1-2-3 Barbecue Sauce
A tangy and spicy barbecue sauce with a smooth texture, perfect for grilling or dipping, that adds bold flavor to meats, sandwiches, and snacks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small heavy saucepan.
- Heat to simmering over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- Puree in batches in a blender until smooth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter barbecue sauce, you can substitute brown sugar for some of the ketchup. To enhance flavor, try using a homemade version of ketchup. Be sure to finely chop the onion to blend smoothly in the puree process, avoiding chunks in the final sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This 1-2-3 Barbecue Sauce is perfect for grilling meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It also pairs beautifully with a Low Cal Cabbage Salad for a balanced meal. You can use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers or brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a delicious glaze.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth consistency. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 1-2-3 Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 163 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 574mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This barbecue sauce can be made a few days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you're ready to use it. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or parties.
Is this barbecue sauce vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. The ingredients, including ketchup and hot sauce, are typically plant-based. Always double-check labels to ensure they meet your dietary preferences, especially with hot sauces, some may contain additives.
How can I adjust the heat level of the sauce?
To adjust the heat level, simply modify the amount of hot sauce you use. For a milder sauce, reduce the hot sauce by half or substitute with a milder variety. Conversely, for a spicier sauce, add more hot sauce or include diced jalapeños in the mixture before pureeing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).