Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey with our collection of DIY BBQ sauce recipes from around the world. From the tangy and spicy flavors of North Carolina’s vinegar-based sauce to the sweet and smoky notes of Kansas City’s signature blend, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a fan of the classic American barbecue or looking to explore international flavors like the vibrant Caribbean jerk sauce or Korean bulgogi marinade, we’ve curated a selection that will elevate your grilling game to new heights. Get your apron on and let’s fire up the grill!
North America
Kansas City BBQ Sauce
Kansas City BBQ Sauce is renowned for its sweet and tangy flavor. It is characterized by its rich tomato base, combined with a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and a hint of smoky flavor. Molasses, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce are key ingredients that contribute to its sweetness, while the addition of vinegar, mustard, and spices provide the tangy kick. This versatile sauce is traditionally used on a variety of meats, including ribs, pulled pork, and brisket.
Memphis BBQ Sauce
Memphis BBQ Sauce is known for its bold and robust flavor profile. Made with a tomato and vinegar base, this sauce has a slightly thinner consistency than other barbecue sauces. It is famous for its strong tangy taste, achieved by using a combination of vinegar, mustard, and spices. The addition of molasses and brown sugar gives it a touch of sweetness, while ingredients like paprika and cayenne pepper add a smoky and spicy element. Memphis BBQ Sauce is perfect for enhancing the flavor of grilled or smoked meats, such as ribs and pulled pork.
Carolina BBQ Sauce
Carolina BBQ Sauce is a regional favorite, hailing from the barbecue capital of the United States. It is characterized by its vinegar-based tanginess and distinctive spicy kick. This sauce primarily features vinegar, ketchup, and spices, with variations across different parts of the Carolinas. In Eastern Carolina, the sauce is predominantly vinegar, making it thin and tangy. In Western Carolina, the addition of ketchup and spices gives it a thicker consistency and a slightly sweeter taste. Carolina BBQ Sauce is typically slathered on pulled pork, but it also goes well with other meats like chicken and beef.
South America
Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri Sauce is a vibrant and herbaceous sauce originating from Argentina. It is made using a base of fresh parsley, garlic, and olive oil. Additional ingredients such as red wine vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes are added for flavor and spice. The combination of these ingredients results in a tangy, garlicky sauce that perfectly complements grilled meats, particularly steak. Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce is also versatile enough to be used as a marinade or a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables.
Brazilian Chimichurri Sauce
Brazilian Chimichurri Sauce is a variation of the traditional Argentinian Chimichurri, with a unique twist. It incorporates Brazilian flavors, such as lime juice and a hint of cumin, to create a sauce that is refreshing and bursting with citrusy and earthy notes. The base ingredients remain the same, with parsley, garlic, and olive oil as the foundation. This sauce is commonly served alongside grilled meats, providing a bright and zesty flavor that complements the smokiness of the meat.
Peruvian Aji Sauce
Aji Sauce is a popular condiment hailing from Peru, known for its vibrant color and spicy flavor. It is made using aji amarillo peppers, which are indigenous to Peru and have a medium level of heat. The peppers are combined with garlic, lime juice, and cilantro to create a sauce that is tangy, zesty, and slightly spicy. Aji Sauce adds a bold and lively flavor to grilled meats and is commonly used as a dip or marinade. Its versatility makes it a beloved sauce that can be paired with various dishes, from seafood to roasted vegetables.
Europe
British BBQ Sauce
British BBQ Sauce is a classic condiment that adds a unique twist to traditional barbecue flavors. This sauce often combines ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, tomato ketchup, and mustard to create a tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile. Molasses or brown sugar is typically added to give it a hint of sweetness, while spices such as paprika and allspice provide depth and complexity. British BBQ Sauce is perfect for glazing grilled meats, including sausages and burgers, adding a distinct British flavor to your backyard barbecue.
Mediterranean BBQ Sauce
Mediterranean BBQ Sauce reflects the vibrant and flavorful cuisine of the Mediterranean region. This sauce incorporates ingredients commonly found in Mediterranean cooking, such as olive oil, lemon juice, and a variety of herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. The combination of these ingredients creates a sauce with a refreshing and herbaceous taste. Mediterranean BBQ Sauce is versatile and pairs well with a variety of grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, adding a taste of the Mediterranean to your barbecued dishes.
German BBQ Sauce
German BBQ Sauce brings the rich and hearty flavors of Germany to the grill. Traditionally, German BBQ Sauce combines ingredients like mustard, vinegar, and molasses to create a tangy and slightly sweet taste. The addition of spices such as paprika and caraway seeds adds a distinct German touch. This sauce is commonly used to glaze sausages and pork chops, giving them a delicious and flavorful coating. German BBQ Sauce adds a savory and tangy element to your grilled dishes, transporting your taste buds to the heart of Germany.
Asia
Korean BBQ Sauce
Korean BBQ Sauce is famous for its unique combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. This sauce is typically made with a base of soy sauce, along with ingredients like brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. The addition of gochujang, a Korean chili paste, gives it a distinct and fiery kick. Korean BBQ Sauce is commonly used as a marinade for grilled meats, such as beef short ribs (galbi) and chicken (dak-galbi). Its bold and complex flavors make it a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue gathering.
Chinese Char Siu Sauce
Char Siu Sauce is a Chinese barbecue sauce that is both sweet and savory. It is made from a combination of ingredients like hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. The sauce gets its signature red color from the addition of red fermented bean curd or red food coloring. Chinese Char Siu Sauce is commonly used as a glaze for roasted or grilled meats, particularly pork. Its sticky and flavorful nature adds a delightful sweetness and richness to the meat, making it a popular choice in Chinese cuisine.
Thai Peanut Sauce
Thai Peanut Sauce is a creamy and flavorful sauce that adds a burst of Thai-inspired taste to your grilled dishes. It is made with a base of peanut butter, coconut milk, and lime juice, creating a rich and tangy flavor. Additional ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili paste are added to enhance the sauce’s depth and complexity. Thai Peanut Sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, or as a dressing for salads. Its combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes it a popular choice among Thai cuisine enthusiasts.
Africa
North African Harissa Sauce
Harissa Sauce originates from North Africa and is known for its bold and fiery flavors. This sauce is made with smoked and dried chili peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, and olive oil. The chili peppers give it a distinct heat, while the spices add layers of complexity. Harissa Sauce is commonly used as a marinade or condiment for grilled meats, such as lamb or chicken. Its intense and aromatic flavors bring a taste of North Africa to your barbecue, leaving your palate longing for more.
West African Peanut Sauce
West African Peanut Sauce, also known as Groundnut Sauce, is a rich and creamy sauce with a delightful nutty flavor. It is made from ground peanuts, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices like ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. The sauce is typically cooked for a long time to develop its thick and luscious consistency. Often paired with grilled or roasted meats, West African Peanut Sauce adds a comforting and satisfying element to your dishes. Its unique flavors offer a glimpse into the culinary traditions of West Africa.
South African Monkey Gland Sauce
Despite its unusual name, Monkey Gland Sauce is a beloved South African barbecue sauce known for its sweet and tangy flavor. Contrary to its name, this sauce does not contain any monkey-related ingredients. It is made with a combination of tomatoes, onions, apricot jam, Worcestershire sauce, and various spices. Monkey Gland Sauce is commonly used as a marinade and glaze for grilled meats, such as steak, ribs, and chicken. Its sweet and tangy taste makes it a finger-licking addition to any South African-inspired barbecue.
Australia
Australian BBQ Sauce
Australian BBQ Sauce is a tangy and slightly spicy sauce that is an essential part of Australian barbecue culture. It typically features a combination of tomato ketchup, malt vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Australian BBQ Sauce strikes a balance between sweetness and tanginess, making it a perfect complement to grilled meats, sausages, and burgers. This versatile sauce is a staple in many Australian households, adding a delightful zing to any barbecue feast.
Outback Tomato Sauce
Outback Tomato Sauce is a classic Australian condiment that adds a touch of nostalgia to any barbecue. This sauce is made from ripe tomatoes, onions, vinegar, and spices, resulting in a thick and flavorsome sauce with a hint of tanginess. Outback Tomato Sauce is a must-have on sausages, meat pies, and burgers at Australian barbecues. Its rich and tomatoey taste brings back memories of family gatherings and lazy summer days in the Australian outback.
Lemon Myrtle Sauce
Lemon Myrtle Sauce showcases one of Australia’s native ingredients, the lemon myrtle tree. This sauce combines the unique citrusy and herbal flavors of lemon myrtle leaves with a variety of other ingredients like garlic, onion, and spices. The result is a tangy and refreshing sauce that pairs well with grilled seafood, chicken, and vegetables. Lemon Myrtle Sauce adds a distinctly Australian twist to your dishes, infusing them with the flavors of the Australian bush.
Caribbean
Jamaican Jerk Sauce
Jamaican Jerk Sauce is a fiery and aromatic sauce that is characteristic of Jamaican cuisine. It is made from a blend of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice berries, garlic, ginger, thyme, and other spices. The combination of these ingredients creates a spicy sauce with a complex and vibrant flavor profile. Jamaican Jerk Sauce is commonly used as a marinade or glaze for grilled meats, such as chicken and pork. Its bold and robust flavors provide a taste of the Caribbean and transport your senses to the sunny shores of Jamaica.
Cuban Mojo Sauce
Mojo Sauce, originating from Cuba, is a tangy and garlicky sauce that adds a burst of flavor to grilled dishes. It is made with a base of citrus juices, such as orange and lime, combined with garlic, cumin, and oregano. The combination of citrus and fresh herbs creates a refreshing and zesty sauce that pairs perfectly with roasted or grilled meats, such as pork and chicken. Cuban Mojo Sauce brings a taste of the vibrant Cuban cuisine to your barbecue, infusing your dishes with a tropical flair.
Trinidadian Pepper Sauce
Trinidadian Pepper Sauce is a hot and spicy sauce that is beloved in Trinidad and Tobago. Made with a variety of hot chili peppers, such as scotch bonnet or habanero, this sauce provides a fiery kick to any dish. Additional ingredients like vinegar, garlic, and herbs are added to balance the heat and enhance the flavor. Trinidadian Pepper Sauce is commonly used as a condiment or marinade for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Its intense heat and bold flavors will satisfy the cravings of any spice enthusiast.
Middle East
Israeli Tahini Sauce
Tahini Sauce is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is widely popular in Israel. It is made primarily from ground sesame seeds, combined with lemon juice, garlic, and spices. The result is a creamy and nutty sauce with a tangy and earthy flavor. Israeli Tahini Sauce is commonly used as a dip or drizzle for grilled meats, falafel, or roasted vegetables. Its rich and distinctive taste adds a touch of Middle Eastern delight to your barbecue.
Lebanese Garlic Sauce
Lebanese Garlic Sauce, also known as Toum, is a creamy and garlicky sauce that is a favorite in Lebanese cuisine. It is made with a generous amount of garlic, lemon juice, and vegetable oil, creating a smooth and pungent sauce. Lebanese Garlic Sauce is often used as a condiment or dipping sauce for grilled meats, kebabs, and shawarma. Its bold and tangy flavors make it a must-have accompaniment to Middle Eastern-inspired barbecue dishes.
Iranian Mast o Khiar Sauce
Mast o Khiar Sauce is a refreshing and cooling sauce commonly found in Iranian cuisine. It is made with yogurt, cucumber, dried mint, and a hint of garlic. This sauce has a smooth and creamy texture, with a crisp and tangy taste. Mast o Khiar Sauce is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, kebabs, or as a refreshing dip for pita bread or vegetables. Its light and refreshing flavors provide a delightful contrast to the richness of grilled dishes, making it a popular choice in Iranian barbecue gatherings.
Indian Subcontinent
Indian Tandoori Sauce
Tandoori Sauce is a vibrant and aromatic sauce that is synonymous with Indian cuisine. It is made with a combination of yogurt, various spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, along with ginger, garlic, and lemon juice. The result is a tangy and flavorful sauce with a distinct reddish hue. Indian Tandoori Sauce is traditionally used as a marinade for meats, particularly in tandoori-style cooking. Its vibrant flavors and rich spice blend add an authentic taste of India to your barbecued dishes.
Pakistani Green Chutney
Green Chutney, popular in Pakistani cuisine, is a refreshing and zesty sauce made from fresh cilantro, mint, green chili peppers, and lemon juice. It has a vibrant green color and a tangy, herbaceous taste. Pakistani Green Chutney is commonly used as a dipping sauce or condiment for grilled meats, kebabs, and samosas. Its bright and refreshing flavors bring a burst of freshness and spice to your barbecue, transporting you to the streets of Pakistan.
Bangladeshi Mustard Sauce
Mustard Sauce is a traditional condiment in Bangladeshi cuisine, known for its strong and pungent flavor. It is made from ground mustard seeds, vinegar, and a blend of spices. Bangladeshi Mustard Sauce has a sharp and tangy taste, with a hint of heat. This sauce is commonly used as a dip or marinade for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Its distinct and robust flavors add a spicy and tangy kick to your barbecue dishes, offering a taste of Bangladesh.
Pacific Islands
Hawaiian Pineapple Sauce
Hawaiian Pineapple Sauce is a tropical and fruity sauce that captures the essence of the Hawaiian islands. It is made with fresh pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile. The sauce is commonly used as a glaze for grilled meats, particularly pork or chicken. Hawaiian Pineapple Sauce adds a touch of the tropics to your barbecue, infusing your dishes with a delightful sweetness.
Polynesian Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce is a staple in Polynesian cuisine and is known for its sweet and savory taste. It is made from a combination of soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and mirin or sake. Polynesian Teriyaki Sauce has a thick and glossy consistency, making it perfect for glazing grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Its balance of sweetness and umami flavors provides a delicious and crowd-pleasing addition to your barbecue feast.
Fijian Mango Sauce
Fijian Mango Sauce is a fruity and tangy sauce that brings a taste of the South Pacific to your barbecue. It is made with ripe mangoes, lime juice, ginger, and a touch of chili, creating a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Fijian Mango Sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce or marinade for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Its tropical and vibrant taste adds a burst of sunshine to your dishes, transporting you to the pristine beaches of Fiji.
From North America to the Pacific Islands, these DIY barbecue sauce recipes from around the world showcase the diverse and delicious flavors that can be enjoyed at your very own backyard grill. Whether you prefer the sweet and tangy Kansas City BBQ Sauce or the fiery Jamaican Jerk Sauce, there is a sauce for every palate and occasion. So fire up your grill, get creative with these recipes, and take your taste buds on a global culinary adventure. Happy grilling!