Name: Homemade Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 ¼ cup ketchup; ½ cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Introduction

This homemade easy BBQ sauce is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that will elevate any grilled dish. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and delicious on everything from ribs to burgers.

A clear glass jar filled with a dark reddish-brown thick sauce, smooth and glossy on top, sitting on a crumpled piece of old newspaper over a metal rack, which is on a white marbled surface; next to the jar is an old silver spoon with some sauce smeared on it, and a glass with a golden-yellow liquid is blurry in the background, with a beige cloth partially visible in the top left corner; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 ¼ cup ketchup
½ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Step 2: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir occasionally. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container.
Step 4: Refrigerate the BBQ sauce for at least 4 hours to let the flavors meld together; for best results, let it sit overnight before using.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Swap apple cider vinegar for white vinegar for a sharper tang.
Use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the mixture after cooking to remove any lumps.

Storage

Store the BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before using, give it a good stir. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave if you want to serve it warm, but it’s also great cold as a dipping sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows a glass jar filled with a thick, shiny dark brown sauce, almost full to the rim. The jar sits on a crumpled piece of vintage newspaper placed on a small white wire rack over a white marbled surface. To the left of the jar lies a silver spoon with some sauce on it, showing a glossy, rich texture. In the blurred background, there is a simple glass with a small amount of amber liquid. The scene has a soft, natural light with a neutral cloth partially visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes, making it a day in advance is ideal to allow the flavors to fully develop and blend together nicely.

Is this sauce suitable for different types of meat?

Absolutely! This BBQ sauce complements chicken, pork, beef, and even vegetables, making it versatile for many dishes.