This Homemade Barbecue Sauce recipe is a wonderfully delicious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy. This sauce comes together with mostly pantry ingredients and can be used as a condiment or added to other dishes.

Most flavorful sauce
If you haven't tried making homemade barbecue sauce, I urge you to give it a try... at least this once. This sauce is really unlike anything store-bought. The depth of flavor is just incredible. This is my go-to barbecue sauce recipe and is courtesy of Ina Garten. I love keeping a jar in my refrigerator to use on everything from burgers to pizza and as a glaze or dipping sauce.
Why you will love this
Incredible depth of flavor! This barbecue sauce is a wonderful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. You can easily adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes depending on how much spice you like.
Makes a large batch and keeps well. This recipe makes 1 ½ quarts (6 cups) and keeps well for several weeks in the refrigerator. With minimal prep, this sauce comes together easily and is mostly hands-off while it simmers for 30 minutes.
This sauce is very versatile. Use it as a dip, glaze, sandwich spread, or as a base for sauces. Try it on a BBQ Bacon Chicken Brioche Sandwich or in Barbecue Beef Stew.
Another must-try favorite >> Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients
While this sauce has a lengthier list of ingredients, most are pantry items that may likely already be in your pantry. The unique blend of tang and spice comes from hoisin sauce and soy sauce combined with Dijon mustard, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Honey provides sweetness and tomato paste a rich deep base. Chili powder, cumin, and crushed red pepper add warmth and spice. Onions and garlic round out the flavor profile.
Step-by-step instructions
See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
- Chop the onion and sauté in oil until soft and translucent, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use immediately or cool and store in the refrigerator for several weeks. This sauce can be frozen, but since it keeps so well, I prefer to have it readily available in my fridge.
How to use
- Use as a dipping sauce for Cap'n Crunch chicken tenders or chicken wings.
- Spread on burgers or meatloaf.
- Glaze chicken or pork chops.
- Use as a sauce on pizza or drizzle on Barbecue Chicken Nachos
Equipment
Dutch oven | Measuring spoons | Liquid measuring cup
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Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 large onion)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup tomato paste (10 ounces)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 cup hoisin sauce (8 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a heavy pot set over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 10 - 15 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the tomato paste, vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Stir to combine.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally.
- Use immediately or cool completely, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for several weeks. Use as a condiment or incorporate into other recipes.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending upon the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
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