Excellent Barbecue Sauce
A rich, smoky barbecue sauce with a sweet and tangy flavor profile, perfect for grilling, dipping, or as a marinade for all your barbecue favorites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan.
- Simmer over low flame until mixture comes to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Let boil for 1 minute; remove from heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for heat. If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes or tomato paste mixed with water. To balance the sweetness, a bit of apple cider vinegar can also help. This sauce complements many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This excellent barbecue sauce is perfect for grilling meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It also works well as a dipping sauce for fries or veggies. Pair it with sides like coleslaw or baked beans for a complete meal. For a delightful variation, serve it alongside a slice of Lemon-Orange Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in small portions. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This sauce can also be used straight from the fridge for a cold condiment.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Excellent Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 160 calories, with 2g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 4g 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 make this barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this barbecue sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. In fact, letting it sit for a day enhances the flavors as they meld together. Just be sure to reheat it gently before serving.
What can I use if I don't have liquid smoke?
If you don't have liquid smoke, you can omit it and still have a delicious sauce. Alternatively, you can add a bit of smoked paprika or grill the sauce briefly over an open flame to infuse some smoky flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of brown sugar or adding more acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar. Taste as you go to find the balance that suits your preference.
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).