Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
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1 cup ketchup
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¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
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¼ cup apple cider vinegar
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2 tbsp molasses
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp yellow mustard
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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¼–½ tsp black pepper
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Optional heat: ¼–½ tsp cayenne or hot sauce
Instructions
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Combine
Add all ingredients to a saucepan and stir well. -
Simmer
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Cook 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. -
Taste & adjust
Add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or spice for heat. -
Cool & store
Let cool; sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Flavor Variations
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Honey BBQ: Replace brown sugar with honey.
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Spicy BBQ: Add chipotle powder or extra cayenne.
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Carolina-style: Add extra vinegar and mustard.
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Kansas City-style: Increase molasses for richer sweetness.
Storage
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Refrigerate in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks
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Freeze for up to 3 months
Great on ribs, chicken, pulled pork, burgers, or as a dipping sauce.
If you want, I can also share a no-cook BBQ sauce or a smoky bourbon BBQ version.