Emergency Barbecue Sauce
Create delicious barbecue magic in minutes with this quick and flavorful Emergency Barbecue Sauce! Perfect for when you're in a pinch, this easy homemade recipe combines pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar with a smoky kick from smoked paprika and a touch of spice from optional hot sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes, this tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled meats, drizzling over roasted veggies, or serving as a dipping sauce at your next backyard cookout. Made with simple, everyday ingredients, this versatile barbecue sauce delivers bold flavor without the wait. Ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings, it’s a must-have recipe for any barbecue lover.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce (if using), black pepper, and water.
Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened and heated through.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (e.g., more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or hot sauce for spice).
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes before using.
Serve immediately with grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dipping sauce. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
305 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.3 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1128 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.0 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 60.5 g | ||
| Protein | 0.8 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 38 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 163 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
