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The Best Tangy & Thick Sweet Onion BBQ Sauce

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Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce. Rich smoky, sweet and tangy. This ketchup based bbq sauce contains, molasses, brown sugar, sweet red onions, apple cider vinegar, mustard and a few other ingredients!ย  It’s simmered until it’s thickened and flavorful. So good,ย  you’ll want to slather it on everything or eat it straight from the spoon!ย 

A bowl of thick bbq sauce
Stop focusing on how stressed you are and remember how BLESSED you areย ~ Unknown

A while back (2018), we spent a year living in Kansas City, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for BBQ. The ribs are just next level. The best ever! This homemade version was inspired by those flavors just a chunkier bbq sauce, and itโ€™s still a favorite in my home.

How to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce

This sauce is simple and foolproof, but the flavor? Next level. Itโ€™s also very forgiving, so feel free to tweak it a bit. Donโ€™t like chunks of onion? Blend it. Want it spicier? Add more chili powder or hot sauce. But whatever you do โ€” donโ€™t skip the onions unless you absolutely have to. They add so much depth.

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Once hot, add 1/2 cup chopped red onions. Sautรฉ until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

  3. Transfer the onions to a medium saucepan. Add:

    • 1 cup ketchup

    • 1/4 cup molasses (use a good quality one!)

    • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

    • 1/4 cup brown sugar

    • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

    • 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard

    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

    • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

    • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (or less โ€” see notes)

  4. Stir everything together and bring to a boil over high heat.

  5. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20โ€“35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking.

Step by step tutorial on how to make the best bbq sauce

Tips for the Best BBQ Sauce

  • Simmer to your preference: The longer it simmers, the thicker, richer, and more flavorful it becomes. Want a thinner sauce? Cut the simmer time in half.

  • Smooth it out: For a silky texture, blend the finished sauce using an immersion blender, food processor, or blender.

  • Let it rest: Chill it in the fridge for a day before using. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.

  • Go easy on the liquid smoke: A little goes a long way. If youโ€™re unsure, stir a drop into a spoonful of sauce and taste before adding it to the full batch. Some people love it, others not so much.

  • Storage: Keep your BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

    Ways to Use This Sauce

    Itโ€™s incredibly versatile. Use it on:

    • Slather on, BBQ chicken sliders

    • BBQ chicken sliders

    • Burgers or meatloaf

    • Grilled ribs, drumsticks, or wings

    • Baked beans or even mac and cheese

    This is the kind of sauce that makes you excited for summer. But honestly, I use it all year long.

    If you liked this bbq sauce recipe, check out how I used it in my slow cooker & instant potย bbq pulled beef sandwiches.ย 

A bowl of thick bbq sauce

Sweet Tangy Thick and Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce

April Boller Wright
Easy and Homemade BBQ Sauce made without ketchup - rich, sweet, tangy, thick and rich thanks to the molasses, vinegar and the rest of the tasty ingredients.  This BBQ sauce is much healthier too because it's tomato based. So good,  you'll slather it on everything! 
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 cup diced onions
  • 3 tsp molasses
  • 1/4 cup worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp spicy mustard
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup ketchup **plus additional 2 tablespoons
  • 1/2 tsp liquid smoke for taste **optional see notes**
  • 5 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 3 pinches onion powder
  • 3 pinches chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil or butter.
  • Once hot, add the chopped onions and sautรฉ until theyโ€™re soft and translucent.
  • Transfer the sautรฉed onions to a medium saucepan. Add the molasses, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, spicy mustard, lemon juice, ketchup, liquid smoke (if using), brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and black pepper.
  • Set the pan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-35 minutes, stirring every so often, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Notes

Tips to make this bbq sauce

  • For a smoother sauce: After itโ€™s cooked, use an immersion blender right in the pan or transfer it to a blender/food processor. Blend until silky smooth.
  • Flavor improves overnight: Let the sauce rest in the fridge for a day before using. The flavors will deepen and mellow beautifully.
  • Use good-quality molasses. It makes a noticeable difference in depth and sweetness.
  • Liquid smoke adds a backyard barbecue vibe without needing a smoker. Itโ€™s optional โ€” still fantastic without it. Start with a tiny amount (about 1/4 teaspoon) and taste as you go. A little truly goes a long way.
  • Pro tip: Some folks arenโ€™t into liquid smoke. To test if itโ€™s for you, stir a dab of it into a spoonful of sauce and taste before adding it to the whole batch.
Keyword bbq sauce, easy bbq sauce, homemade bbq sauce, thick bbq sauce
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42 Comments

