Barbecue Sauce For Chicken And Pork
A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with a hint of heat and sweetness, perfect for chicken and pork, adding depth and flavor to slow-cooked, tender meats.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 thick piece lemon
- 1 sliced medium onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup bourbon or cooking wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the vinegar, water, sugar, prepared mustard, salt, cayenne pepper, pepper, lemon, sliced onion, butter, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and bourbon or cooking wine in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and heat to boiling.
- Remove from heat.
- Pour this sauce over the meat being prepared and cover it with foil.
- Cook slowly, basting a few times, until the meat is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar or add honey. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding more cayenne pepper or some hot sauce. Using smoked paprika can also enhance the depth of flavor. Remember to taste and adjust seasonings as you go for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken thighs or pork ribs. For a complete meal, serve it alongside coleslaw and cornbread. You can also drizzle it over baked potatoes or use it as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders. For a refreshing side, consider making Pineapple Congealed Salad to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in ice cube trays and then transferring to a freezer bag for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Sauce For Chicken And Pork contains roughly 366 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1902mg per serving (83% 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 the sauce a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and intensify overnight, making it even more delicious when used.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this barbecue sauce is vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegetarian, as some brands contain anchovies. It works great with grilled vegetables or tofu.
How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer to reduce it further. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce while simmering to thicken it quickly.
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).