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Homemade barbecue sauce in a white bowl with a basting brush dipped into the sauce
Jana Rae

Homemade BBQ Sauce

Easy homemade BBQ sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, and spices. Sweet, tangy, and ready in 30 minutes on the stovetop.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 3 cups
Course: condiment, Homemade Ingredients
Cuisine: American
Calories: 90
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups ketchup 360 g
  • ½ cup vinegar 120 g
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 60 g
  • ¾ cup brown sugar packed (165 g)
  • 2 tablespoons mustard 30 g
  • 1 tablespoon paprika 6 g
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder 4 g
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 g
  • 2-3 teaspoons garlic powder 6–9 g, to taste
  • ½ cup water 120 g

Method
 

  1. Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and stir well to combine.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  4. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before using. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.

Notes

  • Adjust garlic powder based on preference — start with 2 teaspoons and increase if desired.
  • For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water while simmering.
  • For a deeper flavor, let the sauce rest overnight in the refrigerator before using.