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Easy Tangy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe Under 50¢ Perfect for Grilling

easy tangy homemade BBQ sauce - featured image

A quick and budget-friendly homemade BBQ sauce with a perfect tangy balance, ideal for grilling chicken, pork, or veggies. Made with simple pantry staples and ready in about 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup ketchup (240 ml)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar (25 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Optional: substitute brown sugar with honey
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh peach puree for fruity twist

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, add 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Whisk gently until smooth.
  2. Stir in 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to dissolve the sugar.
  3. Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until spices are fully incorporated.
  4. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning: add more sugar if too tangy or more vinegar if too sweet.
  5. Optional: Transfer to a small saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
  6. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer to a clean jar or container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to deepen flavors.
  7. If sauce is too thick after refrigeration, stir in a teaspoon of water to loosen.
  8. Brush sauce on grilled meat during the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid burning.

Notes

If you prefer a spicier sauce, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. For a fruity twist, add fresh peach puree. The sauce can be used cold or simmered briefly to meld flavors. Brush on grilled meat during the last 5 minutes to avoid burning sugars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Freeze in small portions if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ sauce, homemade BBQ sauce, tangy BBQ sauce, easy BBQ sauce, grilling sauce, budget-friendly BBQ sauce