There’s something wonderful about the aroma of a simmering sauce carrying through the kitchen. For me, honey BBQ sauce isn’t a condiment, it’s a memory. My dad and I first whipped up this recipe during a summer evening when I was back home from college.
We had the grill fired up, the tunes playing, and we were bickering over which of our ribs would win in the flavor department. Spoiler: it was my ribs, thanks to this sauce. Since then, it’s officially my go-to, and it’s not just reserved for ribs, either — it’s my go-to for grilled veggies, too, and even pulled jackfruit sandwiches.
This honey BBQ sauce is tasty and pleasantly spicy, flavor-heavy but ridiculously simple to make. It employs fresh, seasonal produce like ripe tomatoes (canned, if that’s available to you—no judgments, please!), and the type of pantry essentials you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re slathering it on chicken wings, drizzling it atop roasting cauliflower, or dipping fries in it, it’s a sauce that will unite people.
What You’ll Love About This Sauce:
- Sweet, smoky, and tangy, to boot
- Adaptable to heat, sweetness, or dietary requirements
- No artificial ingredients, just genuine, quality ingredients
- Takes under 30 minutes to come together
Ingredients
- 1 cup of ketchup (use sugar-free if necessary)
- ¼ cup raw honey or maple syrup (for a vegan alternative)
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (alternatively, use coconut aminos as a vegetarian substitute)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne (optional, to spice it up)
- Salt to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons water (add to thin as necessary)
How to Make It
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Put everything in a low-heat saucepan except the water. Gently stir it using a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula. You will begin to notice the deep red hue come through and it’s already beginning to look (and smell!) like BBQ alchemy.
Step 2: Simmer Slowly
Bring the sauce to a low simmer and let it bubble gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes so it won’t stick. It will thicken and darken a bit as the flavors intensify.
Step 3: Adjust the Texture
If it’s too thick, thin it out a spoonful at a time until it’s the thickness you prefer. Smoky flavor? Just a dash of paprika will provide that. Too bland? A splash of vinegar will give it a tang.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Allow it to cool completely, then pour it into a new, clean jar or bottle. It will keep in the fridge up to 2 weeks—if it lasts that long!
Swaps and Dietary Tips
- Vegan: Use maple syrup and substitute Worcestershire with coconut aminos
- Low-sugar: Use a no-sugar-added ketchup and halve the honey
- Spicy: Use more cayenne or a sprinkling of hot sauce
- Kid-friendly: Skip the spice altogether for a mild, sweet flavor
How to Use It
- Glazed grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp
- Tossed in roasted chickpeas or vegetables
- Spread on burgers or BBQ pizzas
- Dipping sauce for nuggets, fries, or even grilled corn
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about preparing your own sauce—to see it thicken, to sense it come together, to know precisely what’s in it. It’s one of those simple pleasures that makes a bland meal become a standout. This honey BBQ sauce is a favorite in my kitchen, and I think it will be one in yours as well.Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe