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Best Easy 15-Minute Homemade BBQ Sauce

Close-up of thick, dark red homemade bbq sauce served in a small white ramekin.
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Make this sweet, smoky, and tangy homemade BBQ sauce from scratch in just 15 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. It tastes better than store-bought and is perfect for grilling.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a medium saucepan.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until the brown sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to simmer.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
  5. Use the sauce immediately for basting or dipping, or transfer it to an airtight container for later use.

Notes

  • For a smoky BBQ sauce flavor, use liquid smoke sparingly (start with 1/4 teaspoon) or increase the smoked paprika.
  • If you prefer a tangier sauce, add 1 teaspoon more apple cider vinegar after simmering.
  • This recipe makes a ketchup based BBQ sauce. For a Texas BBQ sauce style, reduce the sugar slightly.
  • Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/easy-homemade-bbq-sauce-recipe/