Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

A sweet and spicy Homemade Barbecue Sauce made with common pantry staples in less than 20 minutes. Use it on smoked ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken.

Course other/sauce

Cuisine American

Keyword bbq sauce recipe homemade, how to make barbecue sauce, how to make homemade barbecue sauce

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 52kcal

Author Beth Pierce

Ingredients

2 cups ketchup
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
½-¾ cup water to reach desired consistency

Instructions

Add the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and fresh ground black pepper to a medium saucepan.
Place the pan over medium-low heat and add about 1/2-3/4 cup water in several increments until desired consistency is reached.
If desired, add a few pinches of crushed red pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring several times.

Notes

Smoked paprika is the way to go with BBQ sauce. You can use regular sweet paprika, but you will not get that rich smoky flavor. Trust me on this.
Simmer for at least 10 minutes but preferably 20 minutes, to let all the flavors meld together.
To spice it up a little more, add a little hot sauce, adobo sauce, minced chipotle peppers, or ground cayenne pepper.
If watching your sugar intake cut it back to 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar and add more to taste if desired.
Cool fully and store in an airtight container or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To freeze, first fully cool. Then transfer to a freezer container or freezer zipper bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Nutrition