Quick and Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce (No-Cook Recipe)
This homemade bbq sauce easy no cook recipe is the perfect solution when you need delicious barbecue flavor in minutes! With just a handful of pantry staples and absolutely no cooking required, you can whip up a versatile sauce that’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping fries, or glazing your favorite grilled meats.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 32 servings (approximately 3 cups)
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Why You’ll Love This No-Cook BBQ Sauce Recipe
There’s something special about homemade barbecue sauce that store-bought versions just can’t match. This quick no-cook version delivers rich, tangy flavor without the hassle of simmering on the stove. It’s:
- Super quick – ready in just 10 minutes
- Perfectly balanced – sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy
- Customizable – easily adjust spices to your preference
- Versatile – great for dipping, spreading, or glazing
- Pantry-friendly – made with ingredients you likely have on hand
Ingredients for Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make No-Cook BBQ Sauce at Home
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the ketchup as your base.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar for tanginess.
- Add yellow mustard, which helps create that classic BBQ flavor.
- Sprinkle in the brown sugar for sweetness.
- Add all the spices: garlic powder, salt, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Whisk everything together thoroughly until completely smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – add more brown sugar for sweetness or cayenne for heat.
- Transfer to a jar or serving container and use immediately or refrigerate.
Recipe Variations for Your No-Cook Barbecue Sauce
One of the best things about making sauce at home is how easily you can customize it! Try these variations:
- Sweet BBQ Sauce: Double the brown sugar or add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
- Smoky BBQ: Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste
- Southern Style: Add 1 tablespoon of molasses for deeper flavor
- Fruity Twist: Mix in 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice or applesauce
Serving Ideas for Your Homemade BBQ Sauce
This versatile no-cook sauce pairs beautifully with so many foods:
- As a dip for chicken nuggets, french fries, or onion rings
- Spread on burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled chicken
- Drizzled over baked potatoes or mac and cheese
- As a glaze for meatloaf or baked chicken
- Mixed with shredded chicken for quick BBQ chicken sliders
- Served alongside smoked or grilled meats
Storage Tips for No-Cook Barbecue Sauce
This sauce keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
- Freezer: Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months
- Make ahead: The flavor actually improves after a day in the refrigerator!
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 29 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 287mg
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
FAQs About Homemade No-Cook BBQ Sauce
Can I make this sauce less sweet?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it completely for a tangier sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the mixture.
Is this BBQ sauce gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ketchup and mustard, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Definitely! It makes an excellent marinade for chicken, pork, or beef. Just allow the meat to marinate for at least 2 hours before cooking.
This homemade bbq sauce easy no cook recipe proves that delicious barbecue flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. In just 10 minutes, you can create a sauce that rivals anything from the grocery store, with ingredients you control and flavors you can customize to your family’s preferences. Give it a try next time you need BBQ sauce in a hurry!
Recipe adapted from All Recipes
