My tried and true Homemade BBQ Sauce to use on all your favorite recipes! From grilled chicken to steak to veggies and anything in between!
Memorial Day is right around the corner and that's the official start of grilling season and I couldn't be more excited. This year is going to be all about the grill. Ever since we moved to the valley, and now I'm back to Arizona-type temperatures, the chances of cooking indoors this summer is slim. So grilling and non-cook meals will be plentiful. If you have any specific requests, leave it in the comments.
Before we start grilling up all the proteins, salads, veggies, fruits, desserts etc, I figured we should tackle my go to BBQ Sauce so we can all master that. It's super easy, prep-ahead friendly, and saves in the fridge for a week or two! (although chances are you'll use it way before then!) You can make it on the grill or on your stovetop, dealers choice and amp up the heat / smokiness depending on your families taste preferences. Below you'll find a few of my favorite recipes to use this Homemade BBQ Sauce on and the recipe:
Favorite ways to use Homemade BBQ Sauce:
- Add it to some chicken for Shredded BBQ Chicken Burgers
- Use it on BBQ Baby Back Ribs
- Drizzle it on top of this BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad
- Slather it on the base of this BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Sub it out in this recipe for BBQ Nachos
- Make BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches with it!
- Or just slather it on top of vegetables, rice, steak, chicken, pork etc like my father who believes BBQ Sauce is the ultimate condiment!
Homemade BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo (more if you want it extra smoky)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a small pot over medium heat. Saute the onion and garlic until they're soft and add the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, chipotle pepper and adobo sauce and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens
- Using an immersion blender, blend the sauce while simmering until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let cool. Use as desired. Stores in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 weeks.
Notes
Favorite ways to use Homemade BBQ Sauce:
- Add it to some chicken for Shredded BBQ Chicken Burgers
- Use it on BBQ Baby Back Ribs
- Drizzle it on top of this BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad
- Slather it on the base of this BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Sub it out in this recipe for BBQ Nachos
- Make BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches with it!
- Or just slather it on top of vegetables, rice, steak, chicken, pork etc like my father who believes BBQ Sauce is the ultimate condiment!
Nothing beats homemade, love this!
Would leaving out the Chipotle pepper ruin this? I live in Asia and can't buy them here 🙁 could I sub liquid smoke?
I think that would totally work
Ooooh, I can't wait to try this! It will be such a delicious addition to the grill recipes!!
Can you sub tomato paste for sauce?
yes. reduce the amount by half and then add a little water to thin it out
Gaby, can you suggest a substitute(s) for the chipotle pepper in adobo sauce? Maybe not as yummy but doable? Thank you!!
you could add a little jalapeno when you saute the onions!! different flavor profile but still delish
If I wanted to make this vegetarian what could I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
soy sauce!
Hi there,
I have found Every recipe (and saved) Except for the one I’m looking for.....your homemade bbq sauce, it looks delicious!!! Could you send me the recipe or tell me where I can find it please. I would really appreciate it
Thanks
Lynn
omg thank you for the headsup!! fixed the post!