Best Ever Homemade BBQ Barbecue Sauce Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure).
Once you try this epic homemade BBQ sauce, you’ll never want to have the bottled BBQ sauce ever again! This barbecue sauce has so much soul, such deep flavor, so finger-lickin’ good!
Why You’ll Love Best Ever Homemade BBQ Barbecue Sauce
- Incredible Flavor: This BBQ sauce has a perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness, and smokiness, making it a hit for all taste buds. Each bite offers a rich, deep flavor that enhances any dish you pair it with.
- Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy ingredients here! You likely already have everything in your pantry to make this sauce, and it’s made without preservatives or artificial flavors.
- Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a homemade BBQ sauce that’s much better than anything store-bought. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute grilling sessions.
- Versatile Usage: This sauce works for a variety of dishes—baste your chicken, ribs, or even veggies, or use it as a dipping sauce for fries and burgers. The options are endless!
- Customizable Texture: Love it chunky or smooth? You get to choose! You can leave the sauce with its natural texture or blend it to make it silky smooth, depending on your preference.
OMG! This sauce has such complex flavor dimensions: a little spicy, a little sweet, a little sour, a little smokey, A LOT amazing! Lick your fingers clean, super clean! Not just fingers – you’ll want to eat that mouthwatering homemade BBQ sauce with a spoon straight from a bowl!
Do you like your BBQ sauce chunky or smooth? Decisions, decisions! I like mine chunky, so that’s what you see on these pictures :) Want it smooth? No problem, it’s the same recipe! To make your barbecue sauce smooth, just process it in a blender to desired consistency. Yes, it’s as simple as that!
Ingredients For Best Ever Homemade BBQ Barbecue Sauce
- Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce as it caramelizes during cooking.
- Chili powder: Brings a subtle heat and smoky flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Oil: Used to sauté the onions and bring all the ingredients together smoothly.
- Ketchup: The base of the sauce, providing both sweetness and acidity.
- Garlic: Adds a sharp, savory bite to enhance the sauce’s overall flavor.
- Vinegar: Adds the perfect amount of tang to balance the sweetness and deepen the sauce’s complexity.
- Sugar: Helps create the signature sweetness of BBQ sauce and caramelizes as it cooks.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness with its unique combination of savory ingredients.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out all the flavors of the other ingredients.
This homemade BBQ sauce makes the plainest dishes come alive! Just a dash of this magic sauce transforms an ordinary piece of chicken, meat or fish into a finger-licking goodness!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Best Ever Homemade BBQ Barbecue Sauce
- Saucepan: For cooking the sauce and blending the flavors together.
- Frying pan: To sauté the onions and chili powder to perfection.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the precise quantities of each ingredient.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the onions and garlic.
- Whisk or spoon: To stir and combine the ingredients smoothly.
- Blender (optional): If you prefer a smooth sauce, use a blender to achieve the desired texture.
Brush this barbecue sauce on foods before baking, roasting or grilling. Then brush some more at the end, for the last 5 minutes of cooking! And don’t forget an extra bowl of this BBQ sauce for dipping, because everybody will want more and more!
Here are some amazing recipes that will be awesome to go with this homemade BBQ sauce: baked barbecue sausages, BBQ chicken grilled cheese, grilled chicken kabobs, hot dog skewers and crispy breaded chicken!
How To Make BBQ Sauce
Making your own BBQ sauce is really easy and only takes 20 minutes! First, cook finely chopped onions with chili powder in oil on a frying pan until tender. Then add the remaining ingredients – ketchup, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix everything and simmer for 10 minutes. That’s it! Anyone can make this easy barbecue sauce, and the results are so worth it!
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for Grilled Meats: Brush this BBQ sauce on Italian sausage, chicken legs, or chuck steak during grilling for a delicious glaze. Add an extra layer of sauce right before serving for a boost of flavor.
- Dip for Finger Foods: Serve it as a dipping sauce for fries, chicken tenders, or even onion rings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Sauce for Sandwiches: Spread this sauce on burgers, pulled pork, or BBQ chicken sandwiches to add a smoky, tangy touch.
- Pizza Topping: Use it as a base for BBQ chicken pizza, topped with shredded cheese, grilled chicken, and red onions for a unique twist.
- Side for BBQ Platters: Offer a bowl of this sauce alongside coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans to round out your BBQ meal.
Tips For Success
- Sauté the Onions Properly: Make sure to cook the onions until they’re soft and golden. This step builds the foundational flavor for your sauce, adding sweetness and depth. If you skip this or rush through it, the onions might end up too sharp, affecting the overall balance.
- Adjust the Sweetness and Tanginess: The balance of sweetness and tang in BBQ sauce is key. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, consider adding a little more sugar or even some honey. If you like it tangier, increase the vinegar or Worcestershire sauce. It’s all about tailoring the sauce to your preference!
- Simmer for Richness: Letting the sauce simmer for at least 10 minutes is crucial. This gives the ingredients time to meld together and develop a deeper, richer flavor. If you have extra time, you can even simmer it longer at a lower heat to intensify the taste.
