Honey Basting Sauce For Barbecue

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Cuisine: American

A sweet and tangy honey basting sauce with onion, garlic, and herbs, perfect for barbecue enthusiasts seeking flavorful, moist grilled meats and marinades.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, pressed
  • 1/2 cup salad oil
  • 1 1/2 cups pear juice
  • 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook onion and garlic in hot oil.
  2. Do not brown.
  3. Add remaining ingredients.
  4. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
  5. Use for basting or for marinating.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce. If pear juice is unavailable, apple juice or even pineapple juice can create a delicious variation. Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the honey according to your taste preferences. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can be substituted with dried herbs if needed, but reduce the quantity by half.

Serving Suggestions

This honey basting sauce is perfect for glazing grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or ribs. It also pairs beautifully with Red Slaw for a refreshing side. For a complete meal, serve alongside cornbread or grilled vegetables. Drizzle extra sauce over the dish for added flavor, or use it as a marinade before grilling for a tasty boost.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover basting sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much while stored, simply add a splash of water or additional juice to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Honey Basting Sauce For Barbecue contains roughly 350 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2440mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).

350 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.4g 7% DV
Total Fat 26.9g 35% DV
Carbs 27.9g 10% DV
Fiber 6.1g 22% DV
Sugar 9.4g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2440mg 100% DV
Potassium 408.8mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 31.2mg 35% DV
Calcium 129.3mg 10% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

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 sauce for marinating chicken?

Absolutely! This honey basting sauce is excellent for marinating chicken. Just ensure you marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour for the flavors to penetrate. If you have time, marinating overnight will yield even better results.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the sauce. You can also add diced fresh jalapeños while cooking the onions and garlic for a milder, yet flavorful kick. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.

Can I freeze this basting sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the honey basting sauce! Pour it into a freezer-safe container and store for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before reheating.

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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