Barbecue sauce is an essential condiment for grilled meats, adding flavor, moisture, and character to classics like ribs, pulled pork, and chicken. While store-bought barbecue sauce is convenient, homemade sauce allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your taste. Fortunately, barbecue sauce is easy to make at home with simple pantry ingredients. Here is a simple recipe and method for how to make a basic, homemade barbecue sauce.
Ingredients Needed
The basic ingredients for homemade barbecue sauce include:
- Ketchup or tomato sauce – This provides the base flavor, sweetness, and texture
- Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar – Adds tanginess and acidity to balance the sweetness
- Brown sugar or molasses – For rich sweetness and caramelized notes
- Worcestershire sauce – For depth of flavor
- Chili powder – Provides a touch of heat and smokiness
- Paprika – For additional smoky flavor
- Garlic powder – For aromatic backbone
- Salt and pepper – To season
Some additional ingredients you can use to customize your barbecue sauce include mustard, liquid smoke, hot sauce, maple syrup, onion, spices like cumin or cinnamon, and fruit juices.
Steps to Make Simple BBQ Sauce
Making easy homemade barbecue sauce takes just a few steps:
1. Sauté the aromatics
If using fresh garlic and onion, sauté them in a saucepan with a bit of oil over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add ketchup and vinegar
Pour in the ketchup and vinegar, stirring to incorporate. For a 12 ounce bottle of ketchup, use around 1/4 cup of vinegar.
3. Include sweeteners
Add brown sugar or molasses for sweetness. Use 1-3 tablespoons depending on how sweet you like your sauce.
4. Season with spices
Whisk in your favorite spices like chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add them gradually until the flavor tastes balanced to you.
5. Simmer
Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it bubble for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld.
6. Adjust consistency
If the sauce is too thick, splash in more vinegar or water to thin it out. For thicker sauce let it simmer longer to reduce.
7. Taste and adjust flavor
Once cooled slightly, taste and add more seasoning if desired. The flavors will also become more concentrated.
Variations
There are endless ways to tweak this basic barbecue sauce recipe:
- For spicier sauce add cayenne pepper, hot chili sauce, or diced jalapenos.
- For tangy sauce use more vinegar or add lemon juice.
- For fruity flavors stir in pineapple juice, orange juice, mango, or grated apple.
- For savory depth include Worcestershire or soy sauce.
- For caramelized notes use brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or molasses to sweeten.
- For smoky flavor incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo or liquid smoke.
- For herby notes add rosemary, thyme, oregano, cilantro, or basil.
Tips for Best Homemade BBQ Sauce
- Use high quality ketchup for the best flavor base. Or make your own ketchup for total control.
- Allow time for the flavors to meld by making the sauce ahead of time. Store chilled up to 2 weeks.
- Blend in a food processor or blender for super smooth texture.
- Brush homemade sauce on meat during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling to caramelize.
- Simmer uncovered to reduce sauce to desired thickness.
- For bold flavors, make sauces a day or two ahead so spices can bloom.
- Play around with ingredient ratios to find your perfect custom sauce.
With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can easily whip up a homemade barbecue sauce that suits your tastes. Slather it on all your grilled favorites or use it as a sauce base for ribs, pulled pork, chicken wings, meatballs, and more. Making your own allows endless opportunities for flavor experimentation so you can craft the perfect homemade BBQ sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Simple BBQ Sauce
What’s the difference between barbecue sauce and steak sauce?
Barbecue sauce has a ketchup and tomato base along with sweet and smoky flavors. Steak sauce uses more Worcestershire sauce for umami depth without the sweetness and thicker consistency.
Is it necessary to cook barbecue sauce?
Simmering allows the ingredients to meld together and the sauce to reduce down for bolder flavor. But you can also mix up a quick sauce to use right away.
What’s the best way to thicken barbecue sauce?
Reduce sauce uncovered over low heat to evaporate liquid and concentrate the flavors. You can also simmer longer initially for thicker sauce.
Can you make barbecue sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes, the slow cooker is perfect for infusing flavors into easy homemade barbecue sauce. Cook on low 4-8 hours.
How long does homemade barbecue sauce last?
Properly stored homemade barbecue sauce lasts 2-3 weeks refrigerated. It can also be frozen for up to 6 months.
What can I use instead of molasses in barbecue sauce?
Good molasses substitutes include honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, or dark corn syrup. The flavor won’t be quite the same but they provide comparable sweetness.
Is it safe to use raw garlic in barbecue sauce?
Yes, raw garlic is fine since the sauce is cooked. Be sure to mince it finely so it distributes evenly and softens during simmering.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of Worcestershire?
While not exactly the same, regular soy sauce can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio if you don’t have Worcestershire.
What is the best vinegar to use in barbecue sauce?
Apple cider and white distilled vinegars are most common. You can also use red wine, rice wine, or balsamic for different flavor profiles.
Can I use hoisin sauce instead of ketchup in barbecue sauce?
Hoisin will work but alter the end flavor. Reduce other liquids to account for hoisin’s thickness. It also has more umami than ketchup.
Conclusion
Homemade barbecue sauce is easy to whip up with basic ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and spices. Allow yourself to get creative and customize the flavor profile to your particular tastes. Brush on grilled meats or incorporate into recipes like meatballs, chili, baked beans, wings, ribs, pulled pork, and beyond. With the ability to control the ingredients, homemade barbecue sauce opens up limitless possibilities for great flavor.