- Blending for a Smooth Sauce: If you want a smoother consistency, blending the sauce after simmering is a great option. Use an immersion blender directly in the pan, or transfer the sauce to a regular blender. Be sure to blend carefully if it’s still hot!
- Make Ahead for Better Flavor: Like many sauces, this BBQ sauce tastes even better the next day. If you can, make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for the flavors to deepen. This will also make it easier to serve when preparing meals for a gathering or cookout.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: If you love a little extra heat, consider adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing process for a more subtle spiciness that builds over time.
- Honey BBQ Sauce: For a sweeter and richer flavor, swap out some or all of the sugar with honey. This gives the sauce a sticky, sweet finish that’s perfect for glazing ribs or chicken.
- Smoky BBQ Sauce: For a more pronounced smoky flavor, you can add liquid smoke or smoked paprika. This will give the sauce an extra layer of depth, mimicking the taste of outdoor grilling even when cooking indoors.
- Sugar-Free Option: If you want to avoid sugar, replace it with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, or try unsweetened applesauce for a natural sweetness without the added sugar. This will also make the recipe more suitable for low-carb or diabetic diets.
- Different Vinegars: Vinegar provides that essential tanginess in BBQ sauce, but you can experiment with different types. Apple cider vinegar gives a slightly fruity tang, while balsamic vinegar adds a deeper, more robust flavor. You can also use red wine vinegar for a milder acidic note.
- Vegan BBQ Sauce: This recipe is naturally vegan, but to ensure it remains so, make sure to use a vegan Worcestershire sauce, as some traditional versions contain anchovies.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the homemade BBQ sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Be sure to let the sauce cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation inside the container.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this BBQ sauce for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat the sauce, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully heated. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it up while reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making the sauce a day ahead enhances the flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld together. Store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat when needed.
Is this BBQ sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this BBQ sauce is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your Worcestershire sauce is labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I use this BBQ sauce for grilling?
Absolutely! This sauce works wonderfully for grilling. Brush it onto meats during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sugars, and add another coat right before serving for extra flavor.
How can I thicken my BBQ sauce?
If you want a thicker BBQ sauce, let it simmer a little longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce, simmering until it thickens.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness?
Yes, this recipe is highly customizable. To make it sweeter, add more sugar or honey. For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Other Easy BBQ Recipes
Air Fryer Barbecue Pork Chops Recipe: These juicy pork chops are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, coated with a smoky barbecue sauce for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Crispy Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Wings: Enjoy crispy chicken wings with a tangy BBQ glaze, made effortlessly in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite.
Leftover Beef BBQ Shredded Beef Recipe: Transform leftover beef into a mouthwatering shredded BBQ beef dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or topping baked potatoes.
Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks: These air fryer drumsticks are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, brushed with a delicious barbecue sauce for a flavor-packed dinner.
Instant Pot BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe: Tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs made in the Instant Pot and finished with a sticky, savory BBQ glaze that will have everyone coming back for more.
Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Make juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken in the Instant Pot using either chicken breasts or thighs, perfect for sandwiches or served over rice.
Shepherd’s Pie with BBQ Beef Recipe: A comforting shepherd’s pie made with BBQ beef, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, combining savory and smoky flavors in every bite.
Best Ever Homemade BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 onions finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 cup ketchup
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
- Spoon or whisk for stirring
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a non-stick saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and chili powder, and cook, stirring periodically, for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ketchup, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and garlic. Add this mixture to the frying pan and stir. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- If you want to have your BBQ sauce chunky, leave as is. If you want it to be smooth, blend it in a blender.
More Sauce Recipes
- Authentic Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
- Homemade Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe
- Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Hi Melanie,
Thanks for this unique recipe! We’ve been trying to mimic a local sauce and lo and behold – here it is! Thanks for taking the time to do this!
Many many thanks for your Excellent Recipes….
You are welcome! So glad you enjoy them!
The baked sausages with your homemade BBQ sauce was out of this world. When i cooked it i tried one to see if it was the way you said it ould be, well let me tell you after that first one i had 4 more i couldnt stop eating it. The problem was with my 5 guest ×hen i looked down into the baking dish there were only 5 left i really didnt feel bad because i enjoyed every morsel but what to do with the guest problem solved i took them all out to dinner, by the way you owe me 109 dollars for the dinner i handled the tip thank and please be careful what you send me “IM SO WEAK”
Thankyou for sharing your recipe. I used it as a loose start/proportions for the left over rib rub (which contained similar ingredients). I scaled it way down and microwaved it (time constraint) now can’t wait til my pot is clean and I can try a full size batch!
Hi, I just saw this recipe for homemade BBQ sauce that sounds yummy! I was wondering could you can this, if so would it be a water bath and do you know for how long? Thank you!
Yes, you can absolutely can homemade bbq sauce using 15 minutes water bath method.
I’m glad to I tried this, I’ll never go back to store bought it’s truly finger licking good! 🥹
So true that this is the best!
I made a batch for our cookout, and it was gone in minutes. Thanks for the recipe!
Used this sauce on grilled chicken it was finger licking good!