Arby’s Sauce (Copycat Recipe)

This copycat recipe for Arby’s sauce is so easy to make at home!

When it comes to barbecue sauces, no one does it better than Arby’s.

The unique blend of ingredients creates a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce that gives their sandwiches that extra special appeal.

We’ve all taken home some (or a lot) of those tasty sauce packets. But with this simple recipe, you won’t need to anymore.

There are hundreds of recipes out there that claim to taste just like the original. I have experimented with many of them and have found this one to be the best.

Looking for the most accurate Arby’s sauce copycat recipe? The search is over. This one is the winner. 

Arby’s Sauce

Apart from the signature sandwiches, Arby’s is also popular for its luscious sauce.

The combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors adds a wonderful zing to sandwiches and other dishes. 

Fortunately, you do not need to collect those sauce packets anymore just to get a taste of your favorite sauce.

With this copycat recipe, you’ll get to enjoy it whenever you want.

Not only is this sauce insanely delicious, but it’s also a breeze to make.

It’s just a matter of stirring all the ingredients until you get a thick mixture. It could not get any easier than that.

Ingredients

Here’s another thing I love about this sauce recipe: it calls for the most basic ingredients. I’m pretty sure you will find them all in the pantry!

• Ketchup – The base of any BBQ sauce. Ketchup gives the sauce a sweet and tomato-y flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a mild tanginess to balance out the sweetness and the spice.
• Tabasco – For that bit of spice. Add more or less according to your taste preference. 
• Onion and Garlic Powder – For a kick of spice.
• Brown Sugar – For a sweeter, thicker sauce.
• Salt – It enhances the flavor of the sauce.

Tips for the Best Sauce

• You’ll need to give the ingredients in the sauce to marry. Cooking the sauce on low heat for 20 minutes will allow the elements to blend together into one harmonious, lip-smacking sauce. No matter what you do, be sure you do not skip that part.
• Do not be tempted to increase the heat to speed up the cooking process. It really does need those 20 minutes for the flavors to marry. 
• Stir the sauce frequently as it simmers, especially during the last 10 minutes, when it begins to thicken. If you do not stir often enough, the sauce will start to clot and form lumps.
• The ingredients in this recipe create the perfect balance of flavors. That’s what makes this sauce a cut above the rest. But that shouldn’t stop you from trying other variations. Here are some ways you can switch things up:
  • Add Creole or Cajun seasoning for more spice and flavor.
  • Use molasses instead of brown sugar.
  • Add cayenne pepper for more heat.
  • Sprinkle a bit of paprika to add smokiness. 
  • Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor.

How to Use the Sauce

Arby’s sauce is most popularly used on sandwiches, including roast beef, pastrami, turkey, or chicken.

But this sauce is so versatile, you can use it basically on everything. It’s a good thing this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.

• Want a sweet, smoky, and tangy dip for your fries or nuggets? This sauce has you covered. 
• Craving both Italian and barbecue? Use Arby’s as a pizza sauce.
• Want to add excitement to your basic burger? You’ve guessed it – slather that patty with Arby’s sauce!
• Looking for the best sauce for pulled pork or meatloaf? Look no further! Arby’s is the answer.
• Spice up your Taco Tuesday by adding this luscious sauce to tacos, burritos, and nachos. 

Do You Need Cornstarch to Thicken the Sauce?

Other recipes call for it, but no, you do not. In fact, I recommend against it. 

Sure, adding cornstarch will thicken the sauce. But you’ll no longer achieve that lovely drip-off-the-bun consistency.

Don’t worry, the ingredients will thicken on their own during the last few minutes of simmering.

Can I Make This Sauce in the Microwave?

You definitely can! Here’s how.

Place all the ingredients in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Whisk the mixture vigorously and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes. 

Take the bowl out. The mixture should have darkened in color. If it doesn’t, heat it again in one-minute increments until darkened.

Give it a final stir, and voila! Your sauce is done. 

Serve right ahead if you do not mind a hot sauce, but bring it to room temperature before storing.

How to Store Arby’s Sauce 

Homemade Arby’s sauce has a pretty good shelf-life, as long as you store it properly. The first thing you’ll need to do is bring it to room temperature.

Once the sauce has completely cooled, transfer it into an air-tight container, preferably a jar (mason jars work great).

If your jar has a small opening and you’re having trouble pouring, a funnel will help a lot.

Refrigerate Arby’s sauce for 2 to 3 weeks. Do not freeze it, as that will alter its consistency. 

With these simple storage tips, you can make a huge batch of Arby’s sauce and not worry about it going bad.