This 2-ingredient BBQ sauce is an incredibly satisfying experience. The simplicity of just ketchup and brown sugar lets the flavors shine without overwhelming the senses.
As I combine the ingredients, the rich sweetness of the brown sugar blends perfectly with the tangy ketchup, creating a sauce that is both bold and comforting.
I’m making it for my family, and I can already tell they’ll love it. The process is quick and effortless, allowing me to enjoy time with loved ones as I prepare the meal.
The kitchen feels warm and inviting, and we share laughs while the sauce comes together, elevating the entire cooking experience.
Why You’ll Love This 2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce
✔ Quick & Simple: Ready in just 5 minutes! No need for complicated steps or long ingredient lists.
✔ Versatile: Use it on meats, vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for your fries.
✔ Customizable: Adjust the flavor profile by adding spices, herbs, or even a touch of hot sauce.
✔ Budget-Friendly: With only two ingredients, you’re saving both time and money.
How To Prepare 2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Sauce
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Calories: Approximately 250 calories per ¼ cup serving
Yield: About 1 ¼ cups of BBQ sauce
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
How To Make 2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce
1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ketchup and ⅔ cup of brown sugar. Stir well to fully incorporate the sugar into the ketchup. The sugar will dissolve into the ketchup, creating a smooth sauce.
2. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar if desired. Use the sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Notes:
This 2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce is perfect for grilling, as a dipping sauce, or for brushing onto meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers.
You can easily adjust the proportions of ketchup and brown sugar to suit your taste, whether you prefer a sweeter or more tangy sauce.
Why This 2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce Is The Best Choice
This 2-ingredient BBQ sauce is a standout choice because of its simplicity and delicious flavor. The combination of ketchup and brown sugar creates a sweet, tangy sauce that pairs well with almost any grilled dish.
It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and offers a homemade touch that beats store-bought alternatives. This sauce brings out the best in your BBQ meals without any complicated steps or extra effort.
Serve It With Your Favorite Dishes
Wondering what to pair this 2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce with? Here are some fantastic ideas:
✔ Grilled Chicken or Ribs: The perfect accompaniment to smoky, grilled meats.
✔ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: A simple yet flavorful sauce for that melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork.
✔ Veggie Burgers: Elevate your plant-based meal with a zesty BBQ drizzle.
✔ Grilled Veggies: Brush it on grilled veggies like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor.
✔ Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dip for fries, onion rings, or mozzarella sticks.
Tips And Variations
While this 2-ingredient BBQ sauce is super simple, there are a few tweaks you can try to make it your own:
1. Spice it up!
Add a teaspoon of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to bring a spicy kick to your BBQ sauce. You can also try adding smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
2. Sweeten it up!
If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, try adding a tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to balance out the tanginess of the vinegar.
3. Garlic and Onion Flavor
Add a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder to introduce more depth of flavor into the sauce. This is a great way to make your BBQ sauce more complex without too much effort.
4. Liquid Smoke
For a truly smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke. It’ll give your sauce a deep, barbecue pit flavor that’s perfect for outdoor grilling.
Health Benefits
Though BBQ sauce is generally considered indulgent, this simple recipe still offers some health benefits, especially when used in moderation:
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Ketchup contains tomatoes, which are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help fight free radicals in the body.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
Apple cider vinegar is known for its potential to aid digestion, support weight loss, and help lower blood sugar levels. It’s a natural ingredient with a host of health benefits when used in small amounts.
3. Low in Calories
This BBQ sauce is light, with only about 40 calories per serving. It’s a healthier alternative to store-bought BBQ sauces, which often contain added sugars and preservatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of vinegar for this recipe?
While apple cider vinegar is the most commonly used in BBQ sauces, you can substitute it with white vinegar or even balsamic vinegar for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that each vinegar has a slightly different flavor profile, which will alter the final taste of the BBQ sauce.
Can I make this BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes! This BBQ sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. In fact, the flavors often improve and meld together after sitting for a day or two.
Can I add spices to this sauce?
Absolutely! If you want to jazz up the sauce, feel free to add your favorite spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. The base recipe is a great starting point for customizing.
Final Thoughts
This 2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to enhance their meals.
2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce fast, affordable, and incredibly customizable, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks and BBQ enthusiasts alike. Try it out today and bring that homemade BBQ goodness to your next meal!
Let us know how it turned out and if you added any of your personal twists to the 2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce in the comments below.
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2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ketchup and ⅔ cup of brown sugar. Stir well to fully incorporate the sugar into the ketchup. The sugar will dissolve into the ketchup, creating a smooth sauce.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar if desired. Use the sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator.