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Memphis Style BBQ Sauce Recipe Easy Smoky Homemade Barbecue

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This easy Memphis style BBQ sauce is smoky, sweet, and tangy, perfect for ribs, pulled pork, chicken, or as a dipping sauce. Made with pantry staples, it comes together in under 30 minutes and brings classic Southern barbecue flavor to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, liquid smoke (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and kosher salt.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once bubbling, reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more vinegar for tang, honey for sweetness, or smoked paprika for smokiness as desired.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool for 10–15 minutes. Pour into a glass jar or airtight container.
  6. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Adjust sweetness and heat to taste. Sauce thickens as it cools; thin with water if needed. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Try adding peach or apricot preserves for a fruity twist, or a splash of bourbon for depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Memphis BBQ sauce, homemade barbecue sauce, smoky BBQ, Southern barbecue, easy BBQ sauce, gluten-free BBQ sauce, low sugar BBQ sauce, barbecue recipe, grilling sauce, rib sauce

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/memphis-style-bbq-sauce-recipe-easy-smoky-homemade-barbecue/