  1. I’ve never had Kansas City BBQ but I’m so curious what the difference is between what I’m used to eating here in Texas. Excited to try your BBQ sauce because I love a good sauce.5 stars

    1. I actually had some KC BBQ today and it’s soooo good the meat is melt in your mouth tender. The sauce is perfect. It’s so good, I’m inspired to make my own bbq this summer! Seriously, I am going to miss the BBQ!

  2. I cannot wait for grilling season. I just came back from my morning walk. Here in Canada although SPRING is here, the weather is still on the chilly side. We have a new BBQ to christen (after we get it put together first). I will be saving this for all the tasty recipes we will be cooking.5 stars

  3. Stine Mari says:

    Okay you had me at the first sentence here. Rich smoky, sweet and tangy <<< there is literally nothing else I want in a BBQ sauce. Your version looks so much better than store bought!5 stars

  4. This is wholesome perfect barbecue sauce, I like that it is tangy and sweet. I need to try it, My son loves barbecue sauce and it is must for his chicken nuggets. yes chicken nuggets.5 stars

  5. This reminds me of the BBQ sauce my dad used to make growing up! I was born in TX and also lived in Memphis for 7 years so BBQ has a very special place in my heart.

  6. I never made my own BBQ until I tried this recipe. I love all of the flavor, and the onions are great. Sometimes I blend it for a smooth sauce, but sometimes I just love the texture!5 stars

  7. Marisa F. Stewart says:

    Homemade BBQ sauce is absolutely the best. You know what you’re getting and you don’t have all of those artificial ingredients in it. We do use a lot of BBQ during the grilling season – we’ll have to try your recipe out. And people from the Mideast and Midwest are super friendly – so are Southerners. Stand in line in a grocery store and it’s easy to strike up a conversation.5 stars

    1. Yes they’re the most friendliest people I’ve met yet! It never fails. Every single time I go outside someone is chatty with me lol. Love it! Thank you Marisa! Hope you can try it!

  8. Karyl Henry says:

    Oh this sauce looks absolutely amazing! I’ve recently gotten into making my own sauces, and I’m certainly adding BBQ sauce to the list. I love that you use Liquid Smoke, and always have it in the fridge5 stars

    1. Thank you so much Karyl! Yes homemade sauces are so much better but if I’m too busy I don’t have a problem with using store bbq sauce!

  9. I love everything about this! All those ingredients sound amazing together! I will have to make this soon!5 stars

  10. I love barbecue sauce and making it at home sounds like a great way to avoid extra junk in the ingredients!5 stars

  11. Homemade sauces are so much better and I’d always customize it as per my taste and preference. With summer upon us and loads of BBQ and grilling to happen this sauce is a keeper! Droolicious it is5 stars

  12. Homemade sauces are the best as one can control the kind of ingredients that go into it. I like that you’ve used tomato sauce and not ketchup.5 stars

    1. Exactly and so much healthier. Thank you Mayuri!

  13. I love an easy bbq sauce recipe! Iโ€™ve got some chicken thighs that I planned on making for dinner, this will go great with it! Happy Moving, I hope it goes smoothly.5 stars

    1. I hope you can try it out, Tanya! I seriously can’t wait for the move to be over! Thanks!

  14. I absolutely adore BBQ Sauce, and I have a go to recipe, but I am definitely looking forward to trying your version! Thinking I am going to make some BBQ Cauliflower Wings!5 stars

    1. Oooh cauliflower wings sound interesting but good! Try it and let me know what you think!

  15. sondria Harp says:

    Good luck on your move to Kansas City! I love that this recipe has no ketchup, one of my bffs hates ketchup and refuses to eat BBQ. Maybe if I use this recipe she will give it a try.5 stars

    1. I made homemade bbq sauce with ketchup and it no matter what I added to it, the sauce still tasted like ketchup lol. I like the tomato based ones way better. Thank you so much Sondria!

  16. This is awesome! I love making my barbecue from scratch and I’m always looking for good recipes for it!5 stars