Homemade Texas BBQ Sauce Recipe

Texas BBQ sauce should be bold, tangy, and never fussy. This recipe stays true to the smoky backyard barbecues I grew up with, bringing you all the deep, savory flavor with none of the unnecessary fuss.

Texas BBQ sauce is bold, savory, and built to let the meat shine. Unlike the sweet sauces of Kansas City or the vinegar tang of North Carolina, Texas-style sauce skips ketchup and bottled shortcuts, using tomato paste and a simple blend of spices for a deep, well-rounded flavor.

Even across Texas, styles vary. Central Texas favors thick, peppery sauces, while East Texas leans sweeter and thinner. This recipe offers a classic, balanced flavor that pairs well with everything from smoked brisket to grilled chicken.

With just a handful of pantry staples and about 20 minutes of simmering, you'll have a fresh, vibrant barbecue sauce that you can customize to your taste. Once you try it, you won't go back to bottled.

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Ingredient Tips and Easy Swaps

Looking for the full recipe? The recipe card at the bottom of this post includes the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions.

• Tomato Paste – Look for double-concentrated tomato paste if you can find it. It gives a richer flavor. Regular tomato paste works too. Just avoid tomato sauce, which is too thin.
• Beef Broth – Use low-sodium broth if possible, especially if you want more control over the final seasoning. You can use water instead, but the sauce will lose a little depth.
• Brown Sugar – Either light or dark brown sugar works. Dark brown sugar gives a stronger molasses flavor, which some people love for brisket or ribs.
• Honey – Adds a smoother sweetness. You can swap it for maple syrup for a slightly earthier flavor, or just use extra brown sugar if you prefer.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar gives the cleanest flavor for this style of sauce. White vinegar works too, but avoid red wine vinegar unless you want a fruitier sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a savory background note. There are no great substitutes for this one, but if you're out, a splash of soy sauce plus a pinch of sugar can help.
• Spices – The core spices give a smoky, peppery kick. Feel free to adjust the amounts or add extras like cumin, cayenne, coriander, or black pepper for a little more kick.

Ways to Use TX BBQ Sauce

This bold, savory sauce is good on just about everything. Here are a few easy ways to enjoy it:

• Serve it Texas-style as a side condiment with smoked beef brisket, pork ribs, or grilled chicken.
• Baste your meat during the final minutes of grilling to build a glossy, flavorful coating.
• Toss it with chopped brisket or pulled pork for easy sandwiches.
• Spread it on pizza dough and top with chopped chicken, red onion, and Monterey Jack cheese for a barbecue chicken pizza the whole family will love.
• Pair your barbecue with classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or these smoky baked beans for a full Texas-style meal.

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