If you’re a fan of Arby’s barbecue sauces, this homemade Tangy BBQ Sauce is a must-try. It’s sweet, smoky, zippy, and ready in minutes—plus it pairs with just about anything. Whether you’re making copycat roast beef sandwiches or just want a killer dipping sauce, this recipe has you covered.

Homemade Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce in a bowl with a brush.
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If you love that sweet, smoky zing from Arby’s iconic tangy BBQ sauce, this copycat recipe is about to be your new go-to. With just a few pantry staples, you can recreate this bold, craveable condiment at home in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or slathering on everything from roast beef sandwiches to chicken tenders.

Whether you’re meal prepping or planning a family cookout, this homemade Arby’s barbecue sauce brings that fast-food flavor straight to your kitchen—no drive-thru required!

Thick, glossy Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce in a small white bowl with a basting brush.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with no fancy tools needed.
  • Tastes Just Like Arby’s – That bold, tangy-sweet flavor you crave at home.
  • Pantry-Friendly – Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • Versatile – Perfect for sandwiches, fries, chicken, and more.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Stores well for a week and freezes beautifully!

Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Arby's tangy BBQ Sauce on kitchen table.
  • Ketchup: Tangy, sweet tomato base for the sauce.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Adds a sharp tang that balances the sweetness.
  • Brown sugar: Gives the sauce a deep molasses-like sweetness.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and savory richness.
  • Yellow mustard: Brings a tangy bite that complements the ketchup.
  • Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky background flavor.
  • Onion powder: Mild onion flavor without texture.
  • Garlic powder: Adds savory warmth.
  • Black pepper: Just enough spice to round out the flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients.

How To Make Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce

Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl.

Step 1: In a small saucepan, add ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and all spices.

Step 2: Bring to a low simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 3: Remove from heat. Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge.

Homemade Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce in a bowl with a brush ready for dipping.

Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce Recipe Tips

  • Double it up – This sauce keeps for a week in the fridge, so make extra for dipping fries or topping burgers.
  • Add heat – Want more of a kick? Stir in a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
  • Make it smoother – Blend for a silkier texture if you want it ultra-smooth like the original.
  • Thicken if needed – If the sauce is too thin, simmer a few extra minutes uncovered to reduce.
  • Try it warm – It’s great cold, but warming it up before serving enhances the flavor.

Storage Instructions

  • Storing: Keep in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  • Freezing: Pour cooled sauce into a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving, especially if using on hot sandwiches or meats.
Rich and glossy homemade Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce in a small white bowl with a basting brush.

🍽️ What to Serve It With

Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce Recipe Faqs

Is this the same as Arby’s original sauce? Not quite—Arby’s original sauce is more like a spicy ketchup. This tangy BBQ version is smokier and slightly sweeter.

Can I use honey instead of brown sugar? Yes, but it will make the sauce a little thinner and more floral. Still tasty!

Does this taste like bottled BBQ sauce? This version is much closer to what Arby’s serves—less syrupy, with more tang and spice.

Is it gluten-free? It can be—just be sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire and ketchup.

Thick and flavorful Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce in a bowl, ready for dipping.

More Copycat Arby’s Recipes

Arby’s Copycat Reuben Sandwich

Arby’s Brown Sugar Bacon BLT Recipe

Arby’s Bronco Berry Sauce Copycat Easy Recipe

Reheating  Arby’s Premium Chicken Nuggets In Air Fryer

Arby’s Three Pepper Sauce Recipe

Arby’s Tzatziki Sauce

Air Fryer Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Homemade Arby’s Cherry Turnovers

Arby’s Steakhouse Onion Rings Copycat Recipe

Ninja Creami Arbys Orange Creamsicle Shake Recipe

Ninja Creami Jamocha Shake (Arby’s Copycat)

Arby’s Horsey Sauce Copycat Recipe

Copycat Arby’s Mac and Cheese

Arby’s Gyro Sauce Recipe

Copycat Arby’s Chicken Tender Recipe

Arby’s Ham and Cheese Melts

Arby’s Classic French Dip Sandwich Recipe

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Homemade Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce in a bowl with a brush.

Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce

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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Recreate Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce with this easy homemade recipe—sweet, smoky, and perfect for dipping or slathering on your favorite meats.

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup Ketchup,
  • 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar,
  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder,
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder,
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper,
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt, .

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, add ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and all spices.
  • Bring to a low simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.
  • Remove from heat. Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 63kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 396mgPotassium: 131mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 281IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 0.4mg

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