Best Ever Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Packed with smoky, tangy flavors, this barbecue sauce complements grilled meats and vegetables perfectly. Its rich, savory profile makes it ideal for summer barbecues, family dinners, or casual gatherings. Versatile and easy to customize, it's a favorite for adding bold flavor to a variety of dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 3 tsp. Tabasco sauce
  • 2 cans tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Saute onion and green pepper in oil for a few minutes until tender.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes.
  3. Use the sauce to coat cooked meats such as beef or pork, or cook meat in a crock-pot, draining liquids off before adding the sauce near the end.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smokier flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce. If you prefer a less spicy version, reduce the Tabasco sauce to 1 teaspoon. You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. For a gluten-free option, ensure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled meats like chicken, beef, or pork. It pairs beautifully with Ann Anderson'S Perfect Pot Roast for a flavorful twist. Consider serving it alongside classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread to complete your meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Best Ever Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 209 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1924mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).

209 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 13g 17% DV
Carbs 23.2g 8% DV
Fiber 3.4g 12% DV
Sugar 15.8g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1923.5mg 84% DV
Potassium 705.7mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 55.4mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 24.2mg 27% DV
Calcium 46.1mg 4% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

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 sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. Just reheat before using it on your favorite meats.

Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegans?

Yes, this barbecue sauce can easily be made vegan by ensuring that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegan-friendly. All the other ingredients are plant-based, making it a great option for vegan recipes.

Can I adjust the spice level of this barbecue sauce?

Definitely! To adjust the spice level, simply decrease the amount of Tabasco sauce to your desired heat level. Alternatively, you can add more if you like it spicier. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate.

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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