Go Back
sticky bbq sauce

Sticky BBQ Sauce (Easy Homemade Recipe - Sweet, Smoky & Sticky)

This easy sticky BBQ sauce is sweet, smoky, and rich, made from simple pantry ingredients in under 20 minutes. Perfect for ribs, chicken, burgers, and grilling, it’s a budget-friendly homemade sauce that’s better than store-bought.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 Cup
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 35
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 Cup Tomato Sauce
  • 1/4 Cup BBQ Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Tsp Soy Sauce
  • 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 Tsp Mustard
  • 1 Pinch Black Pepper
  • Water as needed for Consistency

Method
 

  1. Add tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and water to a small saucepan.
  2. Place over medium heat and stir well to combine all ingredients.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent it sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  5. Continue simmering until the sauce has thickened and become glossy and sticky.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed - add a little extra vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or smoked paprika for deeper BBQ flavour.
  7. Remove from heat once the sauce coats the back of a spoon and reaches your desired consistency.
  8. Allow to cool slightly before using as a glaze, dipping sauce, or marinade.
  9. Store in a clean airtight jar once completely cooled.

Notes

This sticky BBQ sauce will thicken further as it cools, so aim for a slightly looser consistency while still on the stove. If it becomes too thick after chilling, simply stir in a small splash of warm water to loosen it back up.
For best flavour, allow the sauce to rest for at least 10–15 minutes before serving so the ingredients can fully settle and develop a deeper BBQ taste.
The flavour is highly customisable - taste and adjust before cooling to suit your preference, whether that’s sweeter, smokier, or tangier.
Store in a clean, airtight jar in the fridge and always use a clean spoon to help maintain freshness and extend shelf life.