This easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe is sweet, spicy, and seasoned to perfection with a delicious blend of spices. Great for summer grilling!
It’s grilling time! If you don’t already have a BBQ sauce recipe handy, let me introduce you to me.
This easy homemade BBQ sauce is sweet and flavorful, with a smoky, savory kick from spices like cumin and smoked paprika. It comes together quickly (we’re talking 20 minutes on the stove!), and a batch will keep in the fridge for weeks. We love having it on hand to spice up whatever we’re grilling!
Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe Ingredients
After living in Austin for years, I’ll be the first to admit that BBQ sauce can be controversial. Do you want your tomatoey? Vinegar? Or syrupy and sweet from the honey?
I wouldn’t call this barbecue sauce recipe a real take on either regional variations of barbecue sauce in the US, but because of its thicker consistency and tomato base, it’s closer to a Kansas City-style sauce than, say, Texas. Here’s what’s in it:
- Ketchup – It gives the sauce its smooth and silky texture.
- Apple cider vinegar – I like my barbecue sauce tangy, so I don’t hold back on the vinegar! I like its zingy kick.
- Water – It loosens up the sauce so it’s not too thick or gloopy.
- brown sugar – For sweetness. The honey notes are key to giving this sauce its classic BBQ flavor.
- tamari – Worcestershire sauce is a common ingredient in many traditional barbecue sauce recipes. For a vegetarian-friendly alternative, I replace it with tamari. It gives a similar savory flavor, and I always have it on hand! If you’re not gluten-free, soy sauce works too.
- Yellow mustard – It adds a little bite and enhances the tangy vinegar.
- garlic powder and onion powder – For too much umami.
- Ground cumin – For soil depth.
- Smoked paprika – This makes the sauce taste rich and smoky.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
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For spicy BBQ sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or 1 to 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles.
How to Make BBQ Sauce
My recipe for how to make BBQ sauce is super quick and easy!
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low.
- Cook, stirring often, until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.
That’s it! Taste and adjust the sauce to your liking before using it in your favorite BBQ recipes.
How to Use Barbecue Sauce
While BBQ sauce is traditionally used on meat dishes like chicken wings, pulled pork, and ribs, those are far from the only ways to use it!
How do you like to use homemade BBQ sauce? Let me know in the comments!
How to Store Homemade Barbecue Sauce
The sauce will keep well in a Mason jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Transfer the frozen sauce to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
More Favorite Sauce Recipes
If you love this homemade BBQ sauce recipe, try one of these easy sauces next:
Homemade BBQ Sauce
Serving 8
This homemade BBQ sauce recipe has the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, smoky, and savory flavors. It’s super easy to make, and it keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- 1½ cups ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
- 2 spoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, water, brown sugar, tamari, mustard, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
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Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, for 20 minutes, or until thickened. Season to taste and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.