Description
This homemade BBQ sauce recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that enhances any grilled or roasted dish. Made from simple pantry staples including tomato ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, it simmers to a thick, flavorful finish ideal for dipping, marinating, or glazing your favorite meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups tomato ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 Tbsp paprika (or to taste)
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the tomato ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, minced garlic, and water. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more brown sugar or spices if needed to adjust the sweetness or seasoning to your preference. Stir well.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the BBQ sauce to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to a clean jar or container, cover, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For best flavor, let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour before using.
Notes
- You can customize the heat level by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce if desired.
- Use this sauce as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce for grilled meats, vegetables, or sandwiches.
- Storing the sauce for a day or more improves the flavor as the ingredients meld together.
- Always stir the sauce occasionally while simmering to prevent burning.
- For a thicker sauce, continue simmering past 30 minutes until your preferred thickness is achieved.
