There are a million different barbecue sauces out there—maybe more than that. I have about 20 that I've used in the past, and they are all pretty good. This one is the super easy BBQ sauce recipe that has a lot of "supers" around it—like super delicious, super simple, super yummy!!!
This homemade BBQ sauce recipe is perfect for enjoying a delicious sauce in meat recipes or grilled dishes. You can whip up a batch of this tangy, smoky goodness with just a few simple ingredients in no time. Let's dive right in and get saucy!
This recipe is:
Table of Contents
6 Reasons to Love This Recipe
This spicy BBQ sauce recipe brings me so much joy for multiple reasons. For instance, this recipe is:
- Incredibly simple to make!
- Caramelizes perfectly on the grill!
- Pairs with chicken and pork amazingly well!
- Easy to customize and tastes amazing!
- Works as a dipping sauce for grilled veggies!
- Gluten-free with the perfect balance of flavors!
Is BBQ Sauce Low-Carb?
No, this BBQ sauce isn't low carb. Both ketchup and brown sugar aren't typically considered low carb ingredients. However, I'm currently developing a low carb version of this BBQ sauce, so stay tuned!
Easy BBQ Sauce Ingredient List
Below is the list of simple ingredients you'll need to make this quick sauce:
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups ketchup
- ¾ cup cider vinegar
- ½ cup loosely packed brown sugar
- 4 teaspoon paprika, (smoked preferable)
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon dried minced onions
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoon Tabasco chipotle sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
For those looking to make some ingredient substitutions for this quick BBQ sauce recipe, here are a few options:
- Brown sugar: Swap out for a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, or sugar-free maple syrup. You can also use dark brown sugar based on your preference.
- Cider vinegar: Opt for white vinegar or red wine vinegar for a flavor balance.
- Tabasco chipotle sauce: For a smoky kick, substitute with your favorite hot sauce or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Dried minced onions: Use fresh minced onions or onion powder as a replacement.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount and types of spices according to your taste preferences. For added flavor, experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.
Additional Ingredients
You can elevate the flavor of your sweet and spicy BBQ sauce with these basic ingredients:
- Worcestershire sauce: Infuse a deeper flavor with a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Dijon mustard: A spoonful of Dijon mustard or yellow mustard acts like a flavor booster!
- Smoked paprika: For an intense flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika and the regular paprika.
- Liquid smoke: If you're craving that authentic smoky taste, add a few drops of liquid smoke to this recipe for a perfect flavor element.
- Cayenne pepper: Turn up the heat by incorporating ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for an extra spice kick.
Note: Additional ingredients are just there to improve the flavor; they are not part of the original recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
You'll need the following tools for this Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe:
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
How to Make Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Methods
- Simmering
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and tools.
- Mince onions.
Cooking Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan off the heat. Mix well to incorporate.
- Turn your burner to medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes and turn off the heat. Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes while the onions reconstitute.
💡 My Pro Tip
Keep an eye on the sauce as it heats up. The dried minced onions need enough heat to absorb moisture and release flavor. However, due to the sugars in the ketchup and brown sugar, there's a risk of burning if left unattended.
Stirring frequently is crucial to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, flavorful homemade BBQ sauce. If the sauce burns, it will taste bitter, and you might have to make it again.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Pre-measure all ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.
- Use pre-minced garlic and onions to cut down on prep time.
- Make a double batch of the sauce and freeze leftovers for future use.
What to Serve With the BBQ Sauce?
This ketchup-based BBQ sauce can effortlessly elevate the flavor of a wide range of dishes. Here are a few options you can pair this easy homemade barbecue sauce with:
- Grilled Chicken Wings: Drizzle this classic barbecue sauce over the grilled chicken wings just before serving for a finger-licking flavor explosion.
- Leg of Lamb: Brush my homemade sauce onto the leg of lamb during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting for a caramelized glaze. Slice and serve the lamb with a dollop of sauce on the side for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Flat Iron Pan-Seared Steak: After searing the flat iron steak to perfection, brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce over the top before serving. Let the steak rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, then slice and enjoy.
- Baked Zucchini Fries: Sauce for fries? Count me in! It's the best way to enjoy fries with the sauce deliciousness.
- Boneless Beef Chuck Roast: Slow-cook the boneless beef chuck roast in the oven or slow cooker until it's fall-apart tender, then shred the meat and mix it with BBQ sauce for a delicious pulled beef dish. Serve the BBQ beef on its own or in sandwiches for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing leftover BBQ Sauce is easy... just follow these simple tips:
Storage Tips
- Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Store leftover BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing Tips
- Freeze the sauce in a suitable freezer container, allowing room for expansion.
- Keep it frozen for 3-6 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating according to the reheating instructions provided.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat the sauce on the stove or in the microwave.
- When microwaving, stir sauce periodically to prevent caramelization around container edges until heated. Be sure the container is covered in the microwave.
Final Thoughts on the Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe
With just a few simple ingredients and a lot of flavor, this easy BBQ sauce recipe will surely become your new go-to condiment. Whether slathering it on grilled meat or pulled pork or enjoying it as a dipping sauce, it is guaranteed to take your taste buds on a flavor-filled adventure!
Try this easy sauce recipe today, and let me know how you enjoyed it. Do you have a go-to sauce recipe? Share it with me, and I'll try your version as well.
More Sauce Recipes:
FAQs
BBQ sauce typically consists of ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and a blend of spices, creating its signature sweet, tangy, and savory flavor profile.
To achieve a thicker consistency, simmer the BBQ sauce over low heat until it reduces and reaches your desired thickness, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
Apple cider vinegar is often preferred for BBQ sauce due to its mild acidity and subtle fruity undertones. These complement the sauce's sweetness without overpowering its flavor profile.
Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups ketchup
- ¾ cup cider vinegar
- ½ cup loosely packed brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons paprika (smoked preferable)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onions
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Tabasco chipotle sauce
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan off the heat. Mix well to incorporate.
- Turn your burner to medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes and turn off heat. Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes while the onions reconstitute.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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4 Responses
This was easy. Great flavor with a touch of smoke from the chipotle. Really nice.
Hey Alex:
Easy cooking is the best. Thank you for posting.
Take care,
Scott