Homemade Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe

Transform your barbecue with this homemade Memphis BBQ sauce, a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Crafted with molasses, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of cayenne, it’s the ideal companion for ribs, pulled pork, or chicken, offering a rich and smoky taste that epitomizes Southern comfort.

Why This Recipe Works

Packed with Flavors: This homemade Memphis BBQ sauce recipe is one of my go-to BBQ sauces! This sauce combines the sweetness of brown sugar and molasses with the tang of apple cider vinegar and a touch of heat from the dry rub. The result is a blend of flavors that complements the smokiness of BBQ meats without overpowering them.

Easy to Make: It might seem like buying BBQ sauce from the store is your best option, but trust me when I say that making homemade BBQ sauce is so easy and so worth it! It tastes better than any bottled version you can find. Plus, you can whip up your own homemade Memphis BBQ sauce in just a few simple steps!

Pairs with Everything: The combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors here makes it good to pair with just about everything. I like to eat this one with my favorite summertime barbecue meats, but it is also delicious as a dipping sauce!

Supplies Needed

• Saucepan
• Whisk

Ingredients

• Ketchup: Ketchup is the base of BBQ sauce! I recommend using an organic ketchup as it usually has a better flavor of tomato, but you can use whatever you have on hand!
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Add acidity to the sauce to balance out the smoky flavors!
• Mustard: Adds a bit of tanginess!
• Brown Sugar: This will add just a hint of sweetness! Brown sugar is better to use than regular sugar in BBQ sauce since it has a deeper flavor.
• Molasses: A little bit of molasses deepens the flavor here as well.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce is the secret to adding umami flavor to your BBQ sauce!
• Memphis BBQ Dry Rub: Use your favorite Memphis-style BBQ dry rub!

How To Make Memphis BBQ Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a pot over medium-low heat, add all of the ingredients together and whisk to combine.
2. Lightly Simmer: Stirring occasionally, allow the mixture to lightly simmer (not boil) for 10 minutes.
3. Cool: Remove from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
4. Serve or Store: Serve immediately or store in a glass jar or container and refrigerate when not in use.

What To Serve Memphis BBQ Sauce With

You can use this Tennessee BBQ sauce on all of your barbecue favorites! I like using it as a finishing sauce, to coat ribs, chicken or pulled pork. You can also use it as a dipping sauce, and serve it on the side with barbecued meat, fries, or grilled vegetables.

Here are some of my absolute favorites to serve with this barbecue sauce recipe:

• Party Ribs
• Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
• Smoked Sausage Burnt Ends
• Grilled Chicken Nuggets
• Smoked Pulled Beef
• Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
• Baby Back Ribs

Storing Suggestions

To store your Memphis BBQ sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a plastic squeeze bottle. The sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

For longer storage, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and then transfer the frozen cubes to a ziplock bag. Thaw the cubes as needed and enjoy the taste of Memphis BBQ whenever you like!

More Recipes To Try

• Creole Remoulade Sauce
• Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
• Pineapple BBQ Sauce
• Garlic Chili Oil
• Prime Rib Rub Recipe