Sweet Chili BBQ Sauce
Sweet Chili BBQ Sauce is a homemade barbecue sauce that balances sweetness, acidity, savory seasoning, and mild heat.The base comes from ketchup and brown sugar, while vinegar and lime juice add brightness. Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, onion, and black pepper build the savory backbone.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Fine mesh strainer
- Clean glass jar or airtight container
- Funnel
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
Step 1
- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, lime juice, chili powder, ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and water to a medium saucepan.
Step 2
- Stir everything thoroughly until the brown sugar begins to dissolve and the seasonings distribute evenly throughout the ketchup.
Step 3
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, watching closely as small bubbles begin to form.
Step 4
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 18–20 minutes. Stir regularly, especially around the bottom of the pan, to prevent the sauce from sticking or scorching.
Step 5
- The finished sauce should look smooth and slightly thickened. It should coat the back of a spoon without becoming overly thick.
Step 6
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool for several minutes. For a smoother finish, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. Transfer the cooled sauce to a clean airtight container and refrigerate.