McDonald’s BBQ Sauce is tangy, sweet, and rich. But do you know you can recreate this sauce at home? No? We have a full-proof McDonald’s BBQ Sauce recipe that you can make at home within 15 minutes.
Besides the best McDonald’s sauces, this BBQ sauce is exceptional. It is simple and has a mild flavor with a hint of spiciness. The best part is it is very healthy and is way better than the store-bought sauce.
The only thing that made our recipe stand out is that we’ve used fresh ingredients for the best flavor! We suggest simmering this sauce for long enough. Otherwise, you won’t get that perfect thickness.
You will find the rest of the details related to this recipe in the guide below. We’ve tried our best to provide you with the relevant information so that you have the best BBQ sauce. It will pay you off. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the guide below.
What's In The Post
Is This The Exact McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Recipe?
This homemade version of McDonald’s BBQ is very close to the original recipe. The only difference is that we haven’t used additives, preservatives, or color enhancers to get that exact flavor and texture.
Rest all the ingredients, and the process is the same. We were skeptical at first about its texture and flavor. But when we made this sauce, it was well worth a try. All you have to do is be patient and follow the guide to enjoy the flavors at home.
Is BBQ Sauce The Best Sauce At McDonald’s Menu?
McDonald’s Tangy BBQ sauce was first introduced in 1982. It has a tomato paste base, vinegar, and savory spices. It is the perfect dipping sauce for Chicken McNuggets and fries.
It is the best sauce as it offers two flavors at once. Sweet and sour taste! You should note that McDonald’s McNuggets and tangy BBQ are a match made in heaven. It has a lovely contrast to the savory, crispy nugget.
You can buy this sauce from the store. The price of this McDonald’s menu item varies depending on the size and packaging. Individual packets cost around $0.10 each, small cups cost $0.50 each, and large bottles cost $2.00 each.
Does McDonald’s Sell Their BBQ Sauce?
Yes, McDonald’s does sell BBQ sauce in their stores. You can get 1 to 4 free BBQ sauces with deals at stores. However, if you want more BBQ sachets, you can buy them at an additional cost. It also depends on the McDonald’s branch, where you go, what you order, and the person behind the counter.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Easy – This tangy BBQ sauce is straightforward to make. You can prepare this sauce within half an hour.
- Flavorful – This homemade version of McDonald’s BBQ Sauce has a tangy flavor and creamy texture.
- Readily Available Ingredients – You can easily find all the ingredients in this recipe in your pantry. There is no need to roam outside to acquire the components.
- Versatile – Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and elevate its flavor! Serve it as a dipping sauce, use it for a marinade, or use it for a classic burger or a turkey sandwich.
Is This BBQ Sauce Vegan Or Gluten Free?
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce should be avoided if you’re on a gluten-free diet and have celiac disease. At the same time, you make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce. Still, if you want to enjoy McDonald’s gluten-free alternatives, try them out.
But the best part is this McDonald’s sauce is vegan. It’s a dipping sauce on fries or sweet potato fries. Still, you can try other McDonald’s vegan items for a change.
Equipment Required To Make McDonald’s BBQ Sauce
- Saucepan – Prepare this homemade version of McDonald’s BBQ Sauce by simmering all the ingredients until thickening.
- Measuring Cup – You can’t get wrong with the ingredients. There are only three ingredients. So, use a measuring cup to measure the ingredients for the best flavors.
- Spatula – Use a spatula to stir the ingredients until well combined.
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- Corn Syrup – Add a cup of corn syrup to sweeten the sauce.
- Tomato Paste – Use tomato paste to give the sauce its umami and savory flavor, thickening the sauce.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Use red wine vinegar to give the sauce a tangy flavor.
- Soy Sauce – Use soy sauce to give the sauce its umami flavor.
- Soybean Oil – Drizzle a tablespoon of soybean oil to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Water – Water is the main ingredient in the sauce. It is used to dilute the other ingredients and make the sauce consistent.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic powder will enrich the taste and add more aroma to the sauce.
- Onion Powder – Onion powder will bring an incredible taste to the sauce, enriching its flavor.
- Chili Peppers – Chili peppers will add a natural smoke flavor to the sauce.
- Salt – Season the sauce with a teaspoon of salt to enhance its flavor.
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Ingredients Substitutions
- Corn Syrup – Use other sweeteners like brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of corn syrup.
- Water – Feel free to experiment with chicken broth, apple juice, or vegetable juice.
- Ketchup – Ketchup has added umami flavor to this sauce. But you can replace it with tomato sauce, paste, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Use white, balsamic, or apple cider vinegar.
- Soy Sauce – Substitute soy sauce with tamari sauce, coconut aminos, or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos.
- Soybean Oil – You can substitute with vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Why Does This BBQ Sauce Use Ketchup As An Ingredient
This recipe uses ketchup as an ingredient in BBQ sauce as it helps to thicken the sauce and give it a smooth consistency. In addition, it adds sweetness and tanginess to the sauce and balances out the other flavors in the sauce.
However, McDonald’s generally does not use ketchup to prepare their tangy BBQ sauce. But if you make your BBQ sauce, you can experiment with ketchup for the authentic flavors.
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Preparation Time And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Minutes | 10 Minutes | 20 Minutes |
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Recipe Steps
Write the recipe steps following the images.
Tips To Make McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Better
- Use A Thickener To Fix Your Runny Sauce – If your BBQ sauce is runny, thicken it with flour and water and mix it until no lumps are found.
- Sweeten It The Other Way – BBQ sauce should be sweet but not overly sweet. So, avoid using white sugar and maple syrup, honey, or molasses instead.
- Try Adding Other Condiments – Adding a tablespoon of tamari sauce, teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce won’t be cheating. Instead, it will add richness and will make your sauce sticky.
- Try Other Vinegar – Tanginess is another flavor profile of this sauce. So, add apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar to add sweetness but with a hint of tanginess.
- Make It Boozy – Adding alcohol can bring out the existing flavors of the sauce.
- Use Dry Mustard – Dry Mustard stands out as it has sweet and sour flavors. It will add vinegar tones and slight sweetness to the sauce.
- Let It Cook – It’s best to let the sauce cook for some time to let the flavors meld and sweeten it.
- Bring The Heat – Add some heat with chipotle peppers and jalapeno peppers.
How Will This McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Look And Taste Like?
This homemade version of McDonald’s BBQ Sauce has a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of smoke. Plus, it has a smooth and slightly thick consistency with a deep brown color and a slightly glossy appearance.
When we tasted this homemade version, the first that clicked in our minds was its sweetness, tanginess, and smoky flavor. The spices added to this sauce are so well-balanced that they don’t overpower each other.
If you are looking for something smoky, spicy, and sweet at the same time, try this McDonald’s BBQ Sauce. It is a versatile sauce that can be used on various foods.
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Nutritional Values
This homemade version of McDonald’s BBQ Sauce is healthier than the original one. The reason is that this homemade sauce doesn’t contain any artificial additives. To know more about its nutritional value, take a look at the table below:
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Sodium | 260 mg |
| Potassium | 55 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
How To Store This McDonald’s BBQ Sauce?
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce is a shelf-stable product you can store at room temperature without spoiling. However, if you want to keep the sauce longer than a few weeks, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
- To store McDonald’s BBQ Sauce in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to six to twelve months in the fridge.
- You can also do so if you want to freeze McDonald’s BBQ Sauce. To freeze the sauce, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to three months in the freezer.
Remember, if you notice any signs of freezer burn, such as ice crystals or changes in texture, it’s best to discard the sauce. Freezer burn can affect the taste and quality of the sauce, making it less enjoyable.
What To Serve With This McDonald’s BBQ Sauce
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs well with various dishes. Here are some delicious options to consider when serving McDonald’s BBQ Sauce.
- McDonald’s French Fries – If you’re in the mood for a breakfast-inspired snack, dip your fries in this sweet, sour, tangy barbecue sauce for a unique and tasty combination. The spicy sauce pairs surprisingly well with the crispy fries.
- McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets – Dunk the restaurant-style McDonald’s chicken nuggets into creamy and tangy barbecue sauce.
- McDonald’s McCrispy Recipe – Spread this flavorful and spicy BBQ sauce on your McCrispy to add a tangy element to your chicken sandwich.
- McDonald’s McRib Sandwich – McDonald’s McRib sandwich is wrapped with healthy and flavorful components. Adding a pinch of tanginess will perfectly complement the delicious, zesty, and crunchy McRib flavors.
- McDonald’s Big Mac – McDonald’s Big Mac is a famous double cheeseburger known for its classic flavored patties. You can spread the sauce on your favorite Big Mac and enjoy your meal.
Other McDonald’s Sauce Recipes To Try
So, it was all about the BBQ sauce recipe that we can use at your home. But you want to try some more McDonald’s sauces at your home. In that case, we have also written the copycat recipes of McDonald’s Tartar Sauce, McDonald’s Cajun Sauce Recipe, McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce, McDonald’s Hot Fudge Sauce, and McDonald’s Habanero Sauce Recipe. Also, we’ve made other McDonald’s copycat recipes that you can check out.
Recipe Card
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Measuring Cup
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Corn Syrup
- 1 cup Tomato Paste
- ½ cup Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Soybean Oil
- 1 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili Peppers
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ½ cup of Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce and 1/3 Kraft Original Flavor BBQ sauce.
- Add a teaspoon of corn syrup or sugar to it and mix everything well.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave for 40 seconds. If using a gas stove, heat until it starts to form small bubbles.
- Allow it to cool down. Serve it cold with your favorite dishes.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is McDonald’s BBQ sauce made of?
McDonald’s BBQ sauce is made up of different ingredients like corn syrup, tomato paste, spices, red wine vinegar… etc.
Is barbecue sauce non veg?
Typically, most BBQ sauces use only vegetarian ingredients. However, some may contain chunks of pork or other meat-based ingredients.
Are McDonald’s sauces free?
Yes. McDonald’s sauces come as free condiments along with its dishes.
Is BBQ sauce ketchup?
No! BBQ sauce and ketchup are two different kind of dips.
Conclusion
Now that we have reached the end of the article, I hope you found the perfect way to make your favorite McDonald’s BBQ sauce at home. This is something you can easily make at home with just three ingredients.
However, while making this recipe, make sure to measure it correctly, so it tastes exactly like the BBQ sauce we get from McDonald’s. Have it with your favorite french fries or nuggets as much as you want.
Have it, share it, and spread the taste and recipe amongst yourself! If you are planning to make this recipe anytime soon, do let us know how it turned up in the comment section!
