Homemade BBQ Sauce For Ribs

by Mike Futia

Updated December 9, 2024

5 from 2 votes

This homemade BBQ sauce goes PERFECT with your favorite ribs! We use it all the time with our 3-2-1 ribs recipe and smoked hot honey ribs, and they are a match made for each other. It offers a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky to add to your smoked ribs.

This homemade BBQ sauce comes together in just 15 minutes and tastes WAY better than anything that comes bottled from the store. Did you know the #1 ingredient in Sweet Baby Ray's sauce is high fructose corn syrup? Yuck! 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

  • Ketchup — The tangy and slightly-sweet base
  • Brown sugar — A layer of sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar — For a bright, tangy acidity
  • Honey — Enhances the sweetness of the sauce, while adding a smooth and velvety texture
  • Worcestershire sauce  For a nice savory, umami taste 
  • Smoked paprika — Adds a nice smoky, earthy flavor to the sauce

HOW TO MAKE BBQ SAUCE FOR RIBS

1. Combine All Ingredients

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.

2. Cook the Sauce

Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

3. Cool & Serve

Allow the sauce to cool, then serve with your favorite baby back or spare ribs and enjoy.

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Store in an airtight container or mason jar for up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.
  • To Freeze. You can freeze this sauce for up to six months. When you're ready to use it, just thaw it overnight in your fridge. 

What To Serve With Homemade BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ Sauce For Ribs

5 from 2 votes
Master the art of BBQ with this easy, homemade sauce recipe! Get ready for finger-licking goodness that will make your ribs truly unforgettable.
SERVINGS
Servings: 10 ounces
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
  • Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  • Allow the sauce to cool, then serve with your favorite ribs and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 98kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 266mgPotassium: 134mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 471IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Mike Futia


My name is Mike, and I'm the founder of Grill Frenzy. I love cooking up homemade grilling and smoker recipes in my backyard for my friends and family. Learn more about me.

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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