Honey Barbecue Recipe

Combine ingredients

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup ketchup, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1 teaspoon black pepper and 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using).

Add liquid and salt

Pour in 2 tablespoons water to loosen the mixture and stir in 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the honey is incorporated.

Simmer and thicken

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and continue to simmer gently for 8–12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, slightly pourable glaze (it will thicken more as it cools).

Taste and adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed: add a pinch more salt for balance, another tablespoon of honey for more sweetness, or an extra 1/2 teaspoon vinegar for brightness. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in up to 1 tablespoon warm water to reach desired consistency.

Finish

Remove the sauce from heat. If using, whisk in 1 tablespoon melted butter for extra sheen. Let the sauce cool slightly before using; it will thicken further as it cools. Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Brush warm Honey Barbecue Sauce onto grilled or roasted meats during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking, turning and basting frequently to avoid burning the sugar. After removing from heat, spoon a little extra sauce over the protein and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.