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The Ultimate Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce: Tangy, Sweet, and Smoky (Ready in 20 Minutes)

Close-up of thick, rich homemade bbq sauce served in a small white fluted ramekin dish.
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Make your own versatile, balanced BBQ sauce at home. This recipe delivers a classic sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor profile and is ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, water, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan.
  2. Add the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using.
  3. Stir all ingredients together until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
  7. Transfer the BBQ sauce to an airtight container. Let it cool completely before using.

Notes

  • For a smoother sauce, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking.
  • Store this homemade BBQ sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • To make a smoky version, increase the smoked paprika to 1 1/2 teaspoons or add 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke.

Nutrition

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