Use What You Have
All-American Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.
Original recipe (1X) yields 24 servings
- 2 cups ketchup
- cup distilled white vinegar
- cup packed brown sugar
- cup dark molasses
- teaspoon smoked paprika
- teaspoon chili powder
- teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- teaspoon ground allspice
- teaspoon ground coriander
- teaspoon ground cumin
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, allspice, coriander, and cumin until fully combined.
- Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, the sauce is ready to be used. If you're planning to use it as a glaze for barbecued ribs or grilled chicken, no further cooking is needed.
- If you intend to use the sauce as a condiment, bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, remove from heat and let it cool before transferring it to the fridge for storage.
Cook's Note
For the best results, use high-quality ketchup opt for a version free of corn syrup for a cleaner taste. If you prefer, you can substitute sweet paprika for smoked paprika in the recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
| Calories | 45 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 226mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Vitamin C | 3mg |
| Calcium | 16mg |
| Iron | 0mg |
| Potassium | 151mg |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Comments
staticantics
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
As the title says, classic All-American BBQ sauce. I've made it three times now. Because my store doesn't have 2 cup-sized ketchup bottles, the regular 20oz bottle is just a bit more I just use it all now, and it gives me a container to deliver the goods later. I think the flavors meld the best after hearing to a summer. Funnel back into ketchup bottle when done. Other tweaks to consider: - add Sriracha for a garlicky heat - too sweet? Add Soy and Worcestershire Sauce - want smokey? Add a 1/4 tsp liquid smoke Once you make it the regular way, you'll want to experiment. Set out some ramikins and try adding pinches of different ingredients to see what you like.
chihuahuaphil
06/14/2021 04:52:41 AM
Made as written except subbed 1/4 tsp curry powder for the coriander I didn't have, solely on the basis they both start with "c". Brought to boil & then fridged overnight before using. Makes a perfect glaze for pork ribs as is. I'd play with the sugar & cayenne if making as a table sauce, it could use a little more of both I think.
KWatt
06/23/2020 03:42:09 PM
Great sauce! We marinated baby back ribs in a dry rub, slow cooked for 2-3 hours (4 racks), and then basted the ribs with this sauce before grilling. Also poured a little over the ribs as we ate. Will definitely be my go to BBQ sauce!
Tom Zimmer
09/21/2021 10:47:39 AM
I have been using a very similar recipe for many years but also add some reconstituted dried minced onion. Will sometimes add a few drops of liquid smoke if not using an outdoor grill.
gl
08/09/2020 04:25:50 PM
Excellent. Added 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke and 1 tsp. garlic powder. Will make again. (And I don't even like BBQ sauce!!!)
Stinker47
08/31/2020 10:56:52 PM
I reduce the sugar by half, with ketchup as a base you'll never miss it. That and add aTB of Worcesterhire sauce in place of the molasses.
Cams
11/17/2024 08:29:00 PM
This sauce is a little different from my usual sauce. The vinegar with the chili powder gives a different flavor. I used honey as well
Warren Pope
06/30/2020 05:13:21 AM
This is a great, basic recipe. I couldn't help adding a bit of red wine vinegar and soy sauce. The recipe is a good one, that's open to all kinds of experimentation!
jcfretts
08/26/2020 12:09:50 AM
Delicious! I used this on pulled pork after it was rubbed and roasted, and this added the perfect finishing touch. I added onion powder and liquid smoke to mine, and will experiment with some of the add-ins others have suggested.
My Grandpa G
10/28/2024 11:35:39 PM
Made as is plus added a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce. May switch to apple cider vinegar instead. I'll taste after it sits for a day. It's ok right now. My wife wants a less mustardy sauce.
Scott Ledford
03/28/2021 10:39:24 PM
I thought it was okay. My wife through it was too ketchupy...and that was after I added Worchester Sauce to give it more body.
alishalouise
07/12/2025 10:50:20 PM
I've made this with any number of combination of ingredients or substitutions. This is a great base recipe, as well, perfect made as is. Love it.
Michelle Nelson
08/19/2024 10:54:14 AM
Tried it last night and it turned out perfect.
JazzyBacon9657
01/07/2024 07:16:10 AM
I’ve never made candy before, but this seems like it’s close, And it’s even better on ribs,
Stacy
08/30/2023 10:50:13 PM
Very good BBQ sauce. Be sure to use good quality ketchup.
PiliPili
08/11/2023 03:00:20 PM
It's perfect as written, no changes. This is our household bbq sauce now, you can always find a bottle in the fridge. I've been making it for years.
JazzyJelly2325
08/08/2022 10:23:16 AM
Waaayyy too sweet, might be our limited range of ketchups here in Oz but leave the sugar out.
Maddie Franklin
05/28/2022 11:22:41 PM
Delicious!
EdgyPrawn4247
05/27/2022 04:26:49 PM
Chef John, please use metric weights. Conversions (for smaller batches) are much simpler.
rod c
06/27/2021 04:22:21 PM
Excellent balance of sweet and heat. You can easily tweak it a bit more/less to achieve your own perfect balance.
audio version
CookGuide is your culinary guide to discovering new flavors and cooking with confidence. Find trusted recipes, practical tips, and inspiration for both home and professional kitchens.
Any copying, distribution, or use of the materials from this service without authorization is strictly prohibited. Violations will be prosecuted under applicable law and may result in both civil and criminal liability.
© Cook Guide Studio 2025 | Cookies | Terms and conditionsFind the perfect recipe with AI. Just enter your ingredients and let CookGuide do the magic.
