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–+ servings
Glossy, dark homemade bbq sauce recipe with a rich bourbon-maple reduction in a glass jar.

Homemade Bbq Sauce Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
A bold and glossy homemade BBQ sauce that perfectly balances sweetness with tangy apple cider vinegar. This easy pantry-staple recipe creates a professional-grade glaze for ribs, wings, and grilled meats.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 24 Servings
Calories 55 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk or spatula
  • Glass jar

Ingredients
 

  • 1 1/2 cups tomato ketchup
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 Tbsp paprika or to taste
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions
 

Build the base

  • Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and stir well, scraping the bottom so the brown sugar starts dissolving into the tomato ketchup.
  • Set the pan over medium heat and keep stirring until everything looks smooth and unified, with no streaks of mustard or dry pockets of spice.

Simmer and reduce

  • Bring the sauce up to a boil, then immediately drop the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Maintain a gentle, steady bubble to avoid scorching the sugars.

Finish, taste, and rest

  • When the sauce is thick and glossy and coats the back of a spoon, taste and adjust seasonings to your liking, then pull it off the heat.
  • Cool completely at room temperature, then cover and let the flavor settle for 1 hour before refrigerating or serving.

Notes

Safety Tip: Using apple cider vinegar is critical because it lowers the pH level of the sauce, which ensures safer storage and better keeping quality.
Storage Guide: Store the sauce in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For long term storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months and whisk after thawing.
Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick after refrigeration, loosen it slowly by whisking in a teaspoon of water or apple juice at a time until it reaches a slow ribbon consistency.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 55kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 0.5gFat: 0.1gSodium: 345mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword bourbon maple bbq sauce, easy barbecue sauce, homemade bbq sauce recipe
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