Grandma'S Bar-B-Q Sauce For Pork

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A tangy, savory barbecue sauce with Worcestershire, onion, and celery, perfect for pork roasts, ribs, and shoulders, adding rich flavor and moisture.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup catsup
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery

Instructions

  1. Mix together all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Pour the sauce over pork before baking.
  3. Cook the pork until tender, allowing the sauce to flavor the meat.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of bourbon to the mix. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper. You can substitute the catsup with homemade tomato sauce or a sugar-free alternative if you're looking for a healthier option. This sauce is versatile and works well with chicken or beef too, similar to Clayton Knight's Peoples Choice Chili.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious BBQ sauce over slow-cooked pork, perhaps alongside classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread. It pairs beautifully with Percy’s Country Fried Potatoes for a hearty meal. For a refreshing contrast, add a side of pickled vegetables such as My Moma's Pickled Green Tomatoes. This sauce also complements grilled vegetables for a balanced dinner plate.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to freeze it, pour the sauce into freezer bags, removing as much air as possible, and it will last for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through, ensuring not to boil.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Bar-B-Q Sauce For Pork contains roughly 58 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1782mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).

58 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.8g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.3g
Carbs 12.5g 5% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 4.9g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1781.7mg 77% DV
Potassium 115.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.7mcg
Vitamin C 10.2mg 11% DV
Calcium 17.6mg 1% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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 make this BBQ sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this sauce up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste when used. Just remember to reheat it gently before serving to ensure it’s warm and flavorful.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more sugar or a bit of honey or maple syrup. Conversely, if you like it tangier, increase the vinegar. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility to match your taste preferences.

What type of pork works best with this sauce?

This BBQ sauce is fantastic with pork shoulder or ribs, as the sauce infuses deeply into the meat during cooking. However, you can also use pork chops or tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat becomes tender and flavorful.

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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