Barbecue Sauce By Mama
A tangy and smoky barbecue sauce with vinegar, lemon juice, and spices, perfect for grilling and adding depth to grilled meats or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add lemon juice, vinegar, catsup, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Tabasco, and red pepper grains.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Pour the sauce over meat to be barbecued.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the sauce after cooking. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter makes a great replacement. To adjust the spice level, increase or decrease the Tabasco sauce or red pepper grains according to your taste. This barbecue sauce is versatile and can enhance American recipes like grilled chicken or ribs. Consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or beef. Serve it alongside sides like Memphis Slaw or Savory Grilled Potatoes In Foil for a complete meal. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken wings or meatballs, making it a versatile addition to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This sauce also freezes well; just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Sauce By Mama contains roughly 118 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 895mg per serving (39% 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, this barbecue sauce can be made a few days in advance. Just prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, enhancing the taste when you use it.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegans?
This recipe contains margarine, which is often vegan, but it's best to check the label. If using butter instead, it won't be vegan. For a vegan version, you can stick with margarine or try coconut oil as a substitute.
What meats work best with this barbecue sauce?
This barbecue sauce is excellent on a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, and beef. It also works well with grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option, making it a great choice for diverse meal planning.
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).