How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for All-Purpose Barbecue Sauce?

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 qt. water, 4 (12 oz.) cans tomato paste, 3 lemons, cut in eighths, 3 garlic cloves, minced, and more.

Is All-Purpose Barbecue Sauce suitable as general?

Yes, All-Purpose Barbecue Sauce falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover All-Purpose Barbecue Sauce?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

All-Purpose Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Name: All-Purpose Barbecue Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 qt. water; 4 (12 oz.) cans tomato paste; 3 lemons, cut in eighths; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 medium onions, chopped fine; 12 large bay leaves, broken; 2 tsp. celery salt; 4 tsp. salt; 3 tsp. cayenne pepper; 3 1/4 c. white vinegar; 3 c. brown sugar

Try this homemade All-Purpose Barbecue Sauce recipe the whole family will love. Made with water, tomato paste, lemons and garlic. Easy step-by-step inst…

This All-Purpose Barbecue Sauce relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as qt. water, (12 oz.) cans tomato paste, lemons, cut in eighths and garlic cloves, minced. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 888 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 General

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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All-Purpose Barbecue Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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Frequently Asked Questions