How to Make Homemade Barbecue Sauce (Easy Recipe)

Hey there, foodies! We are coming to you this week with an easy homemade barbecue sauce recipe that only takes 20 minutes to make! I love BBQ in the summer with that perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory that can take any grilling game to the next level. Homemade barbecue sauce is far superior to store-bought and has far fewer ingredients. it is a must-have in your kitchen arsenal!

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History and Culture of Barbecue

Barbecue has deep roots in American culture, especially in the South. Imagine smoky meats, slow-cooked to perfection – that’s the essence of barbecue. Kansas City, in particular, is famous for its sweet and thick tomato-based sauces. Oh, and the BBQ scene in Austin, Texas is ridiculous. You’ve gotta check it out!

Seasonality of Barbecue Sauce

While we often associate barbecue sauce with summer grilling and tomato season. I love BBQ chicken in the summer! But it’s also easy to preserve as a year-round staple; either frozen or canned.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the best homemade barbecue sauce:

• 2 cups (488g) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (115g) apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (50g) dark brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp (40g) maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp (15g) Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup Liquid smoke, coconut aminos, or hot sauce for added flavor, optional

Instructions

Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

1. Prep: Gather all your goodies. In a medium saucepan, mix the tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dark brown sugar, and maple syrup.
2. Cook: Heat it up on medium-high. Stir in the spices and let it simmer on medium-low for 20-30 minutes.
3. Finish: Add liquid smoke and coconut aminos for that extra depth. Taste and tweak the seasoning as you like.

Boom! You’ve got yourself the perfect BBQ sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and has just the right amount of spice. This is your new go-to recipe.

How to Use

Wondering how to use your awesome new sauce? Here are some ideas:

• Grilling: Brush it on chicken wings, pork sandwiches, or hot dogs.
• Pizza: Try it as a pizza sauce for BBQ chicken pizza.
• Dipping: Perfect as a dipping sauce for french fries or chicken tenders.
• Tacos: Drizzle over BBQ chicken tacos for a smoky twist.
• Slow Cook: We like to slow-cook chicken or pork doused in BBQ sauce. Makes for a yummy sandwich.

How to Store

To keep your barbecue sauce fresh and tasty:

• Storage: Pour the sauce into a mason jar or an airtight container.
• Shelf Life: It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to two weeks.
• Freezing: For longer storage, use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Make sure to minimize excess air to keep the flavors intact.

If you love making homemade staples, try some of these recipes:

Homemade Hummus

Easy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Homemade Vegan Chipotle Dip

Easy Homemade Basil Pesto

How to Make Homemade Mayonnaise