Homemade BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ Sauce

the condiment of the summer

Recipe by
Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 5m
Cook Time: 20m
Total Time: 25m
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy
5.0 (2 Reviews)
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Ingredients

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Nutritional Information

108
calories
1.7g
fat
24g
carbohydrates
1g
protein
0mg
cholesterol
575mg
sodium
Homemade BBQ Sauce

Recipe Description

Ever thought about making your own Homemade BBQ Sauce? Trust me, once you try this recipe, you will be amazed at how simple and delicious it is. Who does not love that perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and smoky goodness covering your favorite grilled meats? Let us delve into what makes this sauce a real favorite!

What Makes Homemade BBQ Sauce Special?

The magic of homemade BBQ sauce lies in its flavor balance. We are talking about a dance of sweet and sour elements with a hint of heat. You control everything—the sweetness, tanginess, and even the spice level! It is all about making the sauce just right for your taste. I love knowing that I can make it less sweet for a sharper punch, or amp up the spice when I am feeling bold. And it is perfect for all your summer grilling plans, believe me!

Where Did I Try the Sweet and Sour Sauce for the First Time?

My first taste of a truly fantastic sweet and sour sauce was at a family BBQ. We were all outside, soaking up the sun, and my uncle decided to try a homemade version. When I tasted it, I was shocked! The blend of flavors, that great tang balanced with a touch of sweetness—it was unforgettable. From that moment on, I was determined to recreate that flavor at home, and that is how my BBQ sauce journey began!

Is Homemade BBQ Sauce Healthy? Customization Tips

Making your own BBQ sauce means you can avoid high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. Want to go even healthier? Use a tamari substitute instead of regular soy sauce. It is gluten-free and has a milder flavor, perfect for gluten-sensitive people. If you are reducing sugar, try using honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Each adjustment gives its own unique flavor profile, so you do not have to lose taste for health!

Top Ingredients for the Homemade BBQ Sauce

Here’s a look at the ingredients that make this homemade BBQ sauce truly shine:

  • Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds that necessary tang, cutting through the sweetness perfectly
  • Brown Sugar: Gives a sweetness that matches the tangy taste. Feel free to swap with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • Smoked Paprika: A little goes a long way, giving the sauce a deep smoky flavor that yells BBQ.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds warmth and depth, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. It is not just tasty but also a heart-friendly spice.

So next time you are ready to fire up the grill, remember this easy and tasty sauce recipe. Whether you are slathering it on ribs or using it as a dip, it is sure to impress your friends and family. So, why not give it a try? It might just become your new BBQ favorite!

To make the Homemade BBQ Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Homemade BBQ Sauce

Recipe Features

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Steps to make

  1. 1

    Combine ingredients

    2 min
    Step 1 - Homemade BBQ Sauce

    Combine 1 ½ cups ketchup, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ½ cup water, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup tamari, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika in a medium saucepan.

  2. 2

    Simmer

    20 min
    Step 2 - Homemade BBQ Sauce

    Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat and continue to simmer, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.

  3. 3

    Serve

    Step 3 - Homemade BBQ Sauce

    Season the BBQ sauce to taste and store it in a resealable container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

If you're looking to elevate your grilling game this summer, making your own BBQ sauce is a game-changer. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, with just the right amount of smoky flavor to complement any dish. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’ll take your backyard barbecues to the next level! Did you make this recipe? We’d love to see it! Snap a photo and tag us on social with @CookMeRecipes and use the hashtag #cookmerecipes.

About the author

Nina Cole

Nina dreams of gender equality and for women all over the world to feel empowered and enjoy the same freedom she has. She’s a careful consumer, believing that by being more conscious about the way we live we can make the world a better place! Already a vegetarian, she uses animal products sparingly and tries to produce as little waste as possible. Most of her recipes are vegan as a result!

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
5.0 out of 5 (2 reviews)
Alice
May 23, 2025
Verified

So easy, delicious!

Athina
May 20, 2025
Verified

Super easy to make and way better than store-bought! thanks!

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