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–+ servings
a small jar of bbq sauce next to a chicken breast in a baking dish coated with the sauce
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4.67 from 6 votes

Small Batch BBQ Sauce

This homemade BBQ sauce is sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy, with simple ingredients and customizable heat. Perfect for grilling, dipping, or adding flavor to your favorite dishes!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose
Keyword: barbecue sauce, bbq sauce, sauce
Servings: 2 servings (3/4 cup)
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder (This recipe makes a mildly spicy sauce. For more heat, add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder. Taste the sauce first, then adjust the spice level as needed.)
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a 1-quart saucepan.
  • Cook the Sauce: Heat over medium-high until it starts to simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
    Pro Tip: Simmering thickens the sauce. For a thicker consistency, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  • Cool and Store: Use the sauce immediately, or let it cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
    Pro Tip: For deeper flavor, let the sauce rest for at least an hour or overnight before using.

Notes

This recipe yields ¾ cup of barbecue sauce.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: A good ketchup or tomato base is key to great flavor. Try different brands to find your favorite.
  • Taste and Adjust: Sample as it cooks and tweak ingredients to suit your taste.
  • Customize the Flavor: Add fruit preserves, bourbon, beer, or liquid smoke for a unique twist.
  • Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free, low-sugar, or vegan-friendly ingredients as needed.
  • Make It Your Own: This recipe is a guide—adjust it to match your dish and preferences.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 1019mg | Potassium: 480mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 337IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2mg

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