All-Purpose Barbecue Sauce
A versatile, smoky barbecue sauce with tangy vinegar and sweet brown sugar, perfect for ribs, burgers, or Sloppy Joes, adding bold flavor to any grilled or baked dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Mexican style chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic (minced or powder) ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Pour over cooked beef or pork ribs and heat in a moderate oven for about 20 minutes.
- Or mix with cooked ground beef and onion (fat drained off) for spicy Sloppy Joes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Adjust the chili powder according to your spice tolerance. This sauce is versatile and can be used for chicken or grilled vegetables as well, making it a great addition to your American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This all-purpose barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with beef or pork ribs, adding a rich flavor. Serve it alongside coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal. You can also use it in sandwiches or burgers. For a fun twist, try it with grilled vegetables or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze the sauce for up to three months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring to ensure even heating and to prevent it from splattering.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of All-Purpose Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 207 calories, with 6g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (118% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), and calcium (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 24g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, you can prepare this barbecue sauce in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option for gatherings or meal prep.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
While the recipe contains Worcestershire sauce, which may not be vegan, you can easily substitute it with a vegan alternative or soy sauce to make the barbecue sauce suitable for vegan recipes.
Can I use this sauce for grilling?
Absolutely! This barbecue sauce is perfect for grilling. Brush it onto your meats during the last few minutes of cooking for a delicious glaze. It's great for chicken, ribs, or even tofu for a delightful barbecue flavor.
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).