Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe is a homemade sauce made from fresh tomatoes, spices, and seasonings to create a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor.
I made this recipe because I wanted to recreate a rich BBQ sauce I once tasted. My previous experience in making tomato based sauces helped me balance the flavours.
Watching others prepare this sauce inspired me to try it myself. I will now show step by step how to make this Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe.
Why We Love This Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe?
We love this Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe for its rich, smoky flavor combined with a subtle sweetness and tang from fresh tomatoes, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
The spices and liquid smoke create a deep, bold taste that enhances grilled meats, sandwiches, and roasted vegetables. Its smooth texture and balanced heat make every bite satisfying.
This sauce brings homemade quality and a comforting, flavourful touch that elevates any meal, showing care and skill in every jar.
How To Prepare Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: About 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp honey or molasses
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- ½ cup Louisiana style hot sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
How To Make Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe?
1. Prepare The Tomatoes
Rinse the fresh tomatoes and chop them into small pieces. Set them aside for later.
2. Cook The Base
Heat some olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes along with the tomato paste. Let them cook for about 5–7 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
3. Add The Sweeteners And Vinegar
Stir in the brown sugar, honey (or molasses), and apple cider vinegar. Mix everything together so the sugar dissolves and the flavours start to meld.
4. Season The Sauce
Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, black pepper, chili powder, and salt. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the spices fully bloom.
5. Blend And Finish
Take the saucepan off the heat. Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a regular blender to puree the sauce until it’s smooth. Return it to the heat, add liquid smoke and Louisiana-style hot sauce, then simmer gently for another 10–15 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens slightly.
6. Cool And Store
Let the sauce cool a little. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Pour it into a jar or airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze it for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
About This Sauce
This Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe is a flavourful sauce made from fresh ripe tomatoes, spices, brown sugar, honey, and a touch of vinegar, creating a balanced smoky, sweet, and tangy taste.
The main speciality of this recipe is its rich, deep flavor achieved through the combination of smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and Louisiana pepper sauce, giving it a unique smoky heat.
My experience in making sauces helped me perfect this recipe and I will now guide step by step to recreate this delicious Tomato BBQ Sauce at home.
Expert Tips
● Roast fresh tomatoes before cooking to enhance sweetness and deepen flavor.
● Stir frequently during simmering to prevent burning and ensure even thickness.
● Balance acidity and sweetness by adjusting apple cider vinegar and brown sugar gradually.
● Add smoked paprika and liquid smoke carefully to create a rich, smoky aroma without overpowering.
● Cool sauce slightly before blending for smoother texture and consistent consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe alongside grilled chicken, ribs, or pork to enhance the smoky, sweet flavours.
It works well as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or roasted vegetables. Spread it on burgers, sandwiches, or wraps to add a tangy, rich layer of taste.
Drizzle over roasted potatoes or mix into baked beans for extra depth. This sauce also complements grilled seafood and tofu, adding a bold, homemade flavor to every dish.
How To Make More Delicious Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Enhance the flavor of Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe by roasting fresh tomatoes until caramelised before blending.
Increase depth by slowly simmering the sauce to concentrate sweetness and intensify spice notes. Incorporate a touch of smoked paprika and liquid smoke for a robust, smoky aroma.
Adjust sweetness and tang with brown sugar and apple cider vinegar for balanced layers of flavor. Finishing with a splash of Louisiana pepper sauce adds a gentle heat, creating a rich, bold, and unforgettable homemade BBQ sauce.
How To Store Leftovers?
Allow Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight glass jar or container.
Refrigerate for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and flavor. For longer storage, pour the sauce into freezer safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months.
Reheat gently on low heat, stirring occasionally, to restore smooth consistency. Proper storage preserves the rich, smoky taste and sweet-tangy balance of the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead Of Fresh Tomatoes?
Yes, canned tomatoes work well and can be substituted in equal amounts for fresh tomatoes.
Can I Make This Sauce Spicier?
Yes, increase the chili powder or hot sauce to suit your heat preference.
Is This Sauce Suitable For Vegetarians?
Yes, it is vegetarian friendly, but Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so use a vegetarian version if needed.
Can I Adjust The Sweetness?
Absolutely, add more or less brown sugar or honey depending on taste.
Can I Use This Sauce For Slow Cooked Meats?
Yes, it works perfectly as a glaze or sauce in slow cooked or smoked meat recipes.
Conclusion
This Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe is easy, enjoyable, and incredibly delicious! The rich, smoky, and tangy flavourful bring a perfect balance that anyone can appreciate.
I hope this simple recipe inspires you to try it yourself. Soon, you will have a flavourful sauce that elevates any meal, and I’m excited for you to taste it.
Enjoy the amazing flavours, and don’t forget to share how delicious it turned out!
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Tomato BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh ripe tomatoes chopped
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tbsp honey or molasses
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- ½ cup Louisiana style hot sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Prepare The Tomatoes
- Rinse the fresh tomatoes and chop them into small pieces. Set them aside for later.
Cook The Base
- Heat some olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes along with the tomato paste. Let them cook for about 5–7 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Add The Sweeteners And Vinegar
- Stir in the brown sugar, honey (or molasses), and apple cider vinegar. Mix everything together so the sugar dissolves and the flavours start to meld.
Season The Sauce
- Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, black pepper, chili powder, and salt. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the spices fully bloom.
Blend And Finish
- Take the saucepan off the heat. Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a regular blender to puree the sauce until it’s smooth. Return it to the heat, add liquid smoke and Louisiana-style hot sauce, then simmer gently for another 10–15 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens slightly.
Cool And Store
- Let the sauce cool a little. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Pour it into a jar or airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze it for longer storage.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Sugars: 10 g | Protein: 0.5 g | Fat: 0.5 g | Sodium: 250 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!