Making your own homemade barbecue sauce is easy and allows you to control the ingredients. A vinegar-based barbecue sauce highlights the tangy and tart flavors from vinegar and balances them with sweet and spicy elements. This type of sauce pairs deliciously with pulled pork, chicken, and other grilled meats. Follow this guide to learn how to make a vinegar bbq sauce from scratch.
Ingredients Needed
Making vinegar bbq sauce starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here are the main items you’ll need:
- Vinegar: The vinegar provides the tangy acidic flavor in the sauce. Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are commonly used.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness, color, and sweetness.
- Brown sugar or molasses: For sweetness to balance the vinegar.
- Spices and seasonings: Such as black pepper, mustard powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and celery salt.
- Liquid: Chicken or vegetable broth and/or water.
- Extras: Potential additions like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or bourbon.
Choose Your Vinegar
The type of vinegar you use will impact the overall flavor profile. Consider these two most popular options:
Apple Cider Vinegar
- Has a fruity aroma and mild acidity.
- Adds a mellow tartness.
- Provides a subtle sweetness and apple flavor.
White Vinegar
- Very tart and pungent.
- Strong acidity for maximum tang.
- Won’t influence flavor as much as apple cider vinegar.
Either vinegar will work well in barbecue sauce. Apple cider vinegar contributes more complexity while white distilled vinegar makes a brighter, more acidic sauce.
Pick Sweeteners
Balancing the vinegar’s tartness requires some sweet ingredients. You can use:
Brown Sugar
- Most traditional option.
- Provides deep molasses flavor.
- Soft acidity pairs well with vinegar bite.
- Dark brown sugar has more molasses taste than light brown sugar.
Molasses
- Pure, concentrated source of rich sweetness.
- Robust flavor complements the tanginess.
- Blackstrap molasses will be less sweet than regular molasses.
- A little goes a long way due to its thick consistency.
Honey
- Sweet with floral, fruity notes.
- Mix of glucose and fructose sugars makes it sweeter than granulated sugar.
- Helps thicken and add sheen to the sauce.
Select Your Spices
The spices and seasonings add signature barbecue flavor. Consider including:
Mustard Powder
- Adds tangy spice that aligns with vinegar brightness.
- Choose yellow or brown mustard powder.
Black Pepper
- Provides biting heat and warm peppery flavor.
- Freshly cracked black pepper has the most potent taste.
Red Pepper Flakes
- Infuses sauce with mild to intense heat depending on amount used.
- Dried flakes provide concentrated spicy flavor.
Smoked Paprika
- Has a rich, earthy taste with a hint of smoke.
- Provides flavor complexity.
Garlic & Onion Powders
- Both add a savory, pungent kick.
- Onion powder mixes especially well with vinegar.
- Granulated forms disperse better than flakes.
Celery Salt
- Blend of salt and ground celery seed.
- Adds a salty, herbal quality.
- Pairs well with classic barbecue spices.
Liquid Options
Adding liquid helps thin out the sauce and amplifies the flavor. Consider:
Chicken Broth
- Provides savory flavor from chicken juices.
- Helps incorporate spices and prevent burning.
- Low sodium has cleaner taste.
Vegetable Broth
- Adds earthy, hearty flavor notes.
- Vegan substitute for chicken broth.
- Mushroom or onion broth work too.
Water
- Thins sauce without influencing flavor.
- Allows spice flavors to dominate.
- Tap water or filtered water both work.
Use broth and water in equal parts or adjust amounts to reach your desired consistency.
Optional Ingredients
Other classic barbecue sauce ingredients can take your vinegar sauce to the next level:
Worchestershire Sauce
- Adds savory umami flavor from fermented anchovies.
- Provides salty, tangy taste that aligns with vinegar.
Hot Sauce
- Infuses sauce with concentrated heat from peppers.
- Experiment with different pepper varieties.
- Adds extra tang and vinegar sharpness.
Ketchup
- Contributes rich tomato flavor, sweetness, and body.
- Helps thicken and add color to the sauce.
- Use regular or tomato ketchup.
Bourbon
- Provides subtle smoky, vanilla, and oak tones.
- The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind distinctive flavor.
- A tablespoon or two is all you need.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make homemade vinegar-based barbecue sauce:
1. Sauté onion and garlic
- Finely dice 1 small onion and 2 cloves garlic.
- Add 1 tbsp olive oil to saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add tomato paste
- Stir in 3-4 tbsp tomato paste after onions and garlic are sautéed.
- Cook for 2-3 more minutes to deepen flavor.
3. Pour in vinegar, sugar, and spices
- Add 1 cup vinegar (apple cider or white).
- Whisk in 1/4 cup brown sugar or molasses.
- Stir in desired spices like 1 tbsp mustard powder, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, etc.
4. Simmer and reduce
- Pour in 1 cup broth (chicken or vegetable) and 1/2 cup water.
- Bring mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
- Let sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
5. Finish with extras (optional)
- For more richness, stir in 2-3 tbsp ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, bourbon, etc.
- Add hot sauce a few dashes at a time to reach desired spice level.
- Taste and adjust sweetness, tanginess, or seasonings as needed.
