B.B. King'S Beale Street Blues Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

B.B. King’s Beale Street Blues Sauce is a rich, smoky barbecue sauce with a balanced blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Perfect for grilling or as a topping, it complements meats and vegetables alike, adding a bold Southern-inspired touch to any dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1 qt. crushed tomatoes
  • 1 c. water
  • 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 c. chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. granulated garlic
  • 1 Tbsp. onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 5 bay leaves
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped onion
  • 2 Tbsp. distilled vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients.
  2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
  3. Remove bay leaves and serve warm.
  4. Refrigerate unused sauce for up to several weeks.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the brown sugar or substitute it with maple syrup. Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned can enhance the flavor, but make sure to peel and seed them first for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially ribs or chicken. It can also be served alongside a refreshing Slaw Salad to balance the flavors. For a unique twist, try using it as a topping for burgers or as a dip for appetizers. It complements dishes like Three Layer Strawberry Jello Salad for a festive meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Beale Street Blues Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. This sauce also freezes well; just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of B.B. King'S Beale Street Blues Sauce contains roughly 319 calories, with 8g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (162% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1352mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).

319 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8g 16% DV
Total Fat 7.4g 10% DV
Carbs 67.3g 24% DV
Fiber 20.7g 74% DV
Sugar 9.8g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1352.5mg 59% DV
Potassium 718.6mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 329.4mcg 37% DV
Vitamin C 38.4mg 43% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 594.7mg 46% DV
Iron 29.2mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy

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 sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving to enjoy its full flavor.

Is this sauce vegan-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as it does not contain any animal products. The use of soy sauce adds depth of flavor without compromising dietary restrictions. Enjoy it on your favorite vegan dishes or sides.

What can I use if I don't have chili powder?

If you don't have chili powder, you can create your own blend using paprika, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Alternatively, you might use a pre-made barbecue spice mix as a substitute, which will still give you a flavorful 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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