Barbecue Sauce For Chicken, Pork Or Ribs
A flavorful barbecue sauce with tangy lemon, sweet sugar, and spicy Tabasco, perfect for chicken, pork, or ribs, adding a smoky, zesty finish to grilled dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onions in oil until tender.
- Add ketchup, water, lemon juice, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce (if using).
- Cook the mixture for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the sauce over chicken or other meats and simmer for 1 hour.
- Sauce may be frozen for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar or substitute with honey. For a spicier kick, add more Tabasco or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Use homemade ketchup for a fresher taste. This sauce is versatile and can enhance various meats, making it a staple in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pork ribs, or even roasted vegetables for a smoky flavor. Serve it alongside classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, enjoy with a side of Morning Fruit Salad, which adds a fruity balance to the smoky sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to store it for a longer period, freeze the sauce in portions using freezer bags or containers. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Sauce For Chicken, Pork Or Ribs contains roughly 96 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1884mg per serving (82% 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 in advance?
Yes, this barbecue sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it properly before reheating.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this barbecue sauce can easily be adapted for vegan diets. Simply ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly or substitute it with a soy sauce or a homemade alternative. All other ingredients are naturally vegan.
How can I adjust the heat level of this sauce?
To adjust the heat level, you can modify the amount of Tabasco sauce used or add other spicy ingredients like cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Start with small amounts and taste as you go, adjusting to your desired spice level.
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).