Sticky Smoky BBQ Sauce With Brown Sugar An Easy Recipe.

Elevate your BBQ game with this sticky, smoky BBQ sauce, perfect for various meats. Whether you’re grilling chicken, pork, or beef, this sauce adds a rich, caramelized flavor that’s hard to beat. I’ve even tried it on chicken cooked in a cast iron skillet, and it turned out delicious! This versatile sauce is great for everyday meals and can be doubled or tripled for larger-scale BBQ events, making it a go-to recipe for feeding a crowd. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy and flavorful BBQ sauce!

I created this easy barbecue sauce recipe with just a handful of ingredients to deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. By using a little liquid smoke, I perfectly balanced smoky and sweet, ensuring a rich, sweet BBQ sauce that enhances any meat dish. The recipe’s simplicity means you get an easy BBQ sauce that’s both flavorful and straightforward, making it a go-to for effortless, delicious BBQ.

Love the smoky flavor of BBQ? Try our BBQ chicken wrap sandwich for a filling lunch or light dinner idea. 

Why You Will Love This Simple BBQ Sauce Recipe:

Versatile and Flavorful: This BBQ sauce is a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a fantastic addition to any meat dish. Its rich taste complements everything from ribs and chicken to beef and grilled vegetables.

Easy to Make: This sauce is quick and effortless to make with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, giving you homemade flavor with minimal fuss.

Scalable for Any Event: Whether hosting a small family dinner or a large BBQ bash, this recipe can be easily increased to suit your needs. You’ll always have enough delicious sauce to keep your guests returning for more!

Let’s Get Started Making This Super Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe.

To make this delicious Sticky smoked BBQ Sauce, start by gathering a small saucepan and adding the necessary ingredients: one cup of ketchup, the tomato paste, a cup of brown sugar (less if you prefer a less sweet sauce), chipotle powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and liquid hickory smoke. Over medium-high heat, simmer the ingredients, stirring to prevent burning. Once the sugar has dissolved fully and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat.

If you’re looking into the pot and thinking jeepers, this didn’t make enough to cover all the meat I have to grill, it’s OK to double or even triple the recipe for a big batch. You can divide the larger batch between what you cook tonight and use some later in the week for dipping the kid’s chicken tenders into. Be sure to store unused, and by unused, I mean no meat has touched its sauce in mason jars with lids. Keeping the air out is essential for food preservation, even in the fridge. 

This sauce is so simple you may never return to store-bought sauce again. The barbecue lover in your family is going to love this. Find new and exciting ways to enjoy this sauce, like on hot dogs, drizzled on a BBQ chicken pizza, or alongside some pork chops. However, when you use it, there is satisfaction in serving up your sauce.

Ingredients:

Ketchup: Acts as the sauce’s base, offering a tangy sweetness that helps to meld all the flavors together.

Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce, giving it a rich, hearty texture.

Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and caramelizes as it cooks, which adds a layer of richness and balances the sauce’s tanginess. I usually use lighter brown sugar. The dark brown sugar imparts a deeper molasses flavor. 

Chipotle Pepper Powder: Brings a smoky and slightly spicy kick, enhancing the overall BBQ flavor and adding a depth of smokiness.

Garlic Powder: Contributes a savory, aromatic quality that deepens the sauce’s flavor profile.

Black Pepper: Introduces a mild heat and sharpness, which complements the sweetness and savory elements of the sauce.

Liquid Hickory Smoke: Delivers a smoky essence, giving the sauce an authentic BBQ flavor without needing a grill.

Substitutions And Add-Ins For The Best BBQ Sauce.

Ketchup: Substitute with tomato sauce for a less sweet base. You can also use tomato puree for a thicker consistency or a mixture of crushed tomatoes and a touch of vinegar to add tanginess.

Tomato Paste: Use tomato puree or a reduced plain tomato sauce to achieve similar thickness. 

Brown Sugar: Opt for sweet molasses for a rich, sticky sauce if you have it on hand. Do NOT use blackstrap molasses.

Chipotle Pepper Powder: For a milder smoky flavor, use smoked paprika or ancho chili powder. If you prefer less heat, regular paprika.

Garlic Powder: Minced fresh garlic or jarred garlic can be substituted for garlic powder to introduce a slightly different texture and intensity.

Black Pepper: Replace white pepper with a subtler heat or cayenne pepper for more spiciness. Crushed red pepper flakes can also add a bit of texture and heat.

Liquid Hickory Smoke: Substitute with liquid mesquite smoke for a different smoky flavor, or use smoked paprika for a milder smokiness. If you prefer to skip the smoky flavor, omit it altogether. 

Other things you can try in your BBQ sauce are a dash of Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, or even onion pieces. For a spicy homemade BBQ sauce, try adding crushed chili flakes. 

Expert Tips, Serving And Storing Suggestions: 

Tip #1: Adjust Sweetness and Smokiness: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the tomato base if it is too sweet with more tomato paste. Add a bit more chipotle powder or liquid smoke for extra smokiness, but do so gradually to avoid overwhelming the other flavors.

Tip #2: Simmer: Cook the sauce over medium-high heat, stirring to prevent burning, until the brown sugar dissolves fully. This slow cooking process helps deepen the flavors and ensures a smooth, rich texture.

Tip #3: Brush On Generously: Add the sauce to your meat for a thicker, more flavorful coating. Use a basting brush to ensure even coverage, and apply additional sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a caramelized finish.

This homemade barbecue sauce is perfect for elevating your favorite meats, whether grilling up juicy chicken or succulent pork ribs. Use it as a flavorful dipping sauce, or brush it on generously for a delicious glaze. Unlike store-bought sauces, which can be less personalized, this recipe allows you to tailor the taste to your preference, adding that extra touch of homemade goodness in just minutes.

To store unused homemade barbecue sauce, transfer it to a mason jar and lid it in the refrigerator. The BBQ sauce will be kept for up to two weeks. For prolonged storage, freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the fridge and stir it well before serving.

I’d love to hear from you if you enjoyed this homemade barbecue sauce! Please leave a rating and comment below to let me know how it turned out for you. Your feedback helps others find delicious recipes and inspires me to create more tasty content!