Posted on Friday, May 2, 2025

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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson

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Sure, you can buy pleasant tasting barbecue sauce at the grocery store. However, many people who make their own versions claim that homemade tastes even better due to the use of quality ingredients. Enjoy our flavorsome homemade barbecue sauce recipe – plus discover how to make easy barbecue parmesan corn on the cob!

Creating the ideal BBQ sauce  

Homemade barbecue sauce allows cooks to achieve the perfect balance of brightness, sweetness, and acidity to cut the fat of meat and complement the flavor of foods. Not only can cooks control the ingredients, but most homemade barbecue sauce recipes come together quickly.

Barbecue sauce is a flavoring sauce used as

• a marinade (a flavorful liquid in which food is soaked)
• a basting sauce (a sauce that is brushed/spooned on while food is cooking)
• a topping (placed on top of food once it’s done cooking)
• or a condiment (served as a dipping sauce alongside food)

For foods such as

• poultry
• beef
• pork
• seafood
• beans
• Tofu

Recipe for homemade barbecue sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon mild olive oil
• 1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cups all-natural Ketchup*
• ⅓ cup molasses
• ⅓ cup white or brown sugar (pick one)
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 2 Tablespoons prepared Dijon or yellow mustard (pick one)
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke

*All-natural ketchup is made without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

Directions:

In a medium-sized saucepan, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and sauté until slightly softened. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously. Add the ketchup and stir. Once heated, add the molasses and sugar. Stir continuously to mix. Add the spices (chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, oregano). Stir until heated. Add the mustard and the apple cider vinegar. Mix well and cook until heated through. Add the liquid smoke and cook for about 5 minutes. Let cool and add contents to the blender. Process until the barbecue sauce is smooth. Once it’s been blended, return the contents to the saucepan and cook down for about 5 minutes more, stirring frequently. The sauce is now ready to use. If making ahead… cover tightly and refrigerate. Use BBQ sauce within two weeks’ time.

This recipe is ideal for barbecue chicken, ribs, steak, burgers, pulled pork, and more.

Barbecue-Parmesan corn on the cob: Boil fresh sweet corn on the cob just until cooked. (About 5 to 10 minutes). Place corn in an ice bath to immediately cool. Drain and dry the corn cobs. Place each cob on individual pieces of non-stick foil. Brush all sides with a combination of melted butter and homemade barbecue sauce. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over top. Tightly seal the corn in the foil. Place them on the barbecue grill or in a preheated oven until heated through and cheese is melted. (Typically, about 10 minutes at 350-degrees F. – or until done – turning halfway through cooking time). Let cool for a few minutes. Take care when removing the foil as corn will be hot. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.