Lemon Barbecue Sauce
A tangy and sweet lemon barbecue sauce with bold flavors, perfect for grilling and enhancing meats and seafood with a zesty kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat all ingredients to boiling in a 3-quart pan.
- Reduce heat; simmer uncovered.
- Stir occasionally for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot over cooked meats or baste on the grill.
- Can be used on all meats and seafood.
- Cover and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, remove lemon slices and store in fridge up to 1 month.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, blend the ingredients after simmering. If you prefer a tangier flavor, adjust the mustard to taste. You can substitute honey for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. This sauce is versatile and can be used as a base for other barbecue sauces, similar to the Barbecue Sauce For Chicken And Ribs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this zesty Lemon Barbecue Sauce over grilled meats like chicken, pork, or seafood for a refreshing twist. It pairs excellently with sides such as Sweet Corn or a fresh salad. Use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers or as a marinade for meats before grilling. It complements dishes like Grilled Steaks beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, remove the lemon slices and the sauce will last up to a month. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 260 calories, with 3g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 833mg per serving (36% 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 use fresh lemons instead of sliced lemons?
Yes, you can use fresh lemon juice instead of sliced lemons if you prefer a smoother sauce. About 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice should suffice, but adjust to taste for your desired level of tartness.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this Lemon Barbecue Sauce is suitable for vegan diets as it does not contain any animal products. Just ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegan-friendly, as some brands include anchovies.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat to your Lemon Barbecue Sauce, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick, catering to your spice 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).