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3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce

Name: 3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup ketchup (regular, not reduced sugar or sodium); ¼ cup dark brown sugar (or honey as a substitute); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: March 2, 2025

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Who knew that finger-licking, smoky-sweet BBQ sauce could be this simple? With just three pantry staples, you can whip up a sauce that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it (but really, it took you less time than scrolling through your phone).

A jar of homemade 3-Ingredient BBQ Sauce with a brush, ready for grilling and dipping.

Whether you’re slathering it on ribs, drizzling it over grilled chicken, or just dunking fries straight in—this sauce is about to become your new go-to.

Get ready to impress with minimal effort. Let’s make some magic!

If you love easy condiment recipes, try my recipe for Wingstop Blue Cheese Recipe, or Copycat Chick-fil-A Zesty Buffalo Sauce.

Why You Will Love This 3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce

Super easy to make – Only three simple ingredients!
Packed with flavor – Smoky, sweet, and perfectly balanced.
Versatile use – Great for grilling, dipping, marinating. Don’t forget to use it on my Air Fryer BBQ Leg Recipe!
No weird additives – Just pure, wholesome ingredients.
Budget-friendly – Cheaper than store-bought BBQ sauce. Don’t forget to use it on my amazing rib recipe!
Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spice, and tanginess easily.
Kid-approved – Even picky eaters love this sauce. Serve it on this Copycat Wingstop Fry Recipe!
Quick to make – Ready in just five minutes!
Perfect for meal prep – Stores well for future use.

BBQ Sauce Ingredients

Ketchup: Stick with regular ketchup for the best flavor—reduced sodium or reduced sugar versions may alter the taste.
Dark Brown Sugar: Swap it for honey if you prefer a natural sweetener.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds rich depth with a smoky, slightly salty kick.

How to Make 3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce

A saucepan with ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce being whisked together over medium heat.

Step One: In a small saucepan, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).

Step Two: Add more sugar for sweetness or Worcestershire for extra depth. Let it cool before using. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

A jar of homemade 3-Ingredient BBQ Sauce with a basting brush, ready for grilling and dipping.

Recipe Variations

Smoky Flavor: Stir in ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
Tangy Twist: Mix in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard for extra tang. This works great for pulled pork or Carolina-style BBQ fans.
Honey BBQ: Swap the brown sugar for ¼ cup of honey for a smoother, naturally sweet flavor. This variation is amazing on wings or grilled chicken.
Maple Bourbon: Replace brown sugar with ¼ cup of maple syrup and add 1 tablespoon of bourbon. This creates a rich, slightly boozy glaze perfect for ribs.
Garlic Lovers: Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic or ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. It gives the sauce a savory boost that pairs well with everything.
Extra Thick Sauce: Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes or mix in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. This makes the sauce heartier and ideal for spreading on burgers.

Storing

Storing: Let the BBQ sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week for the best flavor.
Freezing: Pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray for portioned servings. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge before using.
Reheating: Warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Serving Ideas for 3 Ingredient Barbecue Sauce

This 3-Ingredient BBQ Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless ways. Slather it on grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers for an instant flavor boost, or brush it over baked or air-fried wings for a sticky, finger-licking glaze.

Use it as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or even roasted veggies. It also makes a delicious marinade for meats, adding a sweet and smoky depth before cooking. For a fun twist, mix it into pulled pork or shredded chicken for easy sandwiches or wraps that everyone will love!

More Easy Recipes

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