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Easy Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Easy Homemade Barbecue Sauce

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This Easy Homemade Barbecue Sauce is your secret weapon for turning everyday meals into something special. Ready in just 10 minutes with pantry staples, it’s glossy, tangy and perfectly balanced. Brush it on ribs or wings, serve it with sausages, kebabs or steak sandwiches, drizzle it over pulled pork rolls, or use it as the ultimate dip for nuggets and wedges. Fridge and freezer-friendly, it’s the sauce that makes any dinner feel a little bit special.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups (500 ml)

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups (375 ml) ketchup
  • ½ cup, firmly packed (115 g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients, except the butter, to a medium saucepan off the heat (important – make sure it’s a cold saucepan, as the sauce needs to be warmed gradually. This will stop it spitting or catching on the base of the pan).
  2. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Simmer for 5–8 minutes, stirring often. (Stirring is important because it stops the sauce catching on the bottom of the pan and also keeps it from bubbling over.) Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and looks glossy.
  4. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter until melted and silky.

Notes

MAKE AHEAD

  • Batch cooking – Double or triple the recipe and cool completely before storing.
  • Fridge storage – Pour into clean glass jars or airtight containers. Keeps for up to 2 weeks. The sauce can be used cold as a dip or spread (great for nuggets, sandwiches or fries) or gently warmed if you prefer it glossy and pourable.
  • Freezer storage – Freeze in small containers or reusable freezer bags (about ½ cup/125 ml portions are handy). Lay bags flat for easy stacking. Keeps for up to 3 months.
  • Thawing – Move to the fridge overnight (small portions thaw in just a few hours).
  • Reheating (optional) – If you’d like it warm and silky, heat gently in a small pan on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until smooth. If it’s too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of water to loosen.

LEFTOVERS

  • Fridge – Store cooled sauce in a jar or airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Use it cold as a dip or spread, or warm it gently for a glossy finish.
  • Freezer – Keeps well for up to 3 months. See Make Ahead above for tips on portioning, thawing and reheating.
  • Author: Nicole
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Sauces and Dressings
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: BBQ-inspired