This Memphis BBQ Sauce recipe is a quick, no-fuss way to bring a bold, Southern flavor to your table in just 10–15 minutes. This isn’t just another BBQ sauce. It’s a treasured family recipe passed down from my parents, originally found in a well-worn cookbook they received as a wedding gift. I still use it on everything from pulled pork and chicken to dips and sandwiches. What makes this sauce so versatile is how easily it can be customized—add more heat if your family likes it spicy, or keep it sweet and tangy for a milder flavor. It comes together fast, but if you have time to let it simmer a bit longer, the flavor only gets better. It’s perfect for grilling, broiling, or dipping, and it even caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a quick homemade sauce for your next meal, this Memphis-style BBQ sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen—just like it is in mine.
Grilling with the Memphis BBQ sauce
What I love about this Memphis Barbecue Sauce recipe is that the sugars will caramelize when in the broiler or on the grill. The sugar in cooking on the grill adds so much flavor to the barbecue! I use this sauce with the Pulled Pork in the Oven recipe. The sauce will definitely caramelize in the broiler with that recipe.
Make more for later
I usually make a bit more of the Memphis Barbecue Sauce because my family likes to use it for dipping and for sandwiches. Chicken fingers, hot dogs, you name it and they put it on it! You can also adjust the heat and sweetness to your liking! I hope you and your family like the bbq sauce as much as mine does.
Heat. Spicy or not?
The spice in this recipe is entirely up to you and your guests tastes. My family has come to like a bit of heat in their barbecue. This recipe tastes great with or without heat. You can split the batch of sauce if you have family or guests with different levels of love for spice!
There are other great sauces and dressings on my site! Click here to try them!
FAQ’s
This fast recipe takes about 10–15 minutes to prepare, but letting it simmer longer enhances the flavor.
Yes! It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and even hot dogs or burgers go great with this sauce.
Absolutely! Add more chili powder or hot sauce for heat, or tone it down for a mild version.
Yes, the sugars in the sauce caramelize beautifully when broiled or grilled.
Memphis BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- 1 medium sauce pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup of ketchup
- 3/4 cup of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard or 1 tablespoon of powdered mustard
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a pan and simmer for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Notes
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How long does it take to make Memphis barbecue sauce?
This fast recipe takes about 10–15 minutes to prepare, but letting it simmer longer enhances the flavor. -
Can I make this barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. -
What meats pair well with this Memphis BBQ sauce?
Pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and even hot dogs or burgers go great with this sauce. -
Can I adjust the heat level?
Absolutely! Add more chili powder or hot sauce for heat, or tone it down for a mild version. -
Will the sauce caramelize on the grill?
Yes, the sugars in the sauce caramelize beautifully when broiled or grilled.
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