Honey Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Category: Sauces
Yield: 2–3 cups
Description
This homemade Honey Barbecue Sauce brings the perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors with a hint of beer that deepens the taste. It’s perfect for slathering on baby back ribs or grilled chicken, adding a touch of richness and tang. The beer in this sauce reminds me of my dad’s cooking — he was always grilling pork steaks, a St. Louis tradition. He would choose shoulder blade steaks over sliced pork butt, although my mom had a different preference. Either way, this sauce is a winner for any barbecue dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 2/3 of a medium |
| Garlic | 2–3 cloves |
| Chili sauce | 2 cups |
| Beer | 1 1/2 cups |
| Honey | 1 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Prepared yellow mustard | 1/4 cup |
| Cayenne pepper | 2 tsp |
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approx. 1/4 cup)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 697.1 kcal |
| Fat | 21.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 13.2 mg |
| Sodium | 1718.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 116 g |
| Fiber | 6.6 g |
| Sugar | 79.1 g |
| Protein | 10.2 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the base: Begin by heating some oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté them until the onions become soft and translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.
-
Mix in the flavors: To the softened onions and garlic, add the chili sauce, beer, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and prepared yellow mustard. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. If you prefer a thicker consistency, allow it to simmer a little longer, but make sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
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Taste and adjust: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you want more heat, add extra cayenne pepper; if you prefer it sweeter, you can add a bit more honey.
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Cool and store: Let the sauce cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can make the sauce ahead of time and keep it for your next BBQ.
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Use on meats: This sauce works beautifully as a baste for grilled or smoked meats. It’s enough to baste about 3–4 pounds of your favorite BBQ meat, such as ribs, chicken, or pork steaks.
This rich, flavorful sauce not only brings a deep savory taste with a touch of sweetness but also adds a unique kick from the beer and cayenne pepper. It’s versatile enough to elevate any grilled or barbecued dish, and it’s a great addition to your homemade sauce repertoire.
