) – For more flavor complexity.
- Liquid like beer, stock or juice (optional) – To thin out the sauce.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for how to make bbq sauce for ribs:
Prep the Ingredients
- Mince the garlic and onion if using fresh. Measure out all ingredients before starting.
Sauté the Veggies
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1-2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Tomato Base and Sugar
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, liquid (if using), and smoked paprika.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Season and Adjust
- Stir in the vinegar, chili powder, salt, pepper, and any other spices if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for acidity, spices for flavor.
Simmer and Thicken
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld the flavors and thicken slightly.
- For thicker sauce, mix 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Gradually stir into sauce and cook 2-3 more minutes until desired consistency.
Finish and Use
- Remove bbq sauce from heat and let cool. Transfer to a jar or container.
- Brush liberally on ribs during last 10-15 minutes of grilling or roasting.
- Store leftover bbq sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!
Tips for Great Homemade BBQ Sauce
- Smoke the onions and garlic or use smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Try different vinegars like apple cider, white, or red wine vinegar.
- For tang, use citrus juices like lemon, lime, or orange instead of some vinegar.
- Experiment with spices like cayenne, chipotle powder, cumin or ancho chili.
- Add molasses or honey for thickness and rich sweetness.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley or scallions.
- Stir in bourbon or whisky for a smoky, sophisticated flavor.
- Puree with an immersion blender for smooth, uniform texture.
- For thicker sauce, simmer longer to reduce or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ketchup is best for bbq sauce?
Plain tomato ketchup works well as a base. For richer flavor, try using smoky or spicy ketchup. Avoid sweet ketchups.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar is recommended for bbq sauce. It has a deeper, more complex sweetness and molasses notes.
What liquid can I use besides vinegar in bbq sauce?
Beer, apple juice, pineapple juice, beef or chicken stock all work well in bbq sauce. Use about 1/4 – 1/2 cup.
How spicy should bbq sauce be?
That depends on your tastes! Start with 1 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne and adjust up from there if you want more heat.
Should bbq sauce be thick or thin?
A classic bbq sauce has a medium consistency, but you can thin it with more vinegar and liquids or thicken it up by reducing it longer on the stovetop.
What meat goes well with bbq sauce?
BBQ sauce pairs deliciously with chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, meatballs, wings, and more!
Conclusion
Making tasty homemade bbq sauce for ribs is easy with just a few pantry staples and basic techniques. Allow enough time to simmer the sauce to let the flavors develop. Customize it to your tastes by adjusting sweetness, tang, smokiness and spice levels. Brush generously over ribs during the last few minutes of cooking for finger-licking results! Experiment with different ingredient combinations until you create your perfect signature bbq sauce.