Homemade BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
packed
- 1 1/2 cups plain tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes)
(1 398ml can
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke)
(optional, but recommended
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- 1
Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan.
- 2
Bring to a simmer over medium high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer until thickened, about 20-30 minutes or more (you'll be able to see on the side of the pot that the sauce has reduced as the starting line will be higher)
- 3
Cool to room temperature or serve hot with grilled chicken, pork or beef.
- 4
Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Homemade BBQ Sauce
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 11 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Tired of store-bought barbecue sauces that just don't hit the spot? This Homemade BBQ Sauce brings that perfect balance of thick, sweet, smoky, and a touch spicy flavor right to your kitchen, ready to elevate any meal. Forget those generic bottled options—you're about to make something truly special.
What makes this sauce truly special is its incredible depth of flavor. By combining the rich sweetness of packed brown sugar with the tang of apple cider vinegar and a savory kick from Worcestershire sauce, you create a complex, robust foundation that’s far superior to anything from a bottle. The liquid smoke, though optional, is highly recommended and key for that authentic, backyard-grill flavor you crave.
Prepare for a sauce that's wonderfully balanced—sweet enough to tantalize, but with a nuanced spice and smoky depth that keeps you coming back for more. Its thick consistency clings beautifully to grilled meats, ensuring every bite is coated in luscious flavor. You'll find it incredibly satisfying to make your own signature sauce, knowing exactly what goes into it and customizing it to your liking.
- Customization & Variations: You can easily tailor this sauce to your preference. If you like it extra smoky, feel free to slightly increase the liquid smoke. For a bolder, spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you could slightly reduce the brown sugar, though it's integral to the classic BBQ profile. You can use either plain tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes for the base, both work wonderfully.
This versatile Homemade BBQ Sauce is an absolute game-changer for backyard grilling and weeknight dinners alike. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, tender pulled pork, juicy beef ribs, or practically anything you plan to cook on the grill.