Catsup Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

Catsup Barbecue Sauce offers a tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor profile, perfect for grilling or as a dip. Its rich tomato base combined with vinegar, lemon juice, and spices makes it versatile for various meats and vegetables, appealing to BBQ lovers and condiment enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon fat
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup catsup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Saute chopped onion in fat until browned.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer to reduce liquid. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce. You can substitute the catsup with homemade tomato sauce for a fresher taste. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce works in a pinch. Pair this sauce with grilled meats or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.

Serving Suggestions

This catsup barbecue sauce is fantastic on grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers. It also pairs beautifully with sides like coleslaw or baked beans. Try using it as a dipping sauce for fries or chicken tenders. For a refreshing drink alongside, consider serving Homemade Lemonade 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, you can freeze it in portions. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring to ensure even heat distribution. This sauce is perfect for quick weeknight meals or barbecues.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Catsup Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 453 calories, with 9g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (165% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and iron (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 650mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

453 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.2g 18% DV
Total Fat 23.9g 31% DV
Carbs 67.7g 25% DV
Fiber 21.6g 77% DV
Sugar 37.8g 76% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 649.6mg 28% DV
Potassium 1491.9mg 32% DV
Cholesterol 16.4mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1484mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 13.6mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 170.6mg 13% DV
Iron 13.2mg 73% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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! In fact, making the sauce a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to use. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this sauce can be a time-saver.

Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegans?

Yes, this barbecue sauce can be made vegan by ensuring that the Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly or substituting with a homemade version. Additionally, you can use plant-based fat for sautéing the onions.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

To adjust sweetness, simply add more brown sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or reduce the sugar for a tangier flavor. You can also experiment with honey or maple syrup as alternatives for a different sweetness profile.

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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