What are the basic components of BBQ sauce?

The core components of traditional BBQ sauce are a sweet base (usually ketchup or tomato paste), an acid (like vinegar or mustard), and a sweetener (such as brown sugar or molasses). Some variations also include spices, smoke flavor, or hot sauce to deepen the flavor. Our 3 ingredient BBQ sauce nails this balance with just ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.

How to make a barbecue sauce easy?

An easy BBQ sauce requires just a few ingredients and minimal cooking. Simply whisk together 1 cup of ketchup , ¼ cup of brown sugar , and 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a saucepan. Heat gently for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly. That’s it ready to glaze, dip, or store!

How do you make 5 minute BBQ sauce?

Start with 1 cup of ketchup , add ¼ cup brown sugar , and stir in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar . Whisk in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes, and your BBQ sauce is ready to serve. It’s that fast and flavorful.

What are the ingredients in original barbecue sauce?

Classic BBQ sauce recipes often include ketchup or tomato paste , brown sugar or molasses , vinegar (apple cider or white) , mustard , and seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or black pepper. Our version simplifies it to three essentials while keeping that same sweet-tangy punch.

3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce – The Best 5-Minute Homemade Recipe

Name: 3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup ketchup; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for smokiness); ¼ teaspoon cayenne or hot sauce (for heat)

Description

A fast and flavorful BBQ sauce made with just three pantry staples ready in 5 minutes! Perfect for grilling, dipping, or drizzling over your favorite meats and sides.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Optional Add-ins (for extra flavor):

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for smokiness)
¼ teaspoon cayenne or hot sauce (for heat)

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Instructions

Combine ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan or mixing bowl.
Heat gently over medium heat while stirring constantly, about 3–5 minutes, until sugar dissolves and sauce slightly thickens.
Taste and adjust add more vinegar for tang or sugar for sweetness if desired.
Cool completely before transferring to a clean glass jar or container.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Shake or stir before each use.

Notes

For a vegan version, ensure your sugar and ketchup are certified vegan.
To make it keto, use sugar-free ketchup and a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze in ice cube trays and transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Quick Recipes
Method: No-Bake Stove-Top

Nutrition

Calories: 30
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 0g