Aunt Emmy'S Barbecue Sauce

Cook: 240 min Cuisine: American

A rich, smoky barbecue sauce with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect for grilling and hearty dishes, appealing to BBQ lovers and condiment enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

  • 28 oz. ketchup
  • 12 oz. chili sauce
  • 1/3 cup mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. dry mustard
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. black pepper
  • 4 minced garlic cloves
  • 2 Tbsp. salad oil
  • 12 oz. flat beer
  • 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 bottle A.1. steak sauce

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a large pot.
  2. Simmer until thick, about 3 to 4 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. You can substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile. If you’re short on cider vinegar, white vinegar works in a pinch. Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking, especially during the last hour when it thickens.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled meats like ribs or chicken, or as a dipping sauce for appetizers. It pairs beautifully with Hot Appetizer Pie or can be used as a marinade. Serve alongside coleslaw or potato salad for a classic summer meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Emmy'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 1336 calories, with 31g protein, 275g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (195% of the Daily Value), iron (129% of the Daily Value), and potassium (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1336 kcal 67% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 30.6g 61% DV
Total Fat 31g 40% DV
Carbs 275.5g 100% DV
Fiber 54.7g 100% DV
Sugar 113.2g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 3840.7mg 82% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 339.9mcg 38% DV
Vitamin C 73mg 81% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 1053mg 81% DV
Iron 23.2mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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, this sauce can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and improve over time, making it a great make-ahead option for gatherings.

Is this sauce spicy?

This barbecue sauce has a mild to moderate spice level due to the black pepper and chili sauce. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I use a different type of beer?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any beer you enjoy, such as a stout or lager, to add unique flavors to the sauce. Just keep in mind that the type of beer will influence the final taste.

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).

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