Barbecue Chipotle Sauce

Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

A smoky, tangy barbecue chipotle sauce with a hint of sweetness, perfect for grilling, dipping, or as a flavorful glaze for meats and vegetables.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon mustard (not dry)
  • 1 thick slice lemon
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons red chili powder
  • 1 chipotle pepper soaked in water until soft and pureed
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove from heat and use as a sauce or store in a jar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce. If you want a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chipotle pepper or use a mild chili powder instead. You can also substitute the brown sugar with honey for a different sweetness profile. This sauce can be adjusted to fit various tastes, making it versatile for different American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue chipotle sauce is perfect for grilled meats, especially chicken and ribs. It also makes a great dipping sauce for fries or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, pair it with Honey Wheat Spiral Bread and a fresh salad. The sauce can elevate any dish, making it a fantastic addition to your summer barbecues.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue chipotle sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week. When ready to use, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This sauce can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Chipotle Sauce contains roughly 280 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 644mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

280 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1g 2% DV
Total Fat 25.2g 32% DV
Carbs 13.5g 5% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 4.6g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 643.8mg 28% DV
Potassium 288.4mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 75mg 25% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 44.1mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 6.5mg 7% DV
Calcium 35.9mg 3% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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 ahead of time?

Yes, this barbecue chipotle sauce can be made ahead of time, which actually allows the flavors to meld even more. Prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving to ensure the consistency is perfect.

How spicy is this sauce?

The spiciness of this sauce largely depends on the amount of chipotle pepper used. A single pepper adds a moderate heat, but you can adjust according to your taste. For those sensitive to spice, consider starting with half a pepper and gradually adding more until you reach your desired heat level.

Can I use this sauce for grilling?

Absolutely! This barbecue chipotle sauce is ideal for grilling. Brush it on meats during the last few minutes of cooking for a caramelized glaze. It's also great as a marinade; just let your chosen protein soak in the sauce for a few hours before grilling to infuse it with 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).

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