BBQ Hamburger Sauce Recipe
BBQ Hamburger Sauce is a tangy, sweet, and smoky condiment that enhances any burger. Combining ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, it adds depth of flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. This easy-to-make sauce transforms ordinary burgers into a mouthwatering, savory experience.
Equipment
- A small saucepan
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A small bowl (optional, for mixing ingredients before adding to the pan)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce optional, for some extra kick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
Heat the Oil
- Start by heating the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. This will help release the flavors of the spices and make the sauce extra aromatic.
Mix the Ingredients
- Once the oil is heated, add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Add the Spices
- Now, add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir again to blend all the spices into the sauce mixture. If you like a little heat, this is where you can add your hot sauce. Stir until the sauce is smooth and the sugar dissolves.
Simmer and Stir
- Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the sauce a nice thickness. Be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Taste and Adjust
- Give your sauce a taste! If you like it sweeter, you can add a little more brown sugar. If you want more tang, add a splash more vinegar. Adjust it to your personal taste.
Cool and Serve
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. Now it’s ready to drizzle over your juicy burgers!
Notes
This BBQ hamburger sauce recipe is highly versatile! Not only does it taste amazing on burgers, but it can also be used as a dipping sauce for fries, grilled chicken, or even as a topping for grilled vegetables.
It’s a perfect addition to any BBQ spread, and you can easily double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings.
If you want to make this sauce in advance, it stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken up a bit in the fridge.