Aunt Georgia'S Zesty Barbecue Sauce
A tangy, smoky barbecue sauce with a zesty kick, perfect for grilling and enhancing beef, chicken, or pork ribs with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil all vegetables (bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic, lemon) in water until tender.
- Add tomato paste, barbecue sauce, and liquid smoke to the vegetable mixture.
- Simmer slowly for about 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Strain the sauce before storing in a jar.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Use on beef ribs, chicken, or pork ribs for a flavorful meal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the vegetable mixture. If you're short on time, pre-diced frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute. For a sweeter sauce, you can replace half of the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. This sauce also works great as a marinade!
Serving Suggestions
This zesty barbecue sauce is ideal for grilled beef ribs, chicken, or pork ribs. Serve alongside classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Quick And Easy White Bread for a delicious sandwich. Try brushing it on grilled vegetables for a tasty vegan option too!
Storage & Reheating
Once the sauce has cooled, transfer it to an airtight jar and store it in the refrigerator. It can last for up to two weeks. When ready to use, simply reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This sauce also freezes well, so you can double the batch and have some on hand for future barbecues.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Georgia'S Zesty Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 1743 calories, with 27g protein, 310g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (112% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and iron (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1812mg per serving (79% 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 vegan?
Yes! To make this sauce vegan, simply ensure you are using a vegan barbecue sauce. Most brands offer vegan options. Additionally, you can replace the liquid smoke with smoked paprika for a similar flavor. This way, you can enjoy the zesty flavor without any animal products.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness. Additionally, adding more tomato paste can help offset the sweetness while maintaining the sauce's thickness and flavor.
What is the best way to use leftover barbecue sauce?
Leftover barbecue sauce can be used in a variety of ways! It makes a great marinade for grilled meats or can be brushed over vegetables before roasting. You can also mix it into baked beans or use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers. Don't forget to try it with E Z Rice Pudding for a unique twist!
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).