RECIPE
Homemade Sweet & Smoky Barbecue Sauce
A rich, sweet and smoky homemade barbecue sauce made completely from scratch with tomato paste, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices. Perfect for ribs, chicken, pulled pork, burgers, and dipping.
Skip the bottled sauce. This homemade sweet and smoky barbecue sauce delivers the perfect balance of tangy, savory, smoky, and sweet. It cooks down into a thick, glossy sauce that's perfect for brushing over barbecue, serving alongside smoked meats, or keeping in the refrigerator whenever you need a little extra flavor. Makes approximately 2½ cups.
Ingredients
- Makes about 2½ cups
- 12 oz tomato paste
- 1½ cups water
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne, optional
Instructions
- Whisk the tomato paste and water together first until smooth. Add everything else, bring it to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. It'll darken, reduce, and develop that glossy barbecue-sauce consistency.