Description
Homemade honey bbq sauce delivers bold, smoky flavors that elevate grilled meats and summer dishes. Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes you’ll crave with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Sweet Base:
- ½ cup (118 ml) honey
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
Liquid Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Gather a medium saucepan and place it on the stovetop, preparing to create a rich, glossy BBQ sauce with layered flavor profiles.
- Pour ketchup, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices into the pan, whisking thoroughly to ensure complete ingredient integration and smooth consistency.
- Activate medium heat, allowing the mixture to warm gradually while continuously stirring to prevent potential scorching or ingredient separation.
- Once the sauce begins to bubble softly, reduce the temperature to low, creating a gentle simmer that will help ingredients meld and develop deep, complex flavors.
- Allow the sauce to cook uncovered, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and promote even heat distribution, watching for gradual thickening and concentration of flavors.
- After approximately 10-12 minutes, evaluate the sauce’s consistency and taste, using a spoon to test its texture and flavor balance.
- Adjust seasonings as needed, potentially adding extra honey for sweetness, additional vinegar for tanginess, or a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat.
- Remove from heat once the sauce reaches a glossy, coating-like consistency that clings smoothly to a spoon, signaling it’s ready for application on grilled meats or as a dipping condiment.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adding more cayenne or hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for alternative sweetener options.
- Store excess sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Use as a marinade for grilled meats, a dipping sauce for appetizers, or a glaze for roasted vegetables to maximize versatility.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg