BBQ Sauce substitute

Best substitute

Ketchup + Brown Sugar + Vinegar

Use the same amount (1 cup BBQ sauce = ½ cup ketchup + ¼ cup brown sugar + 2 tbsp vinegar) as the bbq sauce you are replacing

Best for grilling

Close match

The best substitutes for BBQ sauce are ketchup-based sauce, teriyaki sauce, or homemade BBQ sauce using ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar.

Other bbq sauce substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Teriyaki Sauce
Taste and texture differ
Use the same amount
Asian-style sauce with similar sweet and savory profile.
What changes
Works well for glazing and marinades.
Best for
glazing, marinades, stir-fries, grilling, roasting
Slightly thinner than BBQ sauce. May need to reduce or thicken with cornstarch.
3Hoisin Sauce
Different taste
Use the same amount
Chinese sauce with sweet and savory flavors.
What changes
Provides similar glazing properties with more complex aromatics.
Best for
glazing, marinades, roasting, stir-fries, dipping
More complex flavor with garlic and spices. May need to thin with water or soy sauce.
4Worcestershire Sauce + Ketchup + Sugar
Different taste
Use the same amount (1 cup BBQ sauce = ½ cup ketchup + ¼ cup Worcestershire + 2 tbsp sugar)
Tangy alternative with umami depth.
What changes
Good for meat marinades and glazing.
Best for
marinades, glazing, roasting, grilling, basting
More tangy and less sweet than traditional BBQ sauce. Adjust sugar to taste.
5Tomato Sauce + Molasses + Vinegar
Different taste
Use the same amount (1 cup BBQ sauce = ½ cup tomato sauce + ¼ cup molasses + 2 tbsp vinegar)
Rich, dark alternative with deep molasses flavor.
What changes
Perfect for ribs and pulled pork.
Best for
ribs, pulled pork, brisket, slow cooking, smoking
Much darker and richer than regular BBQ sauce. Add spices like paprika and garlic powder.
6Sriracha + Honey + Vinegar
Taste and texture differ
Use the same amount (1 cup BBQ sauce = ½ cup sriracha + ¼ cup honey + 2 tbsp vinegar)
Spicy alternative with Asian influence.
What changes
Provides heat and sweetness for glazing and dipping.
Best for
spicy glazing, marinades, dipping, grilling, roasting
Much spicier than traditional BBQ sauce. Adjust heat level with less sriracha.

What is BBQ Sauce?

BBQ Sauce is Sweet and tangy sauce typically made with tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices, used for grilling, roasting, and as a condiment.

Cooking tips

Apply BBQ sauce in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and maintain flavor
Brush sauce on meats while they're still hot for better adhesion and shine
Thin BBQ sauce with water, vinegar, or beer if it becomes too thick
Use a silicone brush to apply sauce evenly and avoid over-applying
Store homemade BBQ sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
Warm BBQ sauce slightly before using to make it easier to spread
Layer multiple thin coats of sauce rather than one thick coat for better results

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between BBQ sauce and ketchup?

BBQ sauce is typically thicker, sweeter, and more complex than ketchup, with added vinegar, spices, and often molasses or brown sugar. Ketchup is more acidic and less sweet.

Can I make BBQ sauce less sweet?

Yes, reduce the sugar or molasses in homemade recipes, or add more vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce to balance the sweetness. You can also use unsweetened ketchup as a base.

How do I prevent BBQ sauce from burning?

Apply BBQ sauce in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking and watch carefully. If grilling or broiling, apply in thin layers and turn frequently. Consider reducing the heat slightly.

Can I use BBQ sauce as a marinade?

Yes, BBQ sauce works well as a marinade, but it's quite sweet and salty, so use it sparingly and balance with other ingredients. Consider thinning it with water, oil, or vinegar.

Related substitutes

More sauces & condiments substitutes

BBQ Sauce substitute

Other bbq sauce substitutes

2Teriyaki Sauce

3Hoisin Sauce

4Worcestershire Sauce + Ketchup + Sugar

5Tomato Sauce + Molasses + Vinegar

6Sriracha + Honey + Vinegar