6. Cool and store
- Remove sauce from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container or bottle.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
And that’s it! With these simple steps, you can whip up a tasty homemade vinegar-based barbecue sauce to liven up grilled meats, sandwiches, ribs, pulled pork, and more. Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences for the ideal balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Variations
There are many ways to put your own spin on a basic vinegar barbecue sauce recipe:
Vinegar Options
- Balsamic vinegar – rich, complex sweetness
- Red wine vinegar – robust wine flavor
- Rice vinegar – mellow acidity
- Coconut vinegar – mildly fruity taste
Sweeteners
- Maple syrup – earthy richness
- Agave nectar – mild, neutral sweetness
- Sorghum syrup – hearty molasses-like flavor
Spices & Herbs
- Cumin, coriander, chili powder – Tex-Mex twist
- Curry powder, ginger – Indian flavors
- Rosemary, thyme, oregano – herbal and aromatic
- Cinnamon, allspice – warm, slightly sweet
Fruits & Veggies
- Pineapple juice – tropical fruitiness
- Grated carrots – subtle earthiness
- Pureed peaches – fresh fruit flavor
- Roasted red peppers – smoky richness
Meat Boosters
- Bacon drippings – smoky saltiness
- Beef broth – meaty savory notes
- Caramelized onions – sweet, rich depth
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to put your signature stamp on vinegar bbq sauce.
Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips when making vinegar-based barbecue sauce:
- Simmer the sauce uncovered to help thicken it and meld the flavors.
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavor and aroma. Ground spices lose potency over time.
- If the sauce seems too thick, thin it with more broth, vinegar, or water.
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and smoked sea salt.
- Let the sauce cool fully before bottling so condensation doesn’t form.
- Shake the bottle before each use to reincorporate the ingredients.
- Store sauce for up to 2 weeks refrigerated or freeze for several months.
- If the sauce separates, simply stir or shake it to recombine before using.
- For safety, boil the sauce for 10-15 minutes before canning or reducing.
- Refrigerate after opening canned or commercially bottled sauce.
With its sharp tang and balanced sweetness, homemade vinegar bbq sauce can really elevate grilled meats, wings, pulled pork sandwiches and more. Adjust the recipe to your preferences and enjoy flavorful results!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making your own vinegar-based bbq sauce:
How long does homemade bbq sauce last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, homemade barbecue sauce will last up to 2 weeks refrigerated. The vinegar acts as a preservative. Check for signs of spoilage before use if it’s older than 2 weeks.
What’s the difference between apple cider vinegar and white vinegar for bbq sauce?
Apple cider vinegar contributes a mellow fruitiness and acidity, while distilled white vinegar makes a very bright, tart, and strong flavored sauce. Either works well – it just depends on your specific taste preferences.
Can I use balsamic vinegar for bbq sauce?
Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar in barbecue sauce recipes. The balsamic adds a rich sweetness and acidity that pairs wonderfully with spices and sugars. Use an equal amount as you would apple cider or white vinegar.
How spicy should vinegar bbq sauce be?
The spiciness depends on personal taste – some like it mild and others prefer it fiery hot. Start with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. For medium heat use 1/2 tsp. For extra hot sauce, add chili powder or hot sauce a teaspoon at a time until you reach desired heat level.
What’s the best way to thicken up vinegar-based bbq sauce?
Simmering the sauce for 15-20 minutes will help reduce and thicken it. Adding ketchup or tomato paste also helps create a thicker consistency. As a last resort, you can cautiously add a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry if needed.
Can I use bourbon instead of whiskey in bbq sauce?
Absolutely! Bourbon and other whiskeys can be used interchangeably in barbecue sauce recipes. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind delicious wood, vanilla and caramelized sugar flavors that complement the spices.
Is it necessary to cook vinegar-based bbq sauce?
It’s recommended to briefly simmer the sauce to meld flavors, thicken the consistency, and pasteurize it for safety. But you don’t need prolonged cooking time – 10-15 minutes of simmering is usually enough.
Tips for Using Vinegar BBQ Sauce
Vinegar-based barbecue sauce has many great uses beyond just drizzling over smoked meat. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Use as a dip for chicken wings, strips, or meatballs. The tangy sauce pairs especially well with crispy fried foods.
- Whisk a bit of sauce into mayo or ranch dressing to liven up sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and salads.
- Transform the sauce into a meat marinade. Let chicken, pork chops, or ribs soak for a few hours before grilling.
- Drizzle over a barbecue pulled pork or shredded chicken sandwich. The tangy sauce beautifully cuts through the richness.
- Toss with roasted vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, and onions.
- Use as a base for macaroni and cheese, potato salad, or baked bean recipes.
- Brighten up omelets, deviled eggs, and other savory dishes with a splash of sauce.
- Mix with ketchup for dipping fried foods like French fries, fried pickles, and cheese curds.
- Substitute for tomato sauce when making meatball sliders, sloppy joes, or sausage subs.
With its versatile tangy, sweet, and spicy flavor, homemade vinegar barbecue sauce can be used in endless ways beyond just grilled meats. Let your taste buds guide you!
Conclusion
Making your own vinegar-based barbecue sauce is simple and allows you to control the ingredients. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a tangy sauce with the ideal balance of vinegar, sweetness, and spices. Use apple cider or white vinegar and add molasses, honey, or brown sugar for sweet contrast. Season with your favorite barbecue-friendly spices. Simmer the sauce briefly to blend flavors and thicken slightly. Cool, bottle and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Shake before use. Slather or drizzle the sauce on grilled chicken, pork chops, meatloaf sandwiches, baked beans, ribs, pulled pork, wings, and more. Vinegar sauce also nicely complements fried foods. So fire up the grill and enjoy mouthwatering barbecue flavored with your personalized homemade vinegar bbq sauce.