Looking for the perfect BBQ sauce without the fuss? Look no further! Our easy Homemade No-Cook BBQ Sauce recipe is a game-changer. With pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar, you’ll whip up the best BBQ sauce in no time that you can customize to your personal taste preference. Serve with chicken, pork, beef, and even on burgers and quesadillas.
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Making BBQ sauce and other pantry staples at home allows you to control the ingredients AND it usually winds up saving you money! And the best part is that this sauce recipe really is as simple as mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl – no cooking required!
Use your homemade BBQ sauce to make pulled pork sandwiches with this Instant Pot Pork Butt recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No need to simmer for hours; this sauce comes together in minutes.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: With everyday staples like brown sugar and dry mustard, you can make this sauce anytime, anywhere and it will keep in the fridge for at least 2 weeks.
Ingredients for Homemade BBQ Sauce
Ketchup: By using ketchup, we already have a sauce consistency and base flavor built. Feel free to buy your preferred ketchup (ie without high fructose corn syrup, organic, etc). This also saves us from having to cook and build flavor into something like tomato sauce.
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess. You can also substitute honey or agave nectar in place of brown sugar.
Worcestershire Sauce: Provides depth of flavor with its savory notes.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives some acidity to brighten up the sauce.
Dry Mustard: Adds a bit of sharpness and complexity which is a perfect balance to the sweetness.
Paprika: Provides the smoky pepper flavor. Feel free to use regular or smoked paprika depending on what you have.
Salt and Black Pepper: Only add this after you taste the sauce and determine what it needs for your personal preference. I did not need to add either when I tested this recipe.
(Totally Optional) Cayenne Pepper: For those who like a bit of extra spice.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Mason jar or airtight container to store your easy bbq sauce
How to Make Easy No Cook BBQ Sauce
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir until well mixed and sugar is dissolved.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. This is where you can really make it your own. If you prefer a more mustard-forward sauce, add a little more mustard powder. If you prefer smoky and spicy, add cayenne pepper.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.
Variations
We developed this no cook barbecue sauce recipe to be really balanced in all flavors. And it is a great all-around sauce. The beauty of making your own sauces at home is that you get to be as creative as you want. Try some of these variations:
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick alongside the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate more smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to infuse your BBQ sauce with a rich, smoky aroma and taste.
- Tangy Twist: Increase the amount of apple cider vinegar or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, onion powder, and garlic powder for a tangier profile that cuts through the richness of grilled meats.
- Asian-Inspired: Mix in soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a touch of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired BBQ sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or pork.
- Fruit Infusion: Experiment with adding fruit preserves or purees such as peach, pineapple, or apricot for a fruity undertone that complements the savory elements of the sauce.
- Mustard Base: Replace some or all of the brown sugar with honey mustard or Dijon mustard for a tangy and slightly pungent BBQ sauce variation.
- Herbaceous Blend: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or thyme to add a burst of freshness and herbaceous flavor to your BBQ sauce.
- Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar to create a sweet and slightly smoky BBQ sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over grilled vegetables or tofu.
- Chipotle Infusion: Blend chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into your BBQ sauce for a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile that’s great on ribs or burgers.
- Honey Bourbon: Incorporate bourbon and honey into your BBQ sauce for a rich and complex flavor profile that’s perfect for slathering on grilled chicken or ribs.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own signature homemade BBQ sauce!
How to Meal Prep with No Cook BBQ Sauce
Your homemade no-cook BBQ sauce can be used the exact same way as store-bought sauce. My favorite easy and budget-friendly way is make freezer meals and cook them up in the crock pot.
Simply place 1-2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken in a gallon-size freezer bag. Top with 1-2 cups of your homemade barbecue sauce. Add sliced onions and green peppers if you desire. Seal the bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to cook, place the freezer bag in your fridge overnight to thaw. Dump the whole bag in your crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once cooked, you can remove the chicken, shred it, and add it back to the sauce. This is such an easy, hands-off, way to make shredded BBQ chicken. You can do the same with a pork roast or ribs for deliciously tender, fall apart meat.
You can also use your easy homemade bbq sauce recipe as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets or a glaze on roasted vegetables. Don’t fret if you run out because your trusty pantry ingredients can help you easily whip up another batch.
More Homemade Sauces and Condiment Recipes
- Easy Homemade Mayonnaise
- Instant Pot Apple Butter
- Homemade Pesto without Pine Nuts (Nut-Free)
- 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Butter
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- Salsa using Canned Tomatoes
Homemade No-Cook BBQ Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined
- Taste and adjust to your personal preferences.
- Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick alongside the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to infuse your BBQ sauce with a rich, smoky aroma and taste.
- Tangy Twist: Increase the amount of apple cider vinegar or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and onion powder and garlic powder for a tangier profile that cuts through the richness of grilled meats.
- Asian-Inspired: Mix in soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a touch of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired BBQ sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or pork.
- Fruit Infusion: Experiment with adding fruit preserves or purees such as peach, pineapple, or apricot for a fruity undertone that complements the savory elements of the sauce.
- Mustard Base: Replace some or all of the brown sugar with honey mustard or Dijon mustard for a tangy and slightly pungent BBQ sauce variation.
- Herbaceous Blend: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or thyme to add a burst of freshness and herbaceous flavor to your BBQ sauce.
- Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar to create a sweet and slightly smoky BBQ sauce that's perfect for drizzling over grilled vegetables or tofu.
- Chipotle Infusion: Blend chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into your BBQ sauce for a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile that's great on ribs or burgers.
- Honey Bourbon: Incorporate bourbon and honey into your BBQ sauce for a rich and complex flavor profile that's perfect for slathering on grilled chicken or ribs.
Nutrition
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