Easy Barbeque Sauce Recipe

barbeque sauce recipe

This easy, simple homemade barbeque sauce recipe is the perfect compliment to traditional grilled BBQ meat (ribs, chicken, pork) and is delicious added to salads, baked beans, or used as a spread on burgers. Best of all, it’s super quick and easy to make!

Barbecue sauces were originally created to add moisture to slow-cooked meats that could dry out from the intense heat of grilling. Adding a little bit of moisture to the meat allowed it to retain more flavor, and the addition of a little sweetness helped balance the acidity from the vinegar used for basting.

There are several different styles of barbecue sauces, and some regions even have their own specific recipes. For instance, St Louis style barbecue sauce has a very distinct flavor profile from Kansas City sauce, just across the state line.

The basic ingredients in most barbeque sauces include tomato sauce or ketchup, vinegar, and sweeteners (usually molasses or brown sugar). The exact ratio of these ingredients can vary, as well as the additional flavors that are added, such as Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, and spices like paprika. Almost any kind of vinegar can be used, but apple cider vinegar is typically preferred for its bright, clean flavor. The amount of sugar can also be varied, from light to dark brown sugar, to suit personal preference. In this particular recipe, a little bit of brown sugar is added to give the sauce a slight caramelization that complements the other savory flavors in the recipe.