Go Back
Print Recipe

Classic BBQ Marinade

A quick and easy classic bbq marinade for grilling beef, chicken or pork.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Marinade
Cuisine: American
Keyword: barbecue, bbq, marinade

Equipment

  • 1 shallow dish or zip lock bag

Ingredients

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
  • Place meat in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it.
  • Turn meat to coat evenly, cover (or seal), and refrigerate for the appropriate marinating time (see notes).
  • Remove meat from the marinade before grilling and discard the leftover marinade.

Notes

Chicken: Marinate for 1 to 2 hours. Great on thighs, breasts, or drumsticks. Don’t go longer—vinegar and mustard can affect texture.
Pork: Marinate for 2 to 4 hours. Excellent on chops, ribs, or tenderloin.
Beef: Marinate for 4 to 8 hours. Ideal for steaks or short ribs. This marinade adds great smoky-sweet flavor and helps build a caramelized crust on the grill.