How To Make Homemade BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is a must-have condiment for any barbecue, whether you're grilling chicken, pork, beef, or veggies. While store-bought BBQ sauce is readily available, making your own homemade BBQ sauce is surprisingly easy and can be customized to suit your personal taste preferences. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps of making your own homemade BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

The first step in making your homemade BBQ sauce is gathering the necessary ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

  • 1 cup ketchup

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup molasses

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine all of the ingredients.

  2. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

  3. Cook the sauce over medium heat until it comes to a boil.

  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

  6. Transfer the sauce to a jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Variations

One of the great things about making your own homemade BBQ sauce is that you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature sauce. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Add a tablespoon of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.

  • Use honey instead of brown sugar for a sweeter sauce.

  • Swap out the apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.

  • Add a little heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.

Conclusion

Making your own homemade BBQ sauce is a simple and rewarding task that can elevate any barbecue meal. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can create a sauce that is customized to your liking. So the next time you fire up the grill, skip the store-bought sauce and try making your own homemade BBQ sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!

If you’re looking for BBQ restaurants in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region that specialize in smooth bourbon and smoked meats, Smoke Justis is the place to be!

Alex Tilford