Sweet and Tangy Bbq Sauce

Elevate your barbecue game with this Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce—a versatile and flavor-packed addition to all your grilling favorites. This homemade sauce combines the richness of ketchup and brown sugar with the bold kick of apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. A touch of honey, smoked paprika, and optional liquid smoke add depth and a subtle smoky essence, while garlic, onion, and mustard powders layer in savory notes. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy BBQ sauce is ideal for brushing onto ribs, chicken, or burgers, or serving as a dipping sauce. Customize the spice level with cayenne for some heat, and adjust the thickness to your preference for a truly personalized, crowd-pleasing condiment. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or looking to spice up weeknight meals, this homemade barbecue sauce is a must-try pantry staple!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon mustard powder
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• 0.25 cup water

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 2

Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 3

Pour in the water and liquid smoke (if using) to adjust the consistency and add depth of flavor. Mix well.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 6

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional honey (for sweetness) or vinegar (for tanginess).

Step 7

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the BBQ sauce cool to room temperature.

Step 8

Transfer the sauce to a clean jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(525.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	549.2

Total Fat 0.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1226.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 137.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.9g	0%
Total Sugars 114.2g
Protein 1.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 89.8mg	0%
Iron 2.6mg	0%
Potassium 411.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1.3%

Protein: 1.3%

Carbs: 97.4%