Simple Barbecue Sauce
Elevate your grilling game with this simple barbecue sauce that strikes the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors. Crafted from pantry staples like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, this homemade recipe is packed with layers of taste, thanks to smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of hot sauce for a customizable kick. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and easy way to enhance ribs, chicken, pulled pork, or even roasted vegetables. Whether used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or slathered on your favorite grilled dishes, this versatile barbecue sauce is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly—store it in the fridge for up to a week and enjoy bold, homemade flavor anytime! Perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or adding a delicious twist to your favorite recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 0.25 cup water
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and water over medium heat.
Stir in brown sugar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce until fully dissolved.
Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Add a dash of hot sauce for heat, or adjust to taste depending on your spice preference.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Let the sauce cook for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
Transfer to a clean jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Use as a topping, marinade, or dipping sauce for your favorite grilled dishes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
530 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2399 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.3 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 113.9 g | ||
| Protein | 1.4 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 81 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 356 mg | 8% | |
*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.
