Homemade BBQ Sauce is a game-changer for your grilling and dipping adventures, blending smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors in every spoonful. With just 15 minutes from start to finish, this sauce is effortlessly smooth, rich, and packed with depth, making store-bought versions pale in comparison. Its velvety texture clings perfectly to ribs, chicken, or veggies, while the bold aroma of spices and molasses will have your kitchen smelling like a summer cookout.
This versatile sauce is not only quick to whip up but also customizable to suit your taste—spicy, sweet, or smoky. Each ¼ cup serving delivers a burst of flavor with just 85 calories, making it a guilt-free addition to your meals. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or jazzing up a weeknight dinner, this sauce is your secret weapon for unforgettable flavor.
What You’ll Need for Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 5 Tablespoons tomato paste (76g)
- 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar (can substitute white vinegar)
- 3 Tablespoons dark brown sugar, firmly packed (light brown sugar works too)
- 2 Tablespoons honey (maple syrup is a great alternative)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (regular paprika can be used if smoked isn’t available)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for more or less heat)
- 1 cup chicken stock (236ml, vegetable stock works as a substitute)
How to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce
- In a small or medium-sized saucepan, combine all ingredients except the chicken stock. Whisk together until fully combined.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken stock until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Turn the stovetop heat to medium-low and whisk occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 3 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Tip: To avoid splatters, place the lid crookedly on the pot, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool. Use immediately or store in an airtight container for later use.
Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade BBQ Sauce
This versatile BBQ sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork. Try it as a dipping sauce for crispy fries, onion rings, or even as a glaze for roasted vegetables. For a quick appetizer, brush it on mini meatballs or use it as a base for BBQ pizza. The possibilities are endless!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze it in small portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Recipe Variations to Try
Customize your sauce to suit your taste! For a spicier kick, double the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce. Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper flavor, or use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with adding a splash of bourbon or liquid smoke for a smoky twist.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Double or triple the recipe and freeze extra portions for future use. This way, you’ll always have homemade BBQ sauce on hand. To speed up prep, measure out all your ingredients before starting. If you’re in a rush, simmer the sauce for just 8-10 minutes—it will still be delicious, though slightly thinner.
Special Notes for Perfect Results
Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers—it can splatter! Use a lid placed slightly askew to prevent messes while allowing steam to escape. Taste and adjust seasoning before cooling, as flavors will intensify as the sauce sits. For a smoother texture, blend the cooled sauce briefly with an immersion blender.
Homemade BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 5 Tablespoons tomato paste 76g
- 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons dark brown sugar firmly packed
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup chicken stock 236ml
Instructions
- In a small or medium-sized saucepan, combine all ingredients except chicken stock and whisk together to combine.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock until completely combined.
- Turn stovetop heat to medium-low and whisk occasionally until sugar is dissolved (about 3 minutes).
- Increase heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until barbecue sauce is thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Note that the sauce has a tendency to splatter as it cooks and thickens, to keep your kitchen tidy and your skin and clothes unscathed, you can place a lid crookedly over the pot, leaving a gap on one edge for steam to escape.
- Allow sauce to cool then use as desired or in any recipe where barbecue sauce is called for.