Description
This easy homemade BBQ sauce is a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or slow-cooking your favorite meats, this customizable sauce will elevate the taste every single time. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s simple to make and packed with rich flavors that you’ll love.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and liquid smoke. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. - Simmer the Sauce:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the saucepan with a lid to retain moisture and stir occasionally to ensure that the sugar dissolves evenly. Allow the sauce to cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. - Cool and Store:
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and allow it to cool completely. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week, and you can use it right away or as needed.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to the sauce.
- Liquid smoke adds depth to the flavor, but if unavailable, you can skip it or substitute with smoked paprika.
- If you want a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon of water or stock while simmering.
- This BBQ sauce pairs well with grilled chicken, ribs, hamburgers, or as a dipping sauce for fries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg