Barbecue Sauce Fine Herbs
A rich, smoky barbecue sauce with herbs and a tangy kick, perfect for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce for a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 onions ⓘ
- 1 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1 cup chili sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 2 cubes bouillon ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons brown mustard ⓘ
- 1/3 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel and chop onions and garlic.
- Saute onions and garlic in a bit of oil until fragrant.
- Add the sautéed onions and garlic to a large pot with the rest of the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 45 minutes, stirring frequently.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker barbecue sauce, simmer it longer to reduce the liquid. If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can use smoked paprika as a substitute for a similar flavor. Adjust the spices based on your taste; for a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or increase the chili powder. This sauce can also be used as a marinade for Easy Beef Burgers.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for grilling meats, especially ribs and chicken, or as a dipping sauce for appetizers. It pairs beautifully with coleslaw or cornbread for a classic barbecue meal. You can also use it to enhance the flavor of baked beans or as a zesty topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions in freezer-safe bags. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its consistency and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Sauce Fine Herbs contains roughly 862 calories, with 26g protein, 194g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (231% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (132% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2939mg per serving (128% 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?
Absolutely! This barbecue sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Just remember to give it a good stir before using.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this barbecue sauce is suitable for vegan diets. All the ingredients listed are plant-based. If you want to ensure it’s completely vegan, check that the bouillon cubes used are free from animal products, as some brands may include meat-based ingredients.
What can I substitute for wine vinegar?
If you don’t have wine vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Both options will provide a similar acidity level, though apple cider vinegar will add a slight sweetness. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference, keeping the balance of flavors in mind.
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).