Homemade BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1½ cups ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Place over medium heat. Whisk until smooth and sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Taste and adjust sweetness, tanginess, or spice level.
- Remove from heat. Let cool for a few minutes.
- Pour into a clean jar or bottle. Store in the fridge.
- Use on ribs, chicken, burgers, pulled pork, or anything else.
Notes
- Simmer for the full 15–20 minutes to let the flavours develop and the sauce thicken
- Taste and adjust halfway through — add more vinegar, sugar, or spice as needed
- The sauce will thicken more as it cools
- Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 4 weeks
- Doubles or triples easily for batch cooking
- Can be canned for long-term storage using proper canning techniques
- Freezes well for up to 6 months