Barbecue Sauce For Pork Or Beef

Cuisine: American

A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with a blend of tomato, vinegar, mustard, and spices, perfect for enhancing pork or beef dishes and ideal for grilling or dipping.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar or molasses
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. celery seed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir continuously until all ingredients are dissolved and the sauce is heated through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a tangier sauce, consider adding more vinegar or a splash of citrus juice. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a great substitute. For sweetness, you can use honey or agave syrup instead of brown sugar or molasses. This sauce also works well with grilled vegetables or as a marinade for chicken. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with pulled pork or beef brisket. Serve it alongside coleslaw and cornbread for a classic BBQ meal. It can also be drizzled over grilled vegetables or used as a dip for appetizers like chicken wings or onion rings. For a twist, try it with a side of Easy Basic Sandwich Bread for making delicious BBQ sandwiches.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage, up to three months. To reheat, gently warm it over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it doesn’t splatter.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Sauce For Pork Or Beef contains roughly 164 calories, with 2g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (19% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2079mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).

164 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.4g 3% DV
Carbs 33.9g 12% DV
Fiber 3.8g 14% DV
Sugar 25.7g 51% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2078.7mg 90% DV
Potassium 403.6mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 169.5mcg 19% DV
Vitamin C 4mg 4% DV
Calcium 73mg 6% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 use this sauce for chicken as well?

Absolutely! This barbecue sauce is versatile and pairs wonderfully with chicken. Simply marinate the chicken in the sauce before grilling, or brush it on during cooking for added flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this barbecue sauce is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegan, as some brands include anchovies.

How spicy is this barbecue sauce?

The spice level can be adjusted based on the amount of chili powder you add. If you prefer a milder sauce, start with less chili powder and taste as you go, adding more for heat as desired.

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).

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