Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe is a tangy, vinegar based barbecue sauce with mild sweetness and spice, traditionally used on ribs, pulled pork, and smoked meats.
I made this Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe because I grew up tasting similar sauces at family cookouts and local barbecue spots.
I have old experience making this sauce after watching pit masters prepare it on television and food shows focused on Memphis barbecue culture.
That inspiration pushed me to recreate it at home. I will now show step by step how to make this Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe.
Why I Will Choose Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe?
I will choose Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe because it brings bold, tangy flavours that enhance the taste of grilled or smoked meats.
The balance of vinegar, brown sugar, and spices creates a sauce that is both bright and flavourful, letting the natural meat shine.
This Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe carries authentic Southern barbecue tradition and adds a unique depth to every bite.
The thin texture allows it to coat ribs, pulled pork, or chicken evenly, creating a rich, satisfying taste that celebrates classic Memphis barbecue.
How To Prepare Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American (Memphis style Southern BBQ)
Yield: 4 cups
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Stove
- Heat safe jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- 240 g ketchup
- 120 ml apple cider vinegar
- 75 g packed brown sugar
- 40 g molasses
- 15 g yellow mustard
- 2 g smoked paprika
- 1 g garlic powder
- 1 g onion powder
- 2 g chili powder
- 0.5 g cayenne pepper
- 1 g black pepper
- 3 g kosher salt
- 240 ml white vinegar
- 30 g butter
- 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce, to taste (such as Tabasco)
How To Make Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe?
1. Combine The Ingredients
Place the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, butter, and all the spices into a medium saucepan. Stir to mix everything together.
2. Heat And Melt
Set the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as it warms, making sure the butter melts completely and the sugar dissolves into the sauce.
3. Simmer The Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir now and then until it thickens slightly.
4. Finish And Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust it with hot sauce or a little extra vinegar if needed. Take it off the heat, let it cool a bit, and serve with grilled or smoked meats.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Fat | 0.6 g |
| Protein | 0.4 g |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe
Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe is a classic Southern sauce known for its bold, tangy flavor and balanced spice. Unlike thick, sweet barbecue sauces, this recipe highlights vinegar as the dominant ingredient, giving it a sharp, clean taste that enhances smoked meats rather than overpowering them.
Ketchup, brown sugar, and molasses add gentle sweetness, while spices and hot sauce provide depth and heat.
The main speciality of Memphis BBQ Sauce is its thin, vinegar forward profile, making it ideal as a mop sauce or finishing glaze for ribs and pulled pork.
Helpful Tips
➣ Use good quality ketchup and vinegar since they create the main flavor balance of this sauce and strongly affect the final taste.
➣ Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to prevent burning and allow the flavours to blend smoothly.
➣ Taste the sauce near the end of cooking and adjust sweetness or heat using brown sugar or hot sauce in small amounts.
➣ Let the sauce cool and rest for a few hours or overnight so the flavours deepen and improve.
➣ Store the sauce in a clean airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavourful longer.
Recipe Variations
➢ Spicy Memphis BBQ Sauce
Increase cayenne pepper and hot sauce to create a bold, fiery flavor that delivers a stronger heat while keeping the classic tangy Memphis profile intact.
➢ Sweet Honey Memphis BBQ Sauce
Replace part of the brown sugar with honey for a smoother sweetness that balances the sharp vinegar taste and adds a richer finish.
➢ Smoky Hickory Memphis BBQ Sauce
Add liquid smoke and extra smoked paprika to intensify the deep, smoky character associated with traditional Southern barbecue.
➢ Low Sugar Memphis BBQ Sauce
Reduce brown sugar and molasses, then rely on spices and vinegar to maintain strong flavor while creating a lighter, less sweet sauce.
➢ Garlic Forward Memphis BBQ Sauce
Increase garlic powder and add fresh minced garlic for a stronger savoury taste that enhances grilled meats and barbecue dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe adds tangy, smoky flavor to ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and grilled vegetables. It enhances sandwiches, wraps, and burgers, giving each bite a zesty kick.
Drizzle over roasted potatoes or baked beans to elevate simple sides. Serve alongside coleslaw or cornbread to complement savoury dishes.
This Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe works well as a dipping sauce for appetisers like chicken tenders or meatballs.
It also balances rich, fatty meats, cutting through heaviness while boosting flavor, making meals more vibrant and satisfying.
How To Make More Delicious Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe?
To make more delicious Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe, start by gently caramelising the brown sugar and molasses in a saucepan to deepen the sweetness.
Use high quality apple cider vinegar and add a touch of white vinegar for brightness. Toast the spices briefly before adding them to release their aroma.
Slowly simmer the sauce to allow flavours to meld and thicken naturally. Finish with a small amount of butter to enrich the texture and round out the sharpness of the vinegar, creating a well balanced, flavourful barbecue sauce.
How To Store The Finished Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe?
The finished Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe should be stored in a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle. Allow the sauce to cool completely before sealing to preserve its flavor and freshness.
Keep it in the refrigerator, where it will last up to two weeks. Shake or stir the sauce before each use to recombine any separated ingredients.
Freezing in small portions is also possible for longer storage. Proper storage maintains the tangy, sweet, and smoky flavours of the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Sauce Spicier?
Yes, adding more cayenne pepper or hot sauce increases the heat without changing the tangy flavor.
Can I Use This Sauce On Other Meats?
It works well on chicken, pork, ribs, or even grilled vegetables.
Do I Need To Cook This Sauce?
Simmering helps the flavours blend and thickens the sauce slightly.
What Makes This Sauce Different From Kansas City BBQ Sauce?
Memphis BBQ Sauce is thinner, more vinegar based, and tangy, while Kansas City style is thicker, sweeter, and heavier on tomato.
Conclusion
This Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe turned out easy, enjoyable, and truly delicious, with simple ingredients creating a bold and satisfying flavor.
The smooth balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky notes made this recipe a real success. I hope this inspires you to try this easy recipe at home and enjoy the process.
Prepare Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe soon, taste the rich flavor, and share how delicious it feels after trying this Memphis BBQ Sauce.
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Memphis BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Stove
- Heat-safe jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- 240 g ketchup
- 120 ml apple cider vinegar
- 75 g packed brown sugar
- 40 g molasses
- 15 g yellow mustard
- 2 g smoked paprika
- 1 g garlic powder
- 1 g onion powder
- 2 g chili powder
- 0.5 g cayenne pepper
- 1 g black pepper
- 3 g kosher salt
- 240 ml white vinegar
- 30 g butter
- 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce to taste (such as Tabasco)
Instructions
Combine The Ingredients
- Place the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, butter, and all the spices into a medium saucepan. Stir to mix everything together.
Heat And Melt
- Set the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as it warms, making sure the butter melts completely and the sugar dissolves into the sauce.
Simmer The Sauce
- Turn the heat down to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir now and then until it thickens slightly.
Finish And Serve
- Taste the sauce and adjust it with hot sauce or a little extra vinegar if needed. Take it off the heat, let it cool a bit, and serve with grilled or smoked meats.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11 g | Sugars: 9 g | Fat: 0.6 g | Protein: 0.4 g | Sodium: 190 mgHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!