This BBQ Sauce rivals anything you’d find at your grocery store!
I’m rather obsessed with BBQ sauce. We have a lot of great local BBQ sauce makers, and whenever I can, I buy a bottle at my co-op. What I love about this sassy sauce is that there are countless regional variations, each with distinct flavors. BBQ sauce can be tangy, spicy, sweet, or all of the above. They can be soy-based, mustard-based, vinegar-based, or again, all of the above. You can use the sauce with everything from pizzas to burgers—and boy, do they make a great marinade!
This BBQ sauce recipe is perhaps more traditional. It calls for brown sugar, which provides a rich sweetness, while the apple cider vinegar adds a tangy zing. But the key ingredient here is paprika, which gives it a subtle smokiness. This BBQ sauce is versatile enough to complement a variety of grilled dishes, especially grilled chicken and burgers.
Is BBQ Sauce Healthy?
BBQ sauce can be part of a healthy diet when used in moderation. I’m not going to lie—there’s a third of a cup of brown sugar in this sauce. That said, just look at the ingredients of the store-bought variety, and you’ll notice that a lot of them contain high-fructose corn syrup and preservatives. This homemade sauce allows you to control the ingredients, so feel free to reduce the sugar or substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or all-natural date syrup. You can also opt for low-sodium ketchup and/or Worcestershire sauce.
The Role of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a key ingredient in this BBQ sauce. It gives the sauce a tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar and ketchup. Typically, BBQ sauce uses white vinegar, but I prefer apple cider vinegar because it brings a subtle fruitiness and a mild tartness.
How to Make Ahead and Store
BBQ sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to use an airtight jar or container. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
When summer is in full swing, I plan on slathering this BBQ sauce on a Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast and these easy Air-Fryer Hamburgers. Heck, I’ll probably use it as a dip for my French Fries, too. And if you’re planning your own BBQ feast, you might want to try this Simple Mexican Coleslaw and some Corn On The Cob. This BBQ sauce will pair with practically any grilled favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 15 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and allow the BBQ sauce to cool. It can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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