BBQ Sauce Recipes

These sauce recipes will be the perfect accompaniment or glaze for any BBQ or cookout dish this summer. Pick your favorite or favorites and bring all your meals to life with sweets, spice, and zing.

Classic BBQ Sauce

Classic BBQ sauce traces back to the 17th and 18th century, but one of the first noted signature BBQ sauces was the South Carolina mustard sauce. As time went by and other ingredients became available, BBQ sauce as we know it today became more popularized. Though there are many variations and types, here is a rendition of “Classic” BBQ sauce.

• 2 Cups of ketchup
• 2 ½ Tbsp honey
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tsp Liquid Smoke
• 4 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 Tsp paprika
• 1 Tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tsp onion powder
• 1 Tsp yellow or Dijon mustard
• ½ Tsp black pepper
• ½ Tsp of sea salt

1. Whisk together all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer before reducing to low heat.
2. Simmer for about 10 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Alabama White Sauce

As its name suggests, the Alabama White Sauce originates from Northern Alabama, invented by Robert Gibson of Big Bob Gibson BBQ in Decatur, Alabama. It is a mayonnaise-based sauce that tastes especially good on chicken. It has a tangy taste and is especially notable because of the way it permeates itself into the meat.

• 2 Cups mayonnaise
• ⅓ Cup horseradish
• 2 Tsp Dijon mustard
• ⅓ Cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ Tsp minced garlic
• 1 Tsp sea salt
• 1 Tsp black pepper
• ½ Tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ Tsp oregano flakes
• ½ Tsp garlic powder

1. Combine all the ingredients together in a medium bowl.
2. Whisk until the mixture is creamy.
3. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Vinegar Based Sauce

Aside from BBQ sauce owing its origins to the Carolinas, this vinegar based sauce also originates from there and has remained a staple in Carolina BBQ. It tastes best drizzled over freshly pulled pork shoulder.

• 1 Cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp ketchup
• 1 ½ Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1 Tsp black pepper
• 1 Tsp crushed red pepper
• ½ Tsp cayenne pepper

1. In a small bowl combine all the ingredients. Whisk together thoroughly.
2. Store in an airtight container and allow ingredients to remain mixed overnight before use.

Asian-Inspired Sesame Soy Sauce

The flavors of this sauce owes itself to authentic Asian cuisine with a sweet twist.

• ¼ Cup honey
• ¼ Cup soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp of ground ginger
• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

1. In a small saucepan, add sesame seeds and lightly toast on medium heat for about 2 minutes before whisking in soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
2. Bring the mixture to a brisk simmer over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low heat and allow it to continue simmering for about 5-7 minutes. Allow sauce to thicken.
4. Serve over a meat or dish of your choice or as a dipping sauce.

Sweet n’ Spicy BBQ Sauce

A sweet n’ spicy rendition of traditional BBQ sauce, this sauce will be perfect for mopping onto your BBQ or as a dipping sauce.

• 1 cup of ketchup
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• ⅛ cup apple juice
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tsp of yellow mustard
• 1 Tsp of paprika
• ½ Tsp of crushed red pepper
• ½ Tsp of cayenne pepper
• ½ Tsp of garlic powder
• 1 Tsp of sea salt
• 1 Tsp of black pepper

1. Combine all the ingredients into a saucepan. Whisk them together until it’s smooth and add to medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 2 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally.
3. Let cool for about 10 minutes before storing in the refrigerator in an airtight container.