This homemade barbecue sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. It’s versatile enough to complement ribs, chicken, pulled pork, or even as a dipping sauce. With a rich tomato base, natural sweeteners, and a blend of spices, this sauce is sure to elevate your grilling game.
Ingredients:
8 oz tomato sauce
1 cup ketchup
½ cup natural honey
2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
½ cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1½ teaspoons liquid smoke
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Instructions:
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Stir well to ensure a smooth mixture.
Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer for 2 hours.
Cool and Store: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Tips:
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, consider adding a bit more honey or molasses to taste.
Spice Level: For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you like it spicier, feel free to add more.
Consistency: If the sauce is too thick after cooling, you can thin it out with a small amount of water or vinegar to reach your desired consistency.
This sauce is a delightful blend of sweet and smoky flavors, making it a versatile addition to your grilling repertoire. Whether you’re basting ribs, marinating chicken, or using it as a dipping sauce, it’s sure to impress.
For more insights on crafting the perfect barbecue sauce, you might find this article helpful: All You Need to Make Barbecue Sauce Is This Formula.
Happy grilling,
Jerry
This looks like a GREAT BBQ sauce. I am just curious, as I watch my carbs, what the nutritional information is for this sauce? In general, BBQ sauce is fairly high in carbs averging about 15 carbs for 2 T. Which is quite a bit when you limit yourself to 50. Does the cayenne pepper give it a bit of a kick? My family all like a spicier BBQ sauce. I’d love to try this!
Leahrae,
I am not sure what the carb count would be since you have honey and molasses in the recipe. It may have a bit of a kick depending on the amount of cayenne you add to the recipe. You control the kick when you make the sauce. I prefer a small amount of heat, personally.
Happy Grilling
Jerry
As someone who absolutely loves barbecue, this recipe is right up my alley! The balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors sounds like pure perfection. I really appreciate how you broke down each ingredient—especially the use of molasses and liquid smoke, which I think are game-changers. I can already imagine slathering this on ribs or using it as a dip for grilled chicken. Can’t wait to try it out—thank you for sharing such a flavorful, homemade classic!
Alyssa,
Many times, we settle for the sauce that is readily available. When I developed this recipe, it was for a church social featuring brisket I had smoked. I wanted a sauce that was a great pairing for my brisket. I have many people who still special-order this sauce for their grilling events.
Happy Grilling,
Jerry
Hi Jerry,
I’m a big fan of BBQ flavours that lean into both sweet and smoky notes — especially with that touch of molasses and liquid smoke. It’s great to see a recipe that doesn’t skimp on depth and balance.
I usually do a lot of outdoor cooking when the UK weather allows, and this looks like the perfect homemade sauce to slather over ribs or drizzle on pulled pork. I might even try it as a glaze for grilled fruit — yes, I’m one of those people who’ll put pineapple on the barbie!
Can’t wait to give this a go next sunny weekend. Thanks for the inspiration and brilliant step-by-step breakdown!
Cheers,
Cherie
Chezstar,
Many sauces focus on sweet or smoky, but few balance the two. I am pleased to introduce this sauce since it has that balance. I feel a barbecue sauce must have great depth and balance to help bring out all the flavors of the food prepared. I, like you, am not afraid to put fruit on the grill. You may want to try grilling peaches; they are very tasty when smoked, and you add a touch of cinnamon.
Happy Grilling,
Jerry
This sweet and smoky BBQ sauce sounds like a true backyard essential—classic but with enough depth to make it your own. I love how the balance of honey and spice creates that perfect kick. It makes me wonder—has anyone tried using this sauce as a glaze for roasted veggies or even a burger spread?
kiersti,
I have not tried it in the way you describe, but with the flavors in the sauce, it should create a tasty dish. I have found that you can find many different ways to use a sauce. I have used this sauce in hamburger meat to give it a zesty flavor that all have enjoyed.
Happy Grilling,
Jerry