Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce

Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. Made with tomato sauce, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, and spices, this versatile sauce is ideal for grilling, roasting, or dipping. Customize the heat and smokiness to your taste and store in the fridge for up to three weeks. Perfect for ribs, chicken, burgers, and pulled pork.

Ingredients

• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup ketchup (240 g)
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar (147 g)
• 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses (85 g)
• 2/3 cup red wine vinegar (159 g)
• 2 tsp hickory-flavored liquid smoke
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp chili powder
• 1/8 tsp ground mustard
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients
   In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
2. Cook the Sauce
   Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to boil.
3. Simmer
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Longer simmering enhances depth of flavor.
4. Cool and Store
   Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. It will thicken slightly as it cools. Store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple, made-from-scratch BBQ sauce with no preservatives.
• Balanced sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor that works with any grilled or roasted dish.
• Can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
• Great for marinating, dipping, or brushing on meats.

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Tips

• For smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender after simmering.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar or molasses.
• Add a splash of water or more vinegar if the sauce gets too thick while simmering.
• Store in a sterilized jar for longer shelf life.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or hot sauce.
• Smoky Flavor: Substitute liquid smoke with smoked paprika or smoked salt.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use coconut sugar or reduce the brown sugar slightly.
• Vegan Version: Already naturally vegan; ensure ketchup used is free from animal ingredients.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Can I freeze BBQ sauce?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

How can I make it thicker or thinner?
Simmer longer to thicken, or add a small amount of water or vinegar to thin.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Brush over grilled chicken, ribs, pork, or burgers.
• Use as a dip for fries, nuggets, or roasted vegetables.
• Mix into pulled pork or shredded chicken for sandwiches.
• Combine with mayonnaise for a creamy BBQ spread on sandwiches or wraps.