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The Best Quick & Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce (Sweet, Smoky, and Tangy)

A close-up shot of thick, rich, homemade bbq sauce filling a small white ramekin.
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Make this easy homemade BBQ sauce from scratch using simple pantry staples. This recipe delivers the classic sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor profile that beats store-bought versions, perfect for grilling, dipping, or topping ribs and pulled pork.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium saucepan.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Stir the mixture constantly until it begins to simmer gently. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  6. Allow the BBQ sauce to cool slightly before using. It will thicken as it cools.
  7. Store the finished sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • For a Kansas City style sauce, add 1 tablespoon of molasses when combining ingredients.
  • If you prefer a tangier sauce, increase the apple cider vinegar by 1 tablespoon.
  • This recipe makes a great dipping sauce for chicken tenders or fries.
  • You can use this sauce as a marinade for chicken or pork before grilling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/easy-homemade-bbq-sauce-recipe/