How to Make an Easy All-Purpose Barbecue Sauce and Rub

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

apple cider vinegar

🥗Healthier: white vinegar

💰Cheaper: lemon juice

Lemon juice is a common substitute for acidity.

Worcestershire sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: homemade Worcestershire

Homemade can be cheaper and tailored to taste.

liquid smoke

💰Cheaper: smoked paprika

Smoked paprika can provide a similar smoky flavor.

Combine 1/3 cup sweet paprika, 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup kosher salt, 4 tsps ground mustard, 2 tsps ground black pepper, 2 tsps ground coriander seed, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, and 1 tablespoon each of garlic and onion powder in a bowl.

Whisk it all together and use your fingers to get rid of any lumps of sugar.

Store the rub in a sealed container in your pantry for at least a few months.

Generously rub the spice mix into the surface of your meat before grilling or barbecuing.

For the sauce, combine 1 cup chicken stock, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup dark molasses, 1 small grated onion, 1 tablespoon brown mustard, 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar, and 2 tsps hot sauce in a bowl.

Add a couple tablespoons of your spice rub to the sauce mixture.

Whisk it all together and let it simmer until it reduces down into a nice thick glaze.

Adjust the flavor with more vinegar, molasses, or hot sauce as needed.

Once reduced, store the sauce in the fridge for several months.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens