Description
This homemade BBQ sauce recipe is rich, flavorful, and easy to make at home. Combining tangy apple cider vinegar, sweet brown sugar and honey, and a blend of spices, this sauce is perfect as a marinade, glaze, or dip to elevate your grilled or baked dishes.
Ingredients
BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add Spices: Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper if using, and a pinch of salt. Stir to evenly combine all the spices into the sauce base.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to encourage thickening.
- Adjust and Cool: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or sweetener if desired. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.
- Store: Transfer the cooled BBQ sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce can be stored for up to 2 weeks, ready to use as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce.
Notes
- This BBQ sauce works well as a marinade, glaze, or dip for various grilled or baked dishes.
- For a sweeter version, add additional honey or brown sugar according to taste.
- For a smokier flavor, consider adding a drop of liquid smoke or increasing the smoked paprika.
