Who doesn’t love a good Honey BBQ sauce? This sauce is perfect for chicken, ribs, and even vegetables. The best part is that it’s so easy to make! Just mix a few simple ingredients and you’re done.
Honey BBQ sauce is the perfect addition to any summer cookout. The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the barbecue, and the thick consistency ensures that the sauce clings to whatever it is coating.
Whether you’re grilling chicken, ribs, or tofu, a Honey BBQ sauce will take your dish to the next level. Best of all, it’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
So ditch the store-bought stuff and whip up a batch of Honey BBQ sauce that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
What is Honey BBQ Sauce?
Honey BBQ sauce is a classic condiment that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to your BBQ dishes. This sauce is particularly popular in American cuisine and is a staple at backyard BBQs, cookouts, and tailgating parties.
The combination of honey, ketchup, brown sugar, and spices creates a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with a variety of meats.
What To Serve With Honey BBQ Sauce
Honey BBQ sauce is one of the most versatile barbecue sauces that goes well with a variety of meats. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or slow-cooking your meat, a dollop of honey BBQ sauce can take your dish to the next level. Here are some meats that pair particularly well with honey BBQ sauce:
Chicken
Chicken is one of the most popular meats to pair with BBQ sauce, and honey BBQ sauce is no exception. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or frying your chicken, a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce is the perfect accompaniment. Our favorite way to enjoy this barbeque sauce is on chicken wings or a BBQ chicken pizza.
Pork
Pork is another meat that pairs well with honey BBQ sauce. Whether you’re making pulled pork, pork chops, or ribs, a sweet and savory BBQ sauce can complement the natural sweetness of the pork.
Vegetables
Honey BBQ sauce isn’t just for meat – it can also be a delicious dipping sauce for roasted or grilled vegetables. Try pairing it with sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, or roasted brussels sprouts for a tasty side dish.
How To Make Honey BBQ Sauce
Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine one cup of ketchup, half a cup of honey, a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar, two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and one tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all of the ingredients. It’s important to make sure that the honey is well mixed with the other ingredients, as it can sometimes be difficult to fully incorporate it into the sauce.
Add Seasonings
Once the wet ingredients are well mixed, it’s time to add the spices. Add one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use the whisk to thoroughly combine all of the ingredients, making sure that there are no clumps of spices in the sauce.
Bring To Simmer
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning. A simmer is a gentle bubbling of the sauce and should be maintained for the next step.
After the sauce has come to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce continue to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
Keep stirring the sauce occasionally to make sure that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan or burn. The longer you simmer the sauce, the thicker it will become.
Remove From Heat
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. This will take about 15-20 minutes.
At this point, the sauce is ready to use as a marinade, basting sauce, or dipping sauce. If you’re not planning on using the sauce right away, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips & Tricks For Making Honey BBQ Sauce
If you’re new to making honey barbecue sauce, it can be a bit daunting trying to get everything just right. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the perfect honey BBQ sauce every time.
Adjust the Flavor Profile
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more honey or brown sugar. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of honey or omit it altogether.
If you want a honey barbecue sauce recipe that includes a little heat, try adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes.
Use the Right Equipment
A whisk is the best tool for combining all of the ingredients, as it helps to break up any clumps and ensures that the sauce is smooth and well-mixed.
When cooking the sauce, it’s best to use a medium-sized saucepan with a heavy bottom, as this will help prevent the sauce from scorching.
Be Patient
While it can be tempting to turn up the heat to try and speed up the cooking process, it’s important to let the sauce simmer slowly to develop the flavors and thicken properly.
Rushing the process can result in a sauce that’s too thin or doesn’t taste quite right.
Related Recipes
- Japanese BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Vinegar-Based BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Keto BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce Recipe
Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup honey
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and whisk to combine.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature before using it as a marinade, basting sauce, or dipping sauce.
Honey BBQ Sauce FAQs
What is honey BBQ sauce made of?
Honey BBQ sauce is made with ketchup, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Can I use a substitute for honey in this recipe?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as a substitute for honey.
How long does honey BBQ sauce last in the fridge?
Honey BBQ sauce can be stored in an airtight container, like a mason jar, in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
How spicy is this honey BBQ sauce?
This honey BBQ sauce has a mild level of spiciness, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Can I freeze BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can freeze this honey BBQ sauce in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using it.
Is honey BBQ Sauce good for grilling?
Yes, honey BBQ sauce is great for grilling. Brush it onto chicken, pork, or beef during the last few minutes of grilling for a sweet and savory glaze.
Can I adjust the sweetness of this sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of this sauce by adding more or less honey or brown sugar, depending on your taste preferences.