Easy Barbecue Sauce For Cooked Meat

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

A flavorful, versatile barbecue sauce with tangy, sweet, and savory notes, perfect for glazing grilled or cooked meats like chicken, turkey, beef, or pork.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion diced or 2 Tbsp dried minced onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley or 2 Tbsp dried parsley
  • 2 Tbsp vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice bottled
  • 1/2 Tbsp prepared mustard
  • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup catsup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • salt and cayenne pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. If fresh onion is used, brown it in 2 tablespoons of margarine.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and approximately 2 cups of cut-up meat (chicken, turkey, beef, or pork).
  3. Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to enhance the barbecue essence. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley works well, but adjust the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. Experiment by adding a dash of hot sauce for extra heat or substituting brown sugar with honey for a different sweetness profile. This sauce is also excellent for grilled meats, making it a versatile choice for American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this barbecue sauce over your choice of cooked meat, such as chicken, turkey, beef, or pork. It pairs beautifully with coleslaw and cornbread for a traditional barbecue meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a side salad or grilled vegetables. This sauce is also a fantastic complement to dishes like Beef Marinade(Steaks, Flank Steak, Tips, Hamburgers), adding a flavorful twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens, you can add a splash of water to reach the desired consistency. This sauce also freezes well, so you can make a larger batch for future meals.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Barbecue Sauce For Cooked Meat contains roughly 128 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 921mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).

128 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.5g 9% DV
Total Fat 1.8g 2% DV
Carbs 25g 9% DV
Fiber 3.8g 14% DV
Sugar 14.6g 29% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 921.5mg 40% DV
Potassium 775.9mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 317.4mcg 35% DV
Vitamin C 28.5mg 32% DV
Calcium 119.1mg 9% DV
Iron 5.7mg 32% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 this barbecue sauce for grilling?

Yes, this sauce works wonderfully for grilling! Brush it on your meats during the last few minutes of cooking for a caramelized finish. Just be mindful of the sugar content, as it can burn if cooked at high heat for too long. This method will enhance the flavor and provide a delightful glaze.

Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegan diets?

To make this sauce vegan, simply replace Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative, as it often contains anchovies. Additionally, ensure that the mustard and any other ingredients you use are vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy a delicious barbecue sauce that's suitable for vegan recipes without compromising on flavor.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

You can easily adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar or using alternatives like maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile. For a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar and increase the vinegar or lemon juice slightly to maintain balance. Taste as you go 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).

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