The Best Lip-Smacking BBQ Sauce For Ribs

by Mike Futia

Updated October 18, 2023

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 they are a match made for each other. It offers a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky to add to your smoked ribs.

bbq sauce 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! 

bbq sauce ingredients

How To Make Homemade BBQ Sauce For Ribs

This recipe is dead-simple and contains just six ingredients.

Yummy and easy?

Sign me up!

The Ingredients

  • 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.

The Directions

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

bbq sauce saucepan

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

3. 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

  • This homemade BBQ sauce was designed specifically to be pair with ribs, like our 3-2-1 ribs!

Recommended Tools

  • Mason Jars. Store your leftovers in one of these jars, either a 12-ounce jar or a 1-pint jar.
  • Small Glass Bowls. If you're like me and like to lay out all of your ingredients in front of you, these small glass bowls are great for staying organized when you're grilling.

The Best Lip-Smacking 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
bbq sauce ribs

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!

Related Posts

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked Mango Habanero Wings

Smoked Mango Habanero Wings

Mango Habanero Sauce for Wings

Mango Habanero Sauce for Wings

Candied Bacon Crackers

Candied Bacon Crackers

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.

Leave a Reply


Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

Recipe Rating




{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}