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You won’t believe how easy it is to make. Keep reading to find out how basic staples become the most delicious kid-friendly BBQ sauce you’ve ever tried!
Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce for Kids
Not all homemade BBQ sauce recipes are created equal. I've tried many, and my kids will often complain that one is too spicy! (too much pepper), too smoky! (paprika), too sweet! (seriously?)-and the list goes on.
It all began when I made homemade ketchup. I realized that with just a few simple ingredients that most of us already had in our pantries, we could make our favorite sauces! So then, I began experimenting with other sauces and dressings.
The result is this incredible kid-friendly BBQ sauce: spicy, tangy, and a little smoky to tone it down for the kids. I've tried quite a few barbecue sauces, and this is by far the best and most delicious that my husband and I have tried! And guess what? Kids love it too! Woohoo!
Ingredients
The amounts are in the printable recipe card, but before you jump there, check out what I use to make this kid-friendly BBQ sauce and why each ingredient is relevant to this recipe:
- Seasonings: salt, ground paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Tomato puree: your favorite canned or homemade tomato puree.
- Honey and maple syrup: add the sweetness needed to balance the tangy flavors.
- White vinegar: makes the sauce slightly tangy.
- Tomato paste: yields a great texture while adding rich flavor.
- Dijon mustard: adds a pungent note without overshadowing the other ingredients.
- Soy sauce: delicious savory flavor!
- Fish sauce: just a little goes a long way and makes this sauce even tastier!
- Liquid smoke: it infuses the sauce with a smoky barbecue taste and aroma.
How to Make BBQ Sauce
Once you see how easy this kid-friendly BBQ sauce is to make, you’ll never buy the bottle again. It’s all about mixing ingredients! Check out the simple process:
- Combine the seasonings
First, you combine all the seasonings in a bowl. - Cook the sauce
Now, you combine all the liquid ingredients into a saucepan and then add the seasoning mix. Stir the sauce occasionally while it simmers. - Allow it to cool down
Before storing in a jar, let the sauce cool down.
How to Store Homemade BBQ Sauce
Once the BBQ sauce is cooked, allow it to cool down to room temperature. Then, pour it into a jar and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Best Ways to Use BBQ Sauce
This BBQ sauce is one you’ll want to make in bulk because there are so many delicious ways to enjoy it that it’s never enough! Tender, juicy pork ribs or this BBQ Taco with Pulled Pork will make you drool! I also use this epic sauce for chicken sliders or these BBQ Chicken Tostadas.
I know there’s also something irresistible in dipping anything in BBQ sauce, right? Crispy chicken tender, broccoli nuggets, or healthy baked fries are kid-friendly and everyone-friendly! Sooo good!
Kid Friendly BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup tomato puree
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
Prep:
- In a small bowl, combine the seasonings: salt, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Cook:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the tomato puree, honey, maple syrup, white vinegar, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, fish sauce, and liquid smoke. Use a whisk to combine the ingredients.
- Add the seasonings and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to cook it down.
- Let the bbq sauce cool down completely before pouring it into a jar. Refrigerate it for up to a week.
Ginger says
My kids are in love with your homemade BBQ sauce!