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Easy 15-Minute Homemade BBQ Sauce: Sweet, Tangy, and Smoky

Close-up of thick, rich homemade bbq sauce served in a small white fluted ramekin on a wooden surface.
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Make the best homemade BBQ sauce from scratch in just 15 minutes. This recipe balances sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, offering a superior alternative to store-bought condiments for all your grilling needs.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a medium saucepan. Add cayenne pepper if you want some heat.
  2. Whisk all ingredients together until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Do not allow it to boil rapidly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  6. Allow the BBQ sauce to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For a thicker glaze, simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  • To customize, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for deeper smokiness or 1 tablespoon of bourbon for depth.
  • Store this homemade BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/easy-15-minute-homemade-bbq-sauce/