Aunt Mary'S Barbecue Sauce
A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with a balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, perfect for grilling, dipping, or glazing meats for family gatherings and cookouts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to your sauce. If you're out of brown sugar, granulated sugar can work in a pinch; just add a bit of molasses for depth. For a spicy kick, include cayenne pepper or hot sauce. This recipe is also great for making a vegan version by using a plant-based Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled meats, especially ribs or chicken. It also works well as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken wings or fries. Pair it with sides such as coleslaw or baked beans for a classic American meal. It complements dishes like Dilled Green Tomatoes beautifully, adding a tangy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it in smaller portions for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Mary'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 203 calories, with 3g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2969mg per serving (129% 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?
Yes, you can prepare this sauce in advance! It actually tastes better after a day or two in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar by half and taste as you go. You can also balance it with a little more vinegar for acidity.
Can this sauce be used for grilling?
Absolutely! Brush the sauce on meats during the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars. It works wonderfully on burgers, chicken, and even grilled vegetables for a delicious glaze.
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).