Quick & Smoky Homemade BBQ Sauce
This easy homemade BBQ sauce is sweet, smoky, and tangy, perfect for grilled chicken or pork.
- Prep5 min
- Cook10 min
- Total15 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings7
Making your own barbecue sauce at home is surprisingly simple and takes just 15 minutes. This version balances sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors with a rich, robust texture that clings beautifully to meat.
Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken, pork chops, or ribs, or stir it into pulled pork for extra flavor. It keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you can make a batch ahead of time.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Place all the ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, lower the heat to low.
- Cover the saucepan partially with a lid to prevent splattering.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 8 minutes, until it thickens slightly and the sharp vinegar taste mellows.
- Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
💡 Tips
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, skip the simmering time or reduce it to 5 minutes.
- Adjust the hickory smoke flavor to your taste—start with 1 teaspoon and add more if needed.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
Inspired by a recipe from Cooking Classy