Jean'S Barbecue Sauce

Cook: 120 min Cuisine: American

A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with a balanced blend of sweetness, acidity, and spices, perfect for grilling, dipping, or glazing meats for a smoky flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan.
  2. Cook the mixture for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, allow the sauce to simmer longer than 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for regular vinegar for a slight sweetness. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper. This sauce is versatile; try using it in place of other barbecue sauces in recipes for burgers or grilled chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Jean's Barbecue Sauce is perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or burgers. It pairs beautifully with Summer Slaw for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it alongside grilled vegetables or as a dipping sauce for appetizers. This sauce also complements classic American recipes, making it a great addition to any cookout.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals to avoid burning.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jean'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 104 calories, with 1g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).

104 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 1.1g 1% DV
Carbs 21.7g 8% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 17g 34% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 252.9mg 11% DV
Potassium 235.2mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 111.5mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 48.7mg 4% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% 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 make this barbecue sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Jean's Barbecue Sauce up to a week in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and the flavors will intensify as it sits. Just remember to reheat it gently before using, as this will ensure the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of ketchup in this recipe?

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can use tomato puree or crushed tomatoes combined with a bit of sweetener to mimic the sweetness of ketchup. However, be aware that this may slightly alter the sauce's consistency and flavor profile.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

To modify the sweetness, simply adjust the amount of brown sugar to your taste. For a less sweet sauce, start with 1 tablespoon and gradually increase if needed. Alternatively, you can use honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile while controlling the 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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