If you love BBQ, you know that a good sauce can make all the difference. But most store-bought BBQ sauces are packed with sugar, corn syrup, and preservatives — and they often cost a lot for something you can make yourself in a fraction of the time. That’s why in this episode of “But Homemade”, we’re showing you how to create four incredible homemade BBQ sauces that are healthier, cheaper, and bursting with flavor.
From the classic smoky tomato BBQ to a sweet and tangy honey mustard, a bold and spicy chipotle, and an Asian-inspired umami-rich sauce, these recipes are designed to be easy, quick, and versatile. You can brush them on ribs, chicken, vegetables, tofu, or even use them as a dipping sauce.
Watch the full video here:
Making your own BBQ sauce at home has a lot of benefits:
- Healthier ingredients: No hidden sugar, corn syrup, or artificial preservatives.
- Cost-effective: Homemade sauces are far cheaper than pre-bottled versions.
- Customizable flavor: Adjust sweetness, heat, and smokiness to your taste.
The Four Homemade BBQ Sauces
1. Classic Smoky Tomato BBQ Sauce
A rich, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce made with tomato paste, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of spices. Perfect for ribs, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
2. Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce
A quick and tangy honey mustard sauce that’s ready in under 10 minutes. Smooth, flavorful, and ideal for grilled chicken or vegetables.
3. Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Smoky, sweet, and spicy with a bold chipotle kick. This sauce is fully customizable to your preferred heat level and works great on ribs, burgers, or roasted vegetables.
4. Asian-Inspired BBQ Sauce
Sweet, savory, and full of umami, this sauce features soy, ginger, garlic, and a touch of chili. It’s perfect for grilled meats, tofu, or skewers.
Storage Tips
All four sauces store beautifully in airtight jars. Refrigerated, they last 2–3 weeks, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Always use a clean spoon to maintain freshness.
Making your own BBQ sauces is easier than you think, and it gives you control over flavor, sweetness, and spice. Plus, it’s a fun way to impress friends and family at your next BBQ. Try all four sauces and see which one becomes your favorite!
Don’t forget to watch the video for step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks on making these four sauces at home.
Classic Smoky Tomato BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato paste
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and molasses in a small saucepan.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning — add more molasses for sweetness, or more vinegar for tang.
- Let cool and store in an airtight jar.
Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup yellow mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Whisk mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
- Add brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Store in a clean jar in the refrigerator.
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 –3 chipotle peppers in adobo chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
- Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as desired.
- Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks.
Asian-Inspired BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tsp chili flakes optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or heat as desired.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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