Homemade Sweet and Zesty BBQ Sauce Recipe
This homemade Sweet and Zesty BBQ Sauce combines tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and savory spices to create a rich, flavorful BBQ sauce that’s perfect for ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and family cookouts. Easy to make from scratch, this BBQ sauce recipe will be a hit at any backyard barbecue!
Homemade BBQ sauce is much better than store bought in the fact that it has elevated flavor and is free from additives and preservatives. My version is delightfully tangy and mildly sweet. It pairs well chicken, ribs, brisket, and even steak. You will love it for your backyard cookouts and Summer gatherings with your loved ones.
Ingredients in this BBQ Sauce
- Tomato Sauce
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Brown Sugar
- Honey
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Smoked Paprika
- Mustard Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Hot Sauce
Homemade Sweet and Zesty BBQ Sauce Recipe Instructions
Place all of the ingredients in a medium sized sauce pan. Stir well to combine and heat to a simmer on medium-low heat. Stirring occasionally, continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes or until sauce has reached your desired thickness. Serve immediately, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for later.
Homemade Sweet and Zesty BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Medium Sauce Pan
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz Can of Tomato Sauce
- 1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 5 TBSP Brown Sugar
- 2 TBSP Honey
- 1 1/2 TBSP Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Dry Mustard Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a medium sauce pan and stir well to combine.
- Bring to a simmer on low heat. Stirring occasionally, continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use Smoked Paprika rather than regular paprika. This creates a crucial flavor note in this recipe and it can be found at almost any grocery store. You can also find it here. If you want even more smokiness in the taste, add a small splash of liquid smoke.
- Use Frank’s Red Hot sauce in this recipe for a little heat however if you are sensitive to spice or are serving this to the kids, feel free to omit it. It will still be delicious!
- Simmer on low heat. If you heat too high you will make a big splatter mess on your stove! I definitely learned this from experience 😅
Recipe Variations
- Spicy BBQ Sauce– Add up to a tbsp of hot sauce or 1/2 top crushed red pepper flakes.
- Extra Smoky BBQ Sauce– Double the smoked paprika or add a tsp of liquid smoke.
- Maple BBQ Sauce– Substitute 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup for the honey.
This homemade Sweet and Zesty BBQ Sauce is perfect for smoked meats, especially pork and chicken. Brush it on smoky ribs, toss it with grilled chicken, mix it into tender pulled pork for a delicious sandwich, or coat chicken wings for an unforgettable BBQ flavor. Easy, from-scratch, and full of flavor!
Happy cooking!
XO, Bri
More Homemade Sauce Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved this sweet and zesty BBQ sauce, try these other easy, from-scratch sauces and marinades to take your ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and family cookouts to the next level!
From-Scratch Pantry Staples to Make at Home
If you enjoyed making your own sweet and zesty BBQ sauce, explore these easy DIY pantry staples next! From homemade ranch dressing mix to water kefir and brownie mix, these recipes make cooking and snacking from scratch simple, delicious, and fun.
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