Description
A classic homemade BBQ sauce recipe that’s sweet, tangy, and smoky, perfect for ribs, chicken, burgers, or as a dipping sauce. This easy-to-make sauce is ketchup-based with a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Liquids:
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and water.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat, cool slightly, and use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness or heat by adding more brown sugar or cayenne.
- For a tangier sauce, increase the vinegar.
- This versatile sauce complements ribs, chicken, burgers, and makes a delicious dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
