BBQ Sauce

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This BBQ sauce is so simple to make and tastes amazing with hunters chicken, as a dip for chips or brushed over meat for any BBQ or grilled dinner. A good BBQ sauce can transform even the simplest meal, and this homemade version is rich, tangy and incredibly easy to pull together.

With the perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness and gentle heat, it’s miles better than anything from a bottle and made with just a handful of store‑cupboard ingredients.

Whether you drizzle it on burgers, use it as a marinade or serve it on the side, this sauce adds instant flavour and makes any dish feel a little more special.

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Sauce

  • Grilled meats — chicken, pork chops, sausages, ribs or brisket all pair beautifully with a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce.
  • Burgers — spread inside the bun or drizzle over the top for extra flavour.
  • Air‑fried chicken tenders — a simple, family‑friendly dip.
  • Pulled pork — mix the sauce through the meat or serve on the side.
  • BBQ pizza — use it as a base instead of tomato sauce for a quick twist.
  • Roasted or air‑fried potatoes — wedges, chips or baby potatoes love a BBQ dip.
  • Grilled vegetables — peppers, corn, mushrooms and courgettes all work well.
  • Toasted sandwiches — add a spoonful to cheese or ham toasties for extra depth.
  • Meatballs — toss cooked meatballs in warm BBQ sauce for a quick appetiser.
  • Chicken wings — brush on during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky glaze
BBQ Sauce

BBQ Sauce

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Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Sauce
Servings 700 ml

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely sliced
  • ½ tsp garlic paste
  • 3½ tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 250 ml ketchup
  • 125 ml water
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • ½ tsp english mustard
  • 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1½ tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
  • 4 tbsp white wine vinegar

Spicy BBQ sauce

  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a couple of dashes of hot pepper sauce

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan, heat the vegetable and gently fry the onions until soft.
  • Add all the remaining ingredients and stir until all the sugar has dissolved.
  • Pour the sauce into a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth, return to the sauce and gently simmer for another 5-10mins.
  • Leave to cool and transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. If you're not going to use it all, it can be frozen.