Brewers B B Q Sauce
A rich, smoky barbecue sauce with the depth of beer and spices, perfect for grilling or as a flavorful dip for meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter ⓘ
- 2 Med Onions ⓘ
- 2 Clove Garlic ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp Mild Ground Chilies ⓘ
- 2 Bottles of Beer ⓘ
- 1 c. Tomato Juice ⓘ
- Pinch of Marjoram ⓘ
- Pinch of Thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Worcestershire Sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Brown Sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Fresh Ground Pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Hungarian Sweet Paprika ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Tomato Paste ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 3 more minutes.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, mild ground chilies, beer, tomato juice, marjoram, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, pepper, Hungarian sweet paprika, and tomato paste.
- Heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a darker beer, such as stout or porter. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of mild ground chilies. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried marjoram and thyme if available. Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings as the sauce simmers for the best flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ sauce is perfect for glazing grilled meats or as a dip for smoked sausages. Serve it alongside burgers or pulled pork sandwiches for a delightful meal. It pairs beautifully with Drizzle Topped Brownies for a sweet finish after your savory dishes. Consider serving with coleslaw or cornbread for a complete barbecue experience.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brewers B B Q Sauce contains roughly 934 calories, with 38g protein, 212g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (255% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (229% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2704mg per serving (118% 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 use a different type of beer?
Yes, you can use any beer you prefer. Lighter beers like lagers will yield a milder sauce, while darker beers like stouts will add depth. Experiment with different styles to find your favorite flavor profile.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
If you want to add more heat, consider increasing the amount of mild ground chilies or incorporating a dash of hot sauce. You could also add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to achieve your desired spice level.
Is there a way to make this sauce vegetarian?
To make this sauce vegetarian, simply substitute the beer with a non-alcoholic beer or vegetable broth. Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands contain anchovies. This adaptation will still deliver a flavorful BBQ 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).