Barbecue Sauce For Burgers
This barbecue sauce is a delicious blend of sautéed vegetables and rich tomato flavor, perfect for enhancing burgers, pork chops, or chicken. The garlic and Worcestershire sauce add depth, while a touch of lemon juice brightens the flavor. Ideal for casual gatherings or summer cookouts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use your microwave to sauté the vegetables right in the serving dish.
- In one-quart casserole combine the chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, margarine, and minced garlic until vegetables are tender; about 4 minutes.
- Then stir in the tomato sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, sugar, salt, and hot pepper sauce.
- Microwave for 3 or 4 minutes, stirring once.
- Serve over your burgers, pork chops, chicken, etc.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the sauce. If you want to reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. You can substitute the margarine with olive oil or butter, and for a kick, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar in place of lemon juice. This sauce also works well with grilled vegetables from the garden.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this barbecue sauce generously over grilled burgers, but it also complements pork chops and chicken beautifully. For a complete meal, pair it with sides like coleslaw or sweet potato fries. If you're looking for a refreshing drink, try serving it alongside Raspberry Punch for a delightful contrast. The sauce can also enhance any backyard cookout experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it in small portions for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. It’s great to have on hand for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Sauce For Burgers contains roughly 210 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2981mg per serving (130% 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 several days. In fact, allowing it to sit overnight can intensify the flavors, making it even more delicious when served. Just give it a good stir before using.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this barbecue sauce can easily be made vegan by substituting margarine with a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan butter. All other ingredients are naturally plant-based, making this a great option for those looking for vegan recipes.
What if I want a spicier barbecue sauce?
If you prefer a spicier barbecue sauce, you can add more hot pepper sauce or include diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Adjust the amount to your taste for the perfect heat level. For a unique twist, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper.
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).