Barbecue Seasoning

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

A smoky, tangy barbecue seasoning sauce with vinegar, onions, and a blend of sauces and sugars, perfect for enhancing grilled meats and ribs with bold flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 1/2 c. chopped onions
  • 1 1/2 c. vinegar
  • 1 1/2 c. ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 Tbsp. Texas Pete
  • 3 Tbsp. A.1. sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. Heinz 57
  • 3 to 4 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp. sugar
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Saute chopped onions in butter until browned.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, do not boil.
  4. Simmer for about 15 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Let cool and refrigerate. Keeps up to 10 weeks.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider increasing the amount of Texas Pete or adding cayenne pepper. If you want a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar or try using honey. For a vegetarian version, substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative, as it often contains anchovies. This barbecue seasoning works well for marinades and as a glaze for grilled vegetables, making it versatile for vegetarian recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue seasoning is perfect for slathering on grilled meats, including chicken, ribs, or burgers. It also pairs beautifully with the Banana Crunch Cake as a dessert to balance the savory flavors. For sides, consider serving with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans to complete your barbecue meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue seasoning in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 10 weeks. If you plan to use it within a week, it can also be kept in a cool, dark pantry. When ready to use, simply give it a good stir or shake to recombine the ingredients.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Seasoning contains roughly 1130 calories, with 2g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 854mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

1130 kcal 56% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 77.5g 99% DV
Carbs 110.2g 40% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 93.2g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 853.6mg 37% DV
Potassium 424.1mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 226.1mg 75% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.4mcg
Vitamin C 12.8mg 14% DV
Calcium 115.1mg 9% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Contains Milk

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 barbecue seasoning for grilling chicken?

Absolutely! This barbecue seasoning is perfect for chicken. Simply apply it to your chicken before grilling or marinating for enhanced flavor. For the best results, let the chicken sit with the seasoning for at least an hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor infusion.

What can I substitute for ketchup in this recipe?

If you're looking for a substitute for ketchup, you could use tomato sauce mixed with a bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. Alternatively, barbecue sauce can also work, but be mindful that it may alter the flavor profile slightly. Adjust the vinegar accordingly to maintain the balance of flavors.

How can I make this seasoning less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of this barbecue seasoning, simply decrease the amount of brown sugar and sugar added. You might also consider adding a bit more vinegar to balance the flavors, enhancing the tanginess without compromising the overall taste of the sauce.

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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