Simple Barbecue Sauce From Scratch

This simple, homemade barbecue sauce is so delicious and easy to make that you will fall in love with it at the first taste.  

 

Everyone who’s tried this loved it, so it’s a great option for when you have company or are cooking for a crowd.  You will look like an extra awesome cook when you show up with your HOMEMADE barbecue sauce rather than something in a jar!

 

I originally got this recipe from Lisa at Simple Joy.  She has so many great recipes and is a great place to start if you are a new cook and looking for lots of options.

 

If you are a new cook and looking for some simple yet delicious recipes to try, be sure to check out my Ground Beef Tacos or BLT Chicken Salad.

 

Please leave comments on how this goes for you, and if you do any substitutions, I’m always game for ways to change things up!

 

 

Food From Scratch: Is It Worth It?

 

Making food from scratch has several benefits for your health and overall well-being. Let me convince you with these key advantages:

 

1. Better Control Over Ingredients

 

• When you make food from scratch, you have full control over what goes into your meals.  Avoid processed ingredients, preservatives, excess sugar, and unhealthy fats.
• You can also opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients that fit your dietary preferences, such as organic, gluten-free, or low-sodium options.

 

2. Healthier Options

 

• Homemade meals are healthier because you can use fresh, whole ingredients and limit unhealthy additives.

 

3. Nutritional Value

 

• Many store-bought foods, especially processed ones, lose a significant amount of nutrients during production. When you cook from scratch, you can preserve the nutritional value of your ingredients.

 

4. Customization

 

• You can tailor the flavor, texture, and portion size of your dishes exactly how you want them.
• If you have dietary restrictions or allergies (e.g., dairy-free, vegan, nut allergies), it’s much easier to prepare meals that are safe and satisfying.

5. Cost Savings

 

• While some ingredients may cost more upfront, making food from scratch is often cheaper in the long run than buying prepackaged or takeout meals.
• You can purchase ingredients in bulk, reduce food waste, and make meals that provide multiple servings, stretching your grocery budget.

 

6. Enhanced Taste and Freshness

 

• Food made from scratch tends to taste better because it’s fresher and often less processed. You can adjust seasonings, spices, and ingredients to match your taste preferences.
• Homemade meals often have a more authentic and satisfying flavor compared to mass-produced options.  This barbecue sauce just tastes so much better made fresh than what you get from a bottle on a shelf.

 

7. Increased Cooking Skills

 

• Cooking from scratch can help you develop better cooking skills and expand your knowledge of food preparation and techniques.
• As you get better at cooking, you’ll gain confidence in the kitchen and feel more empowered to try new recipes.

 

8. Mindful Eating

 

• Preparing meals from scratch encourages mindfulness. You become more aware of the food you’re preparing and eating, making you more likely to savor your meals and appreciate the effort behind them.
• It also promotes healthier eating habits since you’re likely to make more balanced, nutritious meals.

 

Making food from scratch not only boosts your physical health but can also enhance your overall enjoyment of food and life. It’s a fulfilling practice that connects you to what you’re eating and empowers you to make better choices!

 

Why Make Your Barbecue Sauce?

 

Reason number 1 is that it is so dang delicious and easy.  Once you do this, you will never go back to trying random ones from the store, only to be disappointed in the flavor.  

 

This sauce is great for everything and keeps in the fridge just fine for 1-2 weeks.  Mine always tends to go much faster than that, though! 

 

Easy

 

There are a handful of ingredients, all of which you probably have in your kitchen.  I’ve whipped this up in less than 10 minutes when in a pinch. 

 

Healthy

 

This recipe is made from scratch with ingredients you likely have on hand as you’re reading this.  With no preservatives, funky chemicals, or seed oils, this homemade barbecue sauce is a very clean option. 

 

If you haven’t checked the ingredient label on what you’re buying at the store, it’s worth it to at least be aware.  Most commercial condiments, including barbecue sauce, contain a variety of additives, depending on the recipe and brand.  Some of the most common additives in barbecue sauces include:

 

• High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – A sweetener commonly used in many commercial sauces for its ability to provide sweetness and improve texture.

 

• Artificial flavors – Some sauces may include artificial flavors like liquid smoke to provide a smoky taste without the need for actual smoking.

 

• Natural flavor- What is this anyways? I’ve heard a lot of different things, and some were gross.  Needless to say, if you don’t know what it is or where it came from, you probably shouldn’t eat it.

 

• Preservatives – Ingredients like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate may be included to extend shelf life.

 

• Thickeners – Cornstarch or xanthan gum may be used to give the sauce a thicker, more syrupy consistency.

To learn more about ingredients, the good, the bad, and the ugly, check out my post on uncovering bad ingredients in food.

 

Versatile

 

You can use this for so many different things.  I’ve used it with chicken, beef, grilled sandwiches, and even as a salad dressing. 

 

Tools You Need

 

Saucepan

Anyone will work, and it doesn’t have to be huge.  I have Cuisinart cookware, so that’s where this link goes. 

 

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Stainless steel for the win here.  

 

Spatula

This brand is awesome.  You get 4 shapes with this pack, and you will use them daily, I promise. 

 

Whisk 

I love this set.  Silicone and stainless steel.  It is nice to have the right size when you need it!

 

Ingredients For Homemade Barbecue Sauce

 

Ketchup

Organic is best.  

Apple Cider Vinegar

 

Brown Sugar

 

Worcestershire Sauce

Try to find an organic one without ‘natural flavor. ’  The ingredients should all be things you know and understand. 

 

Onion Powder

 

Garlic Powder

 

Paprika

 

Salt

I use pink Himalayan sea salt for everything. 

Pepper

 

 

How To Make Simple Barbecue Sauce

 

• Mix all ingredients with a whisk in a saucepan.  Let simmer on the stovetop at medium heat, stirring occasionally with a spatula to make sure it doesn’t stick to the sides.

• When sauce has thickened to your liking, usually about 5-10 minutes, remove from heat and serve immediately.  If you are preparing in advance, let the sauce cool, transfer it to a Mason jar, and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.