Best BBQ Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ sauce has the perfect balance of flavors—rich and savory with just the right amount of heat and tang. The combination of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and molasses creates a depth of flavor, while smoked paprika and chili powder bring a smoky kick. It’s quick to prepare and can be used for a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats to burgers. Homemade BBQ sauce is so much better than store-bought and this one is as easy as it gets!

Ingredients

2 cups ketchup
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup white vinegar
3 tablespoons molasses
1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked, if possible
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
1/4 cup water (optional, for simmering)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients (ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, molasses, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, and liquid smoke if using) to a medium pot on the stove.
2. Simmer: If you have time, add 1/4 cup water for simmering. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. If you’re in a hurry, skip the water.
3. Cook: If no water is added, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. If you added water, simmer for about 25 minutes (or up to an hour), stirring occasionally. Add more water in small amounts if it starts to get too thick.
4. Thicken: The longer you cook, the thicker and more flavorful the sauce becomes. After 30 minutes, the extra water should have evaporated, and the sauce should be nice and thick.
5. Cool: Once the sauce has simmered to your desired thickness, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Serve: Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature with your favorite grilled dishes, chicken, ribs, burgers, or even on sandwiches.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 10 servings (about 3 cups)
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Sauce: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
• Sweet BBQ Sauce: Add more molasses or a bit of brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
• Tangy BBQ Sauce: Increase the vinegar for a more tangy flavor.
• Smoky BBQ Sauce: Use more liquid smoke or add a touch of smoked salt for an even more intense smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several weeks (as long as you would keep ketchup). It also freezes well—simply seal in a ziplock bag and freeze for 3-4 months. Thaw in the fridge or heat from frozen on low with a few tablespoons of water.

FAQs

Can I make this BBQ sauce without liquid smoke?

Yes, liquid smoke is optional. You can skip it, or if you want a more intense smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or grilled vegetables for depth.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of molasses?

You can substitute molasses with honey or brown sugar, but it will slightly change the flavor profile. Molasses gives the sauce a rich, deep flavor.

Can I make this BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce only gets better as the flavors meld together. Make it a day or two ahead and store in the fridge.

Can I use this BBQ sauce for grilling?

Yes, this BBQ sauce is perfect for basting on meats while grilling or serving as a topping afterward.

Can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce?

Absolutely! If you want a sweeter sauce, increase the molasses or brown sugar. For a tangier sauce, add more vinegar.

Is this BBQ sauce suitable for vegans?

Yes, this BBQ sauce is naturally vegan as long as you use a vegan Worcestershire sauce.

What can I use this BBQ sauce on?

This BBQ sauce is great on grilled meats, ribs, chicken, burgers, sandwiches, or even as a dipping sauce for fries and veggies.

How long will the sauce last in the fridge?

The BBQ sauce can last for several weeks in the fridge, as long as it’s sealed properly.

Can I make this BBQ sauce without ketchup?

Yes, you can replace ketchup with tomato paste or a homemade tomato sauce, but it may change the consistency and flavor.

Is this BBQ sauce gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options.

Conclusion

This Best BBQ Sauce Recipe is simple, flavorful, and versatile. With the perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, it’s ideal for a variety of grilled meats or even as a condiment for burgers and sandwiches. It’s easy to make, and once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought!

Best BBQ Sauce Recipe

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings (about 3 cups)
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Simmer
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This homemade BBQ sauce recipe is the perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet. With a vinegary kick, black pepper heat, and a hint of molasses, it’s the ideal sauce to elevate your favorite grilled or slow-cooked dishes.

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Ingredients

2 cups ketchup

1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup white vinegar

3 tablespoons molasses

1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked, if possible

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

1/4 cup water (optional, for simmering)

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Instructions

1. Add all ingredients (ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, molasses, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, and liquid smoke if using) to a medium pot on the stove.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. If you’re in a hurry, skip the water, otherwise add 1/4 cup water for simmering.
3. If no water is added, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. If you added water, simmer for about 25 minutes (or up to an hour), stirring occasionally. Add more water in small amounts if the sauce gets too thick.
4. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens. After 30 minutes, it should have a nice thick consistency.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite grilled dishes.

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Notes

Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat to make it a spicy BBQ sauce.

For a sweeter sauce, add more molasses or brown sugar.

For more tanginess, increase the vinegar in the sauce.

If you want a stronger smoky flavor, use more liquid smoke or smoked salt.

This BBQ sauce stores well in the fridge for up to several weeks.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg