Brisket Barbecue Sauce

Written by
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Derrick Riches
Updated 04/28/21
Smoked Brisket
Regarding BBQ, Inc.
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 64 servings
Yield: 4 cups
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
32 Calories
0g Fat
7g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 64
Amount per serving
Calories 32
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 1mg 0%
Sodium 84mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 1mg 5%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 52mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

With the bold flavor of smoked brisket, you want a barbecue sauce that is rich and loaded with flavor. This classic style, tomato-based barbecue sauce has that perfect combination of tangy-sweet with a hint of heat that is ideal for barbecue brisket.

This sauce goes on the brisket after it has been smoked and sliced. It is probably best to just put a bottle of this on the table and let everyone add as much as they want. You can also use this sauce for ribs, barbecued pork chops, pulled pork, barbecue chicken, and more.

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onions

  • 2 cloves minced garlic

  • 1 cup tomato sauce

  • 1 cup ketchup

  • 1 cup vinegar

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup honey

  • 1/3 cup chili sauce

  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon allspice

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Add onions and garlic and sauté until translucent.

  3. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.

  4. Bring to a boil over a medium-high heat.

  5. As soon as the sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.

  6. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes before using.

How to Store

  • If you're making the barbecue sauce ahead of time or storing leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. 

Do You Put Barbecue Sauce on Brisket?

Unlike other forms of barbecue, like ribs and pulled pork, brisket is often served dry, or without sauce already slathered on top. It is, however, often served with sauce on the side so you can do your own slathering. Serving barbecue sauce with brisket helps add flavor and moisture to the meat.

What Is Traditionally Served With Brisket?

Barbecue brisket pairs nicely with traditional sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad. For a hearty dinner, serve with mashed potatoes.