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๐Ÿฅ˜Recipes by Nani
Dinner

Homemade Classic BBQ Sauce

A quick and tangy homemade BBQ sauce that turns any grilled meat into a backyard favorite.

By Recipes By Naniยท ๐ŸŒ Americanยท July 20, 2026
Homemade Classic BBQ Sauce
recipesbynani.com
Prep
2 minutes
Cook
8 minutes
Total
10 minutes
Serves
6

There is truly nothing like the smell of a grill firing up on a warm afternoon. When you have friends and family coming over, having a go to sauce that you can whisk together in just a few minutes makes all the difference.

This simple recipe uses basic pantry staples to create a deep, savory flavor that beats anything from a bottle. It is perfect for brushing onto chicken, ribs, or even just using as a dipping sauce for some crusty sourdough bread.

๐Ÿงบ Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸณInstructions

  1. 1

    Place all the ingredients into a small saucepan.

  2. 2

    Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

  3. 3

    Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer.

  4. 4

    Let the sauce bubble away for about 5 to 7 minutes while stirring occasionally, which helps the flavors meld together.

  5. 5

    Remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely before using or storing in the fridge.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

Store your extra sauce in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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