Alice'S Barbecue Sauce
A tangy, flavorful barbecue sauce with onion, garlic, vinegar, and spices, perfect for grilling or as a condiment for meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a nonstick pan.
- Add minced onion and garlic, cooking until tender and water has evaporated.
- Add chili sauce or ketchup, vinegar, sugar, horseradish, salt, pepper, and dried sage (if using).
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour into a clean, hot preserve jar, seal, and store in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter sauce, consider increasing the sugar or using brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. You can substitute the chili sauce with homemade ketchup or any favorite barbecue sauce. Fresh herbs can also elevate the flavor, so feel free to experiment with fresh sage instead of dried.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It also works well as a dip for appetizers such as chicken wings or vegetable skewers. For a complete meal, serve with sides like coleslaw or cornbread, and don't forget to check out the 3 Week Coleslaw recipe for a refreshing accompaniment.
Storage & Reheating
Store the barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in ice cube trays and transferring the cubes to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alice'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 142 calories, with 3g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 700mg per serving (30% 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 sauce spicy?
Absolutely! To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mix. You can also adjust the amount of horseradish to increase the spiciness level. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too runny?
If your sauce turns out thinner than desired, you can thicken it by simmering it longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce while heating until it reaches the desired consistency.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this barbecue sauce is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the chili sauce or ketchup you use is also vegan. This makes it a great option for those following vegan recipes or looking for plant-based meal options.
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).