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–+ servings
spoon lifts BBQ sauce from glass jar
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4.98 from 48 votes

Best Homemade BBQ Sauce (Without Ketchup)

Make the best homemade BBQ sauce without ketchup and with simple pantry staples. It's tangy, sweet, and perfect for grilled or smoked meats!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 20kcal
Author: Traci

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 (15-ounce can) Tomato Sauce or Tomato Puree
  • ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • ¼ cup Honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Molasses or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a 2 quart saucepan and whisk to combine.
  • Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil, stirring occasionally.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until thickened to your liking, stirring as needed.
  • Serve warm or cool to room temperature before using or storing.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring as needed.

Video

Notes

Tomato sauce vs. purée: Tomato purée makes a slightly thicker sauce, while tomato sauce is a bit looser. Either works—just simmer to your preferred consistency.
Ingredient swaps: No tomato sauce? Use a homemade tomato sauce substitute. You can also swap honey with brown sugar using a 1:1 ratio.
Simmer patiently: Since this BBQ sauce is made without ketchup, the flavor and thickness come from reducing it on the stove. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
Adjust the texture: Simmer longer for a thicker sauce, or add a splash of water to thin it out.
Taste and adjust: Add more vinegar for extra tang, more sweetener if you prefer it sweeter, or a pinch of cayenne or chipotle for heat.
Make it ahead: The flavor gets better after a day or two in the fridge, so feel free to make it in advance.
Storage tips: Let the sauce cool completely, then refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 20kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg