Basic Red Barbecue Sauce
A rich, tangy red barbecue sauce with a balance of sweet, savory, and herbal flavors, perfect for grilling, dipping, or adding a smoky touch to dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onions in the oil until soft before adding the other ingredients. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a decent substitute. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your taste. For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. This sauce can enhance dishes like those found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for grilling meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It pairs beautifully with Marjorie'S Bread for a delicious sandwich. For a complete meal, serve alongside coleslaw or grilled vegetables. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers or drizzle it over baked potatoes for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, but be sure to cover it to prevent splatters. This sauce can also be frozen for up to three months for longer storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Red Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 730 calories, with 5g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 586mg per serving (25% 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! This barbecue sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing its taste. Just remember to store it in an airtight container and reheat it before serving.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this basic red barbecue sauce is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain any meat products. However, if you are following strict vegan recipes, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce used is vegan, as some brands contain anchovies.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To spice up your barbecue sauce, you can add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños depending on your heat preference. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach your desired level of spiciness.
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).