Barbecue Sauce Recipe
A smoky, tangy barbecue sauce with heat from hot pepper sauce and cayenne, perfect for grilling, dipping, or as a flavorful glaze for meats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine water, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, celery seed, and bottled hot pepper sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt to taste and cayenne pepper to test for hotness.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, simmer longer to reduce the liquid. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper. This barbecue sauce is versatile; try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist or honey for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for veggies or chips. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing side like the Fresh Strawberry Jello Pie for dessert or with a salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its texture. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Sauce Recipe contains roughly 147 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 812mg per serving (35% 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! In fact, making the sauce a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Just store it in the refrigerator, and it will be ready when you need it.
Is this barbecue sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options, so check the label to be sure.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar as a natural sweetener instead of granulated sugar.
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).