Grilled Steak With Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

Get ready to grill steak with a homemade BBQ sauce that's sweet, smoky, and easy to make with pantry staples. It's easy to prepare ahead of time for stress-free summer grilling.

This grilled steak is perfect for barbecue nights, family dinners, or weekend cookouts.

This recipe also reminds me of my Texas roots on my mom's side of the family. My grandma grew up in a small Texas town, so homemade barbecue always brings back memories of family meals and summer gatherings.

This post was originally created in partnership with [Collective Bias Social Fabric and its advertiser]. The recipe and opinions are my own. This post has been updated with refreshed content and recipe tips.

Why You'll Love This Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

You'll love this homemade barbecue sauce recipe because it is simple to make and works perfectly for grilling recipes all summer long. The sauce comes together with easy pantry ingredients and adds bold flavor to grilled steak.

Picking out the cut of steak is easy — and if you ever have questions about cuts of meat, your local butcher can help guide you. I also love serving grilled steak with fresh salsa recipes, and decided to complete this barbecue dinner with a simple corn salsa. You can find more salsa recipes here on the blog, too.

This Texas-style BBQ sauce requires only about 5 minutes of prep and 10-15 minutes of cooking, making it perfect for summer grilling.

I think a good barbecue sauce is what gives steak that extra layer of flavor. This recipe has the perfect balance of savory, sweet, smoky, and just a little heat. If you love spicy barbecue sauce, you can easily add extra cayenne pepper or even seeds from fresh jalapenos to turn up the heat.

Tips for Grilling Steak With BBQ Sauce

One of my favorite grilling tips is to wait until the steak is almost done before brushing it with barbecue sauce. This helps keep the sauce from burning while still giving the steak that flavorful barbecue finish. Then slather it on!

I call this my Texas-style barbecue sauce because it reminds me of my grandma's Texas roots and the family barbecues we enjoyed growing up. When it comes to grilling recipes, I think marinades and homemade sauces are what make all the difference.

I call this my Texas-style barbecue sauce because it reminds me of my grandma’s Texas roots and the family barbecues we enjoyed growing up. When it comes to grilling recipes, I think marinades and homemade sauces are what make all the difference.

Ingredients for BBQ Sauce

• 1 1/2 cups of ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• pinch of cayenne pepper
• (optional) 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional)

How to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: about 20 minutes

Instructions

Step 1

Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan and stir until combined.

Step 2

Bring the sauce to a low simmer over medium-low heat (on the stove).

Step 3

Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors combine.

Step4

Remove from the heat and let cool slightly before using or serving with grilled steak.

Step 5

Store the leftover BBQ sauce in an airtight container (I like using small glass jars) in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Continue to Content

Yield: 1 1/2-2 cups

Homemade Texas BBQ Sauce for Grilled Steak

Print

A quick and easy homemade Texas BBQ sauce made with pantry ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Perfect for grilled steak, cookouts, and summer BBQ recipes.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• pinch of cayenne pepper
• (optional) 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional)

Instructions

Step 1
Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan and stir until combined.

Step 2
Bring the sauce to a low simmer over medium-low heat (on the stove).
Step 3
Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors combine.
Step4
Remove from the heat and let cool slightly before using or serving with grilled steak.
Step 5
Store the leftover BBQ sauce in an airtight container (I like using small glass jars) in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

1 steak portion per person

BBQ sauce used as a topping/glaze

Calories are for the sauce only and do not include the steak

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Nutrition Information

Yield

12

Serving Size

2 tablespoons
Amount Per Serving Calories 155Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 639mgCarbohydrates 40gFiber 1gSugar 34gProtein 1g

Not all nutritional information is always 100% accurate.

How to Grill Steak

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the steak directly on the grill and cook until it reaches your desired doneness, flipping once halfway through. For the best flavor, brush on the homemade BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling so it caramelizes without burning.

Tips for Grilling Steak

• Let the steak rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before grilling.
• Don’t press down on the steak while it cooks.
• Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness
• Let the steak rest 5–10 minutes after grilling before slicing.
• Brush BBQ sauce on at the end for the best glaze

Choosing the Right Cut

Ribeye, New York strip, and sirloin are all great choices for grilling because they cook evenly and stay tender. Ribeye has the most marbling for extra flavor, while sirloin is a leaner option. If you’re unsure, ask your butcher for a cut that is labeled “grilling steak” for the best results.

What to Serve With Grilled Steak

This grilled steak with homemade Texas BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with fresh summer sides. One of my favorites is this easy corn salsa recipe, which makes the perfect addition to any backyard BBQ meal.

Corn Salsa Recipe

Other options include grilled vegetables, baked beans, pasta salad, and simple summer salads.

FAQs

Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to one week. Flavors improve overnight.

When should I add BBQ sauce to steak on the grill?

Brush on during the last few minutes of grilling so it caramelizes without burning.

Can I use this BBQ sauce on other meats?

Yes! It's great on chicken, burgers, ribs, and grilled vegetables.

More Grilling Recipes & Sides

• Grilled Recipes
• Chicken Marinade for the grill
• Steak Marinade
• Grilled Chicken Recipes
• Easy Grilled Cheeseburgers
• Sirloin Steak and Kabobs
• Pasta Salad Recipes
• Salad Recipes.

Happy grilling!

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