Dad'S Own Barbecue Sauce
Dad's Own Barbecue Sauce offers a tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor profile perfect for enhancing chicken, ribs, or pork chops. Its rich blend of ketchup, mustard, honey, Worcestershire, and spices creates a versatile and flavorful addition to your barbecue repertoire, suitable for casual cookouts and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion in vegetable oil on medium high in a medium saucepan until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and saute for another minute.
- Transfer the onions and garlic to a medium bowl.
- Add the ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, molasses, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper and mix well.
- Use the sauce to brush on meat during the last 3 or 4 minutes of barbecuing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the honey or molasses. You can substitute the Dijon mustard with yellow mustard for a milder flavor. This recipe works great with grilled meats, especially ribs or chicken, making it perfect for summer barbecues.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is ideal for brushing on grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers during the last few minutes of cooking. Serve alongside classic sides like coleslaw or baked beans for a perfect summer meal. It also complements dishes like pulled pork sandwiches, enhancing their flavor beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in ice cube trays and transferring the cubes to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Own Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 314 calories, with 1g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value) and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 653mg per serving (28% 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 sauce can be made a few days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together even more. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using it.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for vegan diets. Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly as some brands contain anchovies.
How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it on low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency. If it's too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little water or more vinegar.
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).