Easy Make Ahead Barbecue Sauce
A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with deep flavors of onion, garlic, coffee, and spices, perfect for grilling, dipping, or glazing meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. instant coffee granules ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally and cool completely before using.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or some smoked paprika. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute honey for the brown sugars. Additionally, feel free to use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger flavor. This sauce can also be adjusted by increasing the coffee granules for an extra depth or using different types of vinegar for acidity.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for grilling meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It pairs beautifully with American recipes, enhancing the flavors of your dishes. Try it as a dipping sauce for fries or roasted vegetables, or drizzle it over a baked potato for a tasty twist. For a complete meal, serve with a side of coleslaw or cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This makes it perfect for prepping in advance for busy days.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Make Ahead Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 374 calories, with 10g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 16g 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 make this barbecue sauce vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this barbecue sauce vegetarian by replacing Worcestershire sauce with a vegetarian alternative or using soy sauce. This way, you can enjoy the rich flavors without compromising your dietary preferences. Just ensure to check the labels for any non-vegetarian ingredients.
How long can I store this barbecue sauce?
You can store this barbecue sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option; it can last up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before use, and reheat gently on the stove.
What can I use this barbecue sauce for besides grilling?
This versatile barbecue sauce can be used in various ways beyond grilling. It's great as a marinade for meats, a sauce for sandwiches, or even as a topping for burgers and hot dogs. You can also mix it with cooked beans for a delicious side dish or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for added flavor.
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).