Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
Are you looking to elevate your grilling game with a tangy and flavorful homemade BBQ sauce? Look no further! This easy-to-make BBQ sauce recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors to enhance your favorite grilled meats. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious sauce in your own kitchen.
Before we get started, gather the following ingredients:
1½ cups ketchup
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup water
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
2 Tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Now, let’s walk through the steps to create this mouthwatering BBQ sauce.
Step 1: Mixing the Base
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, and brown sugar. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. This forms the rich base of your BBQ sauce, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess that will complement any grilled dish.
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure all the flavors meld together harmoniously.
Next, add in the soy sauce or tamari, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These ingredients will introduce depth and complexity to the sauce, creating a robust flavor profile that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Continue to cook the sauce over low heat, letting it thicken gradually as the flavors intensify. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences, adding more spices for a bolder kick or extra sweetness for a milder taste.
Step 2: Simmering to Perfection
As the BBQ sauce simmers, you’ll notice the aroma filling your kitchen, tempting you with its irresistible fragrance. This simmering process allows the sauce to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors and achieving the desired consistency.
Stir the sauce intermittently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking. The slow simmer will also help the ingredients marry together beautifully, creating a harmonious blend that will elevate your BBQ dishes to new heights.
Once the sauce reaches your preferred thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to a jar or container. Your homemade BBQ sauce is now ready to be slathered on grilled chicken, ribs, or veggies for a delectable culinary experience.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating a versatile and delicious BBQ sauce that will impress your family and friends at your next cookout. So fire up the grill, grab your favorite meats, and get ready to elevate your BBQ game with this homemade sauce!

HOMEMADE BBQ SAUCE
Elevate your grilling game with this tangy and flavorful homemade BBQ sauce that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Ideal for enhancing grilled meats, this easy-to-make sauce is a must-have for your next cookout.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Directions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, and brown sugar. Stir to dissolve sugar completely.
- Add soy sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook over low heat to thicken, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it reaches desired thickness. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a jar. Enjoy on grilled meats or veggies.