Kurt'S Favorite Barbecue Sauce
Kurt's Favorite Barbecue Sauce offers a rich, tangy, and smoky flavor profile, perfect for grilled meats and ribs, appealing to barbecue enthusiasts and home cooks alike.
Ingredients
- 2 c. catsup ⓘ
- 3/4 c. dark brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 3/4 c. white vinegar ⓘ
- 3/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. prepared yellow mustard
- 1 Tbsp. celery seed ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. liquid smoke ⓘ
- dash of Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. coarsely ground pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, about 45 minutes.
- Cool the sauce.
- Pour into a jar with a cover and refrigerate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar slightly or add a touch of honey. If you prefer a spicier version, incorporate more Tabasco sauce or add cayenne pepper. Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness, or substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option. This sauce also works well as a marinade for grilled meats, perfect for summer barbecues.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork. It also pairs beautifully with Oven Fried Style Baked Potatoes, making it a versatile addition to your summer cookouts. Serve alongside a refreshing Crushed Mint Salad for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in portions. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kurt'S Favorite Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 466 calories, with 16g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2362mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
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 sauce can be made days in advance. In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Simply follow the recipe, cool, and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
What can I use if I don't have liquid smoke?
If you don't have liquid smoke, you can add a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to achieve a similar smoky flavor. Alternatively, grilling the sauce briefly can also impart some smokiness.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, all the ingredients in this barbecue sauce are plant-based, making it suitable for vegan recipes. Just ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegan, as some brands may contain anchovies.
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).