How to Thicken BBQ Sauce in 7 Different and Easy Ways

by Karen Harris
Savoury Table is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

We all love the smell of meat in the air while grilling. The dazzling sound when the meat is finally done, the mouthwatering, delicious and savory pieces of meat that you simply can’t get enough of. And the taste? Yummy!

When grilling, there are two types of people, the ones that prefer their sauce to be more liquid, thin BBQ sauce, and the ones that want to add texture and look for ways to thicken their BBQ sauce. This is because a thick sauce will add a powerful kick of flavors.

In addition, it will stick and spread evenly on the meat, while thin sauce usually will evaporate quickly.

After long hours of research and practice, here are 7 best tips on how to thicken your BBQ sauce.

More...

1. Removing Excess Water

This is a quick method to thicken a BBQ sauce. It uses the basic principle of evaporation, which is the use of heat to dry a liquid.

This process intensifies flavor, making the liquid thicker or denser, and it does not require any ingredient, since removing an extra ingredient (water) will get the job done.

What You Need

  • Heating pan.
  • BBQ sauce.

Directions

  • Step 1: Set the heating pan on a medium heat.
  • Step 2: Pour the sauce in the pan.
  • Step 3: Stir until the sauce starts to boil.
  • Step 4: Set the pan to low heat.
  • Step 5: Continue stirring until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.

Read more —

How to Make Ring Bologna at Home

2. How to Use Flour to Thicken Your BBQ Sauce

Most people underrate flour, and many are not aware of its many uses, one of which includes thickening your BBQ sauce. If you also need to preserve your BBQ sauce’s flavor, flour is your go-to ingredient.

how to thicken bbq sauce with flour

What You’ll Need

  • Heating pan.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • 1 cup of BBQ sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons of flour.
  • ¼ cup of water.

Directions

  • Step 1: Pour 2 tablespoons of flour into a mixing bowl.
  • Step 2: Pour the ¼ cup of water into the mixing bowl and mix thoroughly until there are no more lumps.
  • Step 3: Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce in the heating pan.
  • Step 4: Set on medium heat.
  • Step 5: Mix the flour and water mixture with your BBQ sauce.
  • Step 6: Stir the mixture continuously.
  • Step 7: Once you get the mixture boiling, put it on low heat.
  • Step 8: Stir the mixture for two more minutes.

Read more —

What Not To Miss on How to Cook the Best Polish Sausage

3. How to Use Cornstarch to Thicken Your BBQ Sauce

Like flour, cornstarch can also be used to make your BBQ sauce thicker. The process is almost the same, but this one uses a different ingredient.

Cornstarch is used solely to thicken the BBQ sauce and does not add any flavors to the sauce.

What You’ll Need

how to thicken bbq sauce for ribs
  • Heating pan.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • 1 cup of your barbecue sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
  • 1 tablespoon of cold water (you need cold water to prevent lump formation during mixing).

Directions

  • Step 1: Pour 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in the mixing bowl.
  • Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon of water in the mixing bowl and mix until there are no more lumps.
  • Step 3: Pour 1 cup of your barbecue sauce in the heating pan.
  • Step 4: Set on medium heat.
  • Step 5: Mix the flour and water mixture with your barbecue sauce.
  • Step 6: Stir the mixture continuously.
  • Step 7: Once it starts to boil, put it on low heat.
  • Step 8: Stir the mixture thoroughly for 4 more minutes.

Read more —

The Best Guide on Smoking Tuna: How to Prepare Fish like a Professional

4. How to Use Butter to Thicken Your BBQ Sauce

Butter can add desired thickness to your BBQ sauce, and texture, with a little flavor as well. This will produce a distinct creamy taste due to its fat and water balance.

What You’ll Need

how much cornstarch to thicken bbq sauce
  • Heating pan.
  • Barbecue sauce.
  • Organic butter (avoid using margarine).

Directions

  • Step 1: Melt the organic butter in a heating pan.
  • Step 2: Once melted, add your BBQ sauce.
  • Step 3: Set to medium heat and stir mixture.
  • Step 4: Once it starts to boil, set to low heat.
  • Step 5: Stir continuously until you get your level of desired sauce thickness.

Read more —

How to Smoke A Fresh Ham in A Smoker (Curing, Smoking, and More)

5. How to Use Sugar to Thicken Your BBQ Sauce

It is generally known that sugar can be used to add thickness to your BBQ sauce. Sugar will not only add thickness to your sauce, but the right amount will also add sweetness to the sauce.

What You’ll Need

how to thicken up a bbq sauce
  • Heating pan.
  • Barbecue sauce.
  • Brown sugar.

Directions

  • Step 1: Set the heating pan to low heat.
  • Step 2: Pour your BBQ sauce in the pan.
  • Step 3: Sprinkle brown sugar on the BBQ sauce till you obtain your desired level of sweetness.
  • Step 4: Stir continuously until the mixture becomes thick.

Read more —

How Long Does Prosciutto Last: What You Need to Know

6. How to Use Heavy Cream to Thicken Your BBQ Sauce

Heavy cream is another ingredient that can be used to thicken your BBQ sauce. There are several sources from which you can get heavy cream, cow, or goat milk are the commonly used ones. Heavy cream will add taste, thickness, and desired level of consistency to your BBQ sauce.

What You’ll Need

how to thicken bbq sauce in crock pot
  • Heavy cream.
  • Heating pan.
  • BBQ sauce.

Directions

  • Step 1: Pour BBQ sauce in the heating pan.
  • Step 2: Adjust the heat to medium and stir the BBQ sauce.
  • Step 3: Once the BBQ sauce starts to boil, set to low heat.
  • Step 4: Add the heavy cream till you get the desired level of thickness and consistency.
  • Step 5: Set to medium heat again, and continue to stir.
  • Step 6: Once the mixture starts to boil, set to low heat.
  • Step 7: Stir the mixture for about one minute and allow simmering.

Read more —

Gas vs Electric Smoker – Which One Is the Best?

7. How to Use Vegetable Fibers to Thicken Your BBQ Sauce

This may sound a little odd, but vegetables can actually thicken your BBQ sauce, as well as add some great health benefits to your body. The process of using vegetables to thicken the BBQ sauce involves making a vegetable puree.

If properly mashed, these vegetables will not only thicken your BBQ sauce but will also provide your body with a needed nutritional kick.

how to thicken vinegar based bbq sauce

What You’ll Need

  • Bowl
  • Knife
  • Blender or food processor
  • Heating pan
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Tomatoes
  • Potatoes
  • Eggplants

Directions

  • Step 1: Steam the vegetable for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Step 2: Allow the vegetables to cool.
  • Step 3: Slice the vegetables into pieces.
  • Step 4: Put the sliced vegetables into a food processor or blender.
  • Step 5: Set aside the pureed vegetables in a bowl.
  • Step 6: Set pan over medium heat.
  • Step 7: Pour your BBQ sauce into the heating pan.
  • Step 8: Stir thoroughly and add the pureed vegetables.
  • Step 9: Allow simmering, and stir continuously until you obtain the desired thickness or consistency.
  • Step 10: If your BBQ sauce is too thick, while stirring, add a little quantity of water.

Read more —

A Guide on How to Trim a Brisket Properly

Final Thoughts

BBQ is a delectable food for many people. Adding BBQ sauce, especially thick one, will both boost the flavor and enhance the taste.

Of all the listed methods on how to thicken your BBQ sauce, which is your favorite? Do you have another recipe on how to thicken barbecue sauce you want to share with us?

We look forward to hearing your comments.

Leave a Comment