A good BBQ doesn't need much: good food, matching sauces and the right equipment. With the foldable charcoal grill from Esbit, you're flexible on the go – whether in the park, by the lake or on the balcony. What would a successful BBQ be without suitable sauces? That's why we're present three simple BBQ sauces in this blog post – including mini-recipes that will add that certain something to your grilled food.

But what does BBQ actually stand for?
Before we start, let's clarify a question many people ask: What does BBQ actually stand for? BBQ is short for "Barbecue" and originally describes a cooking method where meat is prepared slowly at a low temperature, often with smoke. Today, however, BBQ also generally refers to grilling and enjoying food together outdoors. With our compact stainless steel charcoal grill (BBQ300S), you are perfectly equipped for this – despite its small pack size, the grill grate offers enough space for sausages, vegetables and more for several people.
Three homemade sauces for your BBQ
1. Classic BBQ Sauce: Smoky and intense
A good BBQ sauce is a must at any barbecue. It provides the typical smoky taste and goes well with meat, vegetables or grilled cheese.
But what exactly is in a BBQ sauce? The base of a classic BBQ sauce usually consists of tomatoes (e.g., in the form of ketchup), combined with sweetness (e.g., brown sugar), acidity from vinegar and various spices. Smoky notes, for example from smoked paprika powder or smoked salt, provide the typical savory taste.
Ingredients:
- 200 ml ketchup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika powder (smoked)
- 1/2 clove garlic (finely chopped)
- Salt & pepper
Preparation:
Stir all ingredients in a small pot and let simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes until the BBQ sauce thickens slightly. Then let cool and enjoy!
Esbit tip: The BBQ sauce is also perfect for glazing meat and vegetables directly on our charcoal grill.

2. Fresh Alternative to BBQ Sauce: Lemon-Herb Dip
It doesn't always have to be a classic BBQ sauce. Especially on warm days, a light, fresh alternative with yogurt is ideal.
Ingredients:
- 150 g natural yogurt
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, chives, dill)
- Salt & pepper
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients well, stir in finely chopped herbs and season with salt and pepper.
Esbit Tip: For a fresh note alongside the BBQ sauce – for example, perfect as a dip for vegetables, fish, potatoes or baguette.
3. Spicy & exotic: Honey-Mustard-Chili Sauce
For fans of sweet and savory combinations, this sauce is just right and goes particularly well with hearty grilled dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp mustard (medium hot)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili flakes (to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp lime juice
Preparation:
Stir all ingredients – done. No cooking needed.
Esbit-Tip: Ideal with grilled cheese, halloumi or vegetables – the combination of honey, mustard and chili provides extra flavor.
What should not be missing at a BBQ?
In addition to good sauces, it is primarily the combination of high-quality ingredients and the right equipment that makes the difference:
- An aromatic BBQ sauce as a base
- Fresh dips, side dishes and grilled food
- Compact, reliable equipment: such as our Esbit charcoal grill or our thermal containers
The perfect companion for your BBQ: our foldable stainless steel charcoal grill
For your BBQ sauce to fully unfold its aroma, the right grill is also crucial. Our foldable charcoal grill is perfect for this: it can be set up in a few simple steps, is very compact and therefore ideal for spontaneous BBQ moments on the go or at home.
Thanks to the three-way height-adjustable grill grate, you can optimally regulate the heat – perfect for gently cooking grilled food with BBQ sauce or glazing it at the end. A practical windbreak also ensures constant conditions during grilling.
Whether classically smoky, fresh, or exotic – with the right sauces, every BBQ becomes a real taste experience. Try our sauce recipes and discover how versatile grilling can be with our compact BBQ grill.
Our leak-proof food jugs are ideal for transporting sauces and dips. They keep the contents cool for a long time and are therefore a practical solution, especially for grilling on the go.

You can find more tips and recipes with our charcoal grill in the blog post and on our Instagram channel you can see our grill in action.
