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Easy Tangy BBQ Sauce Recipe for Perfectly Grilled Ribs Every Time

Easy Tangy BBQ Sauce - featured image

A quick and easy tangy BBQ sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and smoky flavor that clings beautifully to grilled ribs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup ketchup (240 ml)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60 ml)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (50 g)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (30 ml)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, hot sauce (if using), and water in a medium saucepan.
  2. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth and uniform with no clumps.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  4. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and develops a glossy sheen.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more brown sugar if too tangy or more vinegar if too sweet.
  6. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool for 5 minutes to thicken further.
  7. Brush the sauce generously onto ribs during the last 10 minutes of grilling, flipping and applying multiple layers for a sticky glaze.

Notes

Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free version. Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for different sweetness profiles. Add fresh peach puree or pineapple for a fruit-infused twist. Brush sauce near the end of grilling to avoid burning sugars. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent scorching.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ sauce, tangy BBQ sauce, grilled ribs, easy BBQ sauce, homemade BBQ sauce, smoky BBQ sauce, backyard cookout sauce