Basic Barbecue Sauce
A tangy, smoky barbecue sauce with rich flavors perfect for glazing pork ribs and ideal for casual cookouts and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 3 tsp. mustard powder ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dry minced onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. onion powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Place ribs in a shallow pan.
- Cover with foil and bake at 300°F for 2 hours.
- Finish on grill, turning and basting ribs with barbecue sauce about 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke or some diced chipotle peppers for heat. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar or substitute it with maple syrup. To make it gluten-free, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. This sauce is versatile and can also be used as a marinade for chicken or pork recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for basting grilled meats, especially ribs, as mentioned in the instructions. Serve the ribs alongside classic sides like coleslaw or baked beans, such as O'Leary'S Beans. For a complete meal, consider adding cornbread or a refreshing Spinach Salad With Hot Vinaigrette Dressing to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in small portions, which can be easily thawed when needed. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 145 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1887mg 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this barbecue sauce a few days in advance. It actually tastes better after sitting, as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using.
Is this barbecue sauce spicy?
This basic barbecue sauce is not inherently spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to your preference. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Can I use this sauce on other meats?
Absolutely! This barbecue sauce is versatile and works well with chicken, pork, and even grilled vegetables. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations!
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).