Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Simple and easy to make in just a few minutes. Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce using liquid smoke.
While this isn't a no-cook recipe, it takes just 10 minutes to make. Use it on chicken, ribs or burgers, the choice is yours.

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Summer is around the corner, and that means it's time to break out the grill and start barbecuing!
But what's a good BBQ without a delicious sauce to go with it? Store-bought BBQ sauces can be loaded with preservatives and artificial flavours, not to mention they can be expensive.
That's why making your own BBQ sauce at home is not only easy, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience.
In this ultimate guide, we'll show you how to make your very own BBQ sauce from scratch using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
From tangy and sweet to spicy and smoky, we've got you covered with a variety of recipes that will elevate your BBQ game to the next level. So, get in the kitchen, grab your apron and let's get saucy!
Ingredients in this sticky BBQ sauce recipe
- ketchup
- dark brown sugar (rather than light brown sugar)
- Worcestershire sauce
- English mustard
- white wine vinegar
- garlic granules
- pinch of salt
- pinch of black pepper
- liquid smoke - optional, you only need a tiny amount but it's seriously good!
What do you use liquid smoke for?
A quick word on liquid smoke - if you've never used this before, let me tell you it is a life-changing store cupboard ingredient!
Now, here in the UK, it isn't widely available in supermarkets but you can buy liquid smoke over on Amazon.
A bottle will last ages since you really only need a tiny amount. Open the bottle and it smells just like hickory smoke.
To cook with liquid smoke you can brush it onto the chicken, burgers, steak or hot dogs for an instant tangy outdoor smoky flavour.
Add a few dashes to marinades, sauces, baked beans, dips, or poultry. It will create a lovely campfire warmth.
How to make homemade BBQ sauce
Throw all the ingredients into a saucepan and, over very low heat, heat while stirring until everything has melted and mixed together.
That's it - job done!
Serve BBQ sauce with pretty much anything!
- Burgers - beef or chicken burgers
- Hot dogs
- Chicken
- Wings
- Ribs
- Fries
- Steak
- Pork
- As a dip
You could even add a tablespoon to dishes such as Chilli con Carne or Bolognese.
Recommended Equipment
- a wooden spoon
- Kilner jar - or similar
How long will it keep?
Stored in an airtight container or Kilner jar the sauce should last up to 10 days in the fridge.
Easy BBQ sauce
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Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 160g of ketchup
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar - packed, level tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon English mustard
- 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon hot smoked paprika
- 1 ½ tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 5 drops of Tabasco
- ¼ teaspoon garlic granules
- pinch of salt
- pinch of black pepper
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke - optional, but seriously good!
Instructions
- Throw all of the ingredients in a saucepan and mix them all together.
- Heat over a low heat, until it starts to bubble, then simmer for 5 minutes. Take care not to overheat the sauce or it will impair the taste and also it could spit, so take good care.
- Turn off the heat and allow it to cool completely before serving or storing.
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Jan