Just the Best Barbecue Sauce Ever
Elevate your grilling game with "Just the Best Barbecue Sauce Ever," a bold, flavor-packed recipe that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and smoky. Made with pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, this homemade BBQ sauce is enhanced with honey, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of spices, including smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for subtle heat. Optional liquid smoke adds that irresistible, authentic barbecue aroma. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile sauce is perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or pulled pork, or using as a dip or marinade. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks and savor the magic of this irresistibly rich and homemade delight at your next cookout.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
- 0.75 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
Add the honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and liquid smoke (if using). Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a little more vinegar for tanginess, sugar for sweetness, or cayenne for heat.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the barbecue sauce cool to room temperature.
Transfer the sauce to an airtight jar or container and refrigerate. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Use the sauce as desired on grilled or roasted meats, as a dip, or as a marinade. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
88 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 154 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.9 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.5 g | ||
| Protein | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 17 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 65 mg | 1% | |
*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.
