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–+ servings

The Best Homemade BBQ Sauce for Ribs: Sweet and Smoky Perfection

The perfect homemade BBQ sauce for ribs with the ideal balance of sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness. This sauce clings beautifully to ribs and caramelizes on the grill for that irresistible sticky finish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 43
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar packed
  • 1 ½ cups ketchup
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Method
 

  1. Gather all ingredients and measure them out before starting.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and molasses. Whisk together until smooth.
  3. Add Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and liquid smoke, stirring to incorporate.
  4. Mix in all dry seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.
  5. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  6. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking or burning. The sauce will thicken slightly.
  7. Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  8. Transfer to a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.

Nutrition

Calories: 43kcalCarbohydrates: 10gSodium: 278mgSugar: 9g
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