Discover the art of making Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce that can go around for days. A perfect addition to your summer menu, this smoky-sweet sauce is especially tasty when paired with hot-off-the-grill favorites.

Easy homemade BBQ sauce is in a small ramekin next to bright pink pickled red onions.

BBQ is a staple where I’m from. As a Kansas City native who still lives in the Midwest, it’s not uncommon for me to pass a BBQ joint wherever I go. It also makes more appearances during the warmer months, where folks are often grilling or smoking meat.

Even as a non-meat-eating cook, I find myself adding BBQ sauce to many types of protein, which makes this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce even more versatile.

Gluten-free, vegan, and all-around delicious, this recipe can be adapted in a number of ways. Whether you’re chasing after spice, sweetness, or some extra smokey BBQ sauce, this sauce is a foundation for you to alter as you please.

Easy homemade bbq sauce is garnishing a tray of bbq tempeh and pickled red onions. — *BBQ tempeh is garnished with pickled red onions and Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce.*

I am by no means a BBQ connoisseur (though I did work at a BBQ restaurant for three years during high school), but BBQ sauce is something I know and understand. Probably because my husband wouldn’t tolerate anything less–he is a die-hard BBQ fan.

Besides, I have grown to love soul food… and I was intrigued about creating my very own sauce, too. Believe me, this easy homemade BBQ sauce is worth the few minutes it takes to make up.

Minimal effort and the ability to make this in a large batch make this sauce all the more appealing.

Come see how I’ve whipped up this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce.

BBQ sauce is the star of the show in this shot of bbq tempeh and pickled red onions on a white platter.

Ingredients

Tomato paste – This acts as the base of the sauce. Instead of using ketchup, like many others, I use tomato paste and then add water to create my own BBQ sauce.

Coconut aminos – You can use soy sauce if you don’t have this, but I use coconut aminos since it’s what I keep in the pantry. It adds a bit of flavor and richness.

Liquid smoke – Liquid smoke adds that smoky flavor we all know and love. Use it sparingly, as it has quite the kick.

Molasses – Molasses is a classic BBQ sauce ingredient. It has a deep, sweet flavor that is hard to replicate with anything else. A necessity in my book.

Onion – Onions add a robust flavor to the sauce. Use either yellow or red onion, finely diced, in this sauce recipe.

Brown sugar – This sweetens the sauce and also helps it thicken a bit as it simmers.

Garlic – Garlic adds a punch of flavor to this BBQ sauce without adding too much spice. I use fresh crushed garlic for this recipe.

Olive oil – Use just a little olive oil to saute onions and garlic in before adding to the BBQ sauce.

Red pepper flakes– Red pepper flakes add plenty of heat to a BBQ sauce. Paprika can be used instead for a milder taste.

Salt – Salt seasons and enhances all the flavors in this easy homemade BBQ sauce.

Vinegar – This enhances the flavor profile of the entire dish. You can use white or apple cider vinegar in this.

Several ingredients are scattered about a cutting board on a table.

Tools You May Need

Measuring cups and spoons

Small pot

Cutting board and kitchen knife

Whisk

Garlic press, optional

How to Make Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce

Here is an overview of how to make this recipe. Find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

Garlic and onion are being chopped on a wood cutting board.

Start by mincing up the onion as small as you can. As you chop, heat the olive oil in a small pot on medium-low heat. The oil is hot and ready when you flick a tiny bit of water in it and it sizzles.

Add the onion to the hot oil and saute for about 3-4 minutes, until it starts to turn a light brown. Add the crushed garlic at this time. If you don’t have a garlic press, you can mince it up before adding it in.

Saute the garlic with the onion for a minute or two. Do not let it burn.

As soon as the garlic and onions are ready, turn the heat to low. Slowly stir in the tomato paste and water. Whisk it until it’s evenly distributed.

Tomato paste has been added to a pot of onions.

Now, add in the remaining ingredients to the pot.

Let the sauce come to a simmer. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, whisking as it cooks.

After it thickens to the desired consistency, remove from heat. Sauce will thicken more as it cools.

A finished bbq sauce has thicken in a pot after simmering. — *After simmering, BBQ sauce is finished when it coats the back of a spoon.*

Serve immediately on protein of choice or refrigerate in a glass bottle/jar with a lid for up to one week.

Tips for Making Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce sits ona tray with other foods.

Sometimes if a sauce boils for too long on the stovetop, it can become too thick. If this happens, you will need to thin it out. To thin the sauce out a bit, add water (1 tablespoon at a time), until it reaches the desired consistency.

If you prefer to use honey or pure maple syrup instead of brown sugar, you can use ⅓ cup of honey/maple syrup instead.

To add a bit more sweetness, add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar.

To add more smokiness, increase liquid smoke by adding another 1-2 teaspoons into the sauce.

To add more spicy heat to the BBQ sauce, add in 1-2 teaspoons of more red pepper flakes.

This BBQ sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months if you won’t be using it immediately. Just be sure to let it cool first and leave an inch of space between the sauce and the top of the bottle and lid (i.e. don’t fill the bottle/jar to the very top).

BBQ sauce is ready to be devoured on a tray full of bbq tempeh and pickled red onions.

More Summer Food Inspiration

Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Strawberry Muffins – Easy Muffin Recipe

The Best Deviled Eggs

Summer Avocado Dip