Don'S Barbecue Sauce
A rich, smoky barbecue sauce with a tangy, sweet, and savory flavor profile, perfect for grilling, dipping, or slathering on your favorite meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 3 cups ketchup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon steak sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 ounce yellow mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, stirring more frequently as it gets hotter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a bit more chili powder. For a smoky flavor, incorporate some smoked paprika. This sauce can also be used as a marinade for grilled meats, enhancing the flavor of dishes like Easy-Does-It Meat Loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled meats such as chicken, ribs, or burgers. It also works well as a dipping sauce for appetizers like Mini-Reubens(Hors D'Oeuvre). Consider pairing it with sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal. It can elevate any beef recipes you choose to serve alongside.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it in portions. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much after cooling, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Don'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 534 calories, with 10g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 add more spices to this barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite spices like cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Just be cautious and add in small amounts, tasting as you go to ensure it suits your palate.
Is this sauce suitable for canning?
While you can store this sauce in the refrigerator or freezer, canning requires specific procedures to ensure safety. If you're interested in canning, look for safe canning recipes that provide guidelines for acid levels and processing times.
How can I make this sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, simply decrease the amount of sugar or brown sugar. You can also increase the acidity by adding more vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors. Taste as you adjust to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
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).