This easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe is seasoned to perfection with a delicious blend of sweet, tangy and spicy. Great for summer grilling!
It’s grilling season! If you don’t already have a go-to BBQ sauce recipe up your sleeve, let me introduce you to mine.
This easy homemade BBQ sauce is sweet and tangy, with a smoky, savory kick from spices like cumin and smoked paprika. It comes together very quickly (we’re talking 20 minutes in the oven!), and a batch will keep in the fridge for weeks. Love having it on hand to jazz up whatever we’re grilling!
Ingredients for Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Having lived in Austin for many years, I’ll be the first to admit that BBQ sauce can be controversial. Do you like your tomatoes? Vinegar? Or syrupy and sweet from molasses?
I wouldn’t call this barbecue sauce recipe an authentic take on any of the regional barbecue sauce variations in the United States, but it’s closer to a Kansas City-style sauce from Texas because of its thick consistency and tomato base. . Here’s what it contains:
- ketchup – This gives the sauce its smooth, silky texture.
- Apple cider vinegar – I like my barbecue sauce tangy, so I don’t hold back the vinegar! I love its zingy kick.
- the water – This loosens the sauce so that it is not too thick or cloudy.
- brown sugar – For dessert. The molasses notes are key to giving this sauce a classic BBQ flavor.
- Tamari – Worcestershire sauce is a common ingredient in many traditional barbecue sauce recipes. For a vegetarian-friendly option, I replace it with tamari. It provides a similar delicious taste, and I always have it on hand! If you’re not gluten-free, soy sauce works too.
- Yellow mustard – It adds a little bite and amplifies the tangy vinegar.
- Garlic powder and onion powder – for extra umami.
- Crushed cumin seeds – For soil depth.
- Smoked paprika – This makes the sauce rich and smoky.
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
variation
For the spicy barbecue sauce, Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or 1 to 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle.
How to make barbecue sauce
My recipe for how to make BBQ sauce is super quick and easy!
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Then, lower the heat.
- Cook, stirring often, until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.
That’s it! Taste and adjust the sauce to your liking before using it in your favorite BBQ recipes.
How to use barbecue sauce
Although barbecue sauce is traditionally used on meat dishes like chicken wings, pulled pork, and ribs, it’s far from the only way to use it!
How do you like to use homemade BBQ sauce? Let me know in this comment!
How to Store Homemade Barbecue Sauce
The sauce will keep well for up to two weeks in a mason jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Transfer the frozen sauce to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
More favorite sauce recipes
If you like this homemade BBQ sauce recipe, try one of these easy sauces:
Homemade BBQ Sauce
serves 8
This homemade BBQ sauce recipe has a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, smoky and savory flavors. It’s super easy to make, and it keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- 1½ the cup ketchup
- ½ the cup Apple cider vinegar
- ½ the cup the water
- ¼ the cup brown sugar
- ¼ the cup Tamari or soy sauce
- 2 table spoon Yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
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In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, water, brown sugar, tamari, mustard, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
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Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer, stirring often, for 20 minutes or until thickened. Season to taste and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.