This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This simple and Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce is made from scratch with a simple mix of ingredients you already have at home! This is the best BBQ sauce recipe with the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. Making it at home means you can customize the flavors according to your taste- and you know exactly what’s in it.
Make the best Homemade BBQ Sauce by combining cider vinegar, ketchup, smoked paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. This versatile and gluten-free BBQ sauce is an easy recipe to follow and is perfect for Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers, 15-minute BBQ Shrimp, or even Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings
Why You Will love this recipe
- Easy Preparation: Simple steps and minimal cooking time make it a breeze to whip up.
- Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit personal taste preferences for a personalized touch.
- Versatile Usage: Perfect for adding flavor to grilled meats, vegetables, and sandwiches. You may even use it as a dipping sauce!
Ingredients Needed
This simple BBQ sauce recipe is made with the simplest ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Ketchup: Provides a tomato-based foundation, adding sweetness and a thick consistency. Don’t like ketchup? you can use tomato sauce in place of ketchup.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses a smoky, earthy flavor that goes perfect with grilled meats.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness, complementing the acidity and smokiness. You may use honey or maple syrup. We prefer brown sugar.
- Onion Powder: Adds savory onion flavor while still keeping the homemade BBQ sauce smooth.
- Ground Cumin: Adds warm, earthy flavors to the simple BBQ sauce.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors in the sauce.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a tiny bit of heat.
How to Make This Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
Combine Ingredients: In a small pot or saucepan, add cider vinegar, ketchup, smoked paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and ground black pepper.
Simmer Over Medium Heat: Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to achieve the desired consistency.
Cool Completely: Once simmered, let the BBQ sauce cool completely.
Store or Serve: Transfer the sauce into a jar for convenient storage, where it can be kept for up to 2 weeks, or serve the homemade BBQ sauce immediately on your favorite grilled dishes.
Expert Tips
- Keep an eye on the sauce while simmering, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing or using. This helps the flavors settle and ensures a better texture.
- Feel free to adjust ingredient quantities to match your taste preferences.
- Want it a bit spicy? Add in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance. The flavors often improve after sitting for a day or two. Just store it properly in the refrigerator and reheat it if needed.
Try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to make this simple BBQ sauce a bit spicy.
Adjust the amounts of the brown sugar or the apple cider vinegar if you want to make your sauce more sweet or more tangy.
Serving Suggestions
This easy homemade BBQ sauce goes well on so many different dishes! Add to grilled chicken breasts, chicken thighs, shrimp, veggies, or salmon. Here are some of our favorites:
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Boneless BBQ Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings
- 15-Minute BBQ Shrimp
- BBQ Salmon
- Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
Storage Recommendations
Save this simple BBQ sauce to use in future meals in a variety of ways:
- Refrigerate: Store the homemade BBQ sauce in a clean, airtight jar, mason jar, or container in the refrigerator. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in a freezer-safe container. Allow some space for expansion, and thaw it in the refrigerator when ready to use.
More Sauces and Seasoning Recipes
- Homemade Healthy Alfredo Sauce
- How To Make Cajun Seasoning
- How To Make Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- How To Make Homemade Italian Seasoning
- How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Homemade Pesto Sauce
- How To Make Jerk Seasoning
If you try a recipe and you like it, leave us some feedback in the comment section below, and don’t forget to rate it! We would love it if you shared it with friends and family.
Finally, please use our hashtag #healthyfitnessmeals on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured! FOLLOW Healthy Fitness Meals on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER for all of our latest blog posts and recipes.
Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup Apple cider vinegar
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¼ cup brown sugar, or honey
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add all the above ingredients into a small pot or saucepan.
- Allow it to simmer over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes.
- Next, let it cool completely and store it in a jar for up to 2 weeks or serve as needed
Notes
- Makes: 1½ cups
- Each serving is 2 tablespoons
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking; adjust heat for a gentle simmer.
- Cool sauce completely before storing for settled flavors and better texture.
- Adjust ingredient quantities to match taste preferences.
- Refrigerate the BBQ sauce in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
