Make-Ahead Memphis BBQ Sauce

Memphis barbecue sauce from Cleveland cooking on ribs that are being cooked on a grill

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: barbecue sauce cleveland cooking, bbq sauce cleveland cooking, easy bbq sauce, memphis bbq sauce, memphis bbq sauce cleveland cooking, quick bbq sauce

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Servings: recipe

Calories: 580kcal

Author: clevelandcooking

Make quick and easy Memphis BBQ sauce at home! A sweet and tangy recipe ready in 15 mins. Great for pulled pork, chicken, and more.

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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

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.

Nutrition