5-Minute Garlic BBQ Sauce (Sweet & Spicy!)
This quick and easy homemade BBQ sauce combines pungent garlic, sweet brown sugar or honey, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a kick from chili flakes, perfect for grilling or dipping.
Ingredients
Base Flavor
- 4 cloves Garlic (fresh, minced) Can substitute with 1 tsp of garlic powder or shallots.
Sweetness
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar or honey Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as substitutes.
Savory Components
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce Tamari is a gluten-free option.
- 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar White vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
Heat
- 1-2 teaspoons Chili flakes Hot sauce or diced jalapeños can be used as substitutes.
Smokiness
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Regular paprika or cumin can be used as substitutes.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients by measuring them out to save time.
- In a medium saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the brown sugar (or honey), soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili flakes, and smoked paprika to the saucepan. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- After a couple of minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the flavors by adding more sugar or vinegar as needed.
- Once the desired flavor is achieved, remove the sauce from heat and let it cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
Stir continuously after the sugar is added to prevent sticking or burning. For added depth, you can add a splash of whiskey or bourbon during the simmer.