Lemony Barbecue Sauce
A tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with citrusy zing, perfect for grilling or dipping. Its bright lemon flavor brightens any barbecue, making it a crowd‑pleasing side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ketchup, thawed frozen lemonade, water, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, oil, and dried minced onion in a saucepan.
- Bring mixture to a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sauce. If catsup is unavailable, you can substitute with homemade tomato sauce or barbecue sauce. Adjust the sweetness by adding honey or brown sugar if desired. This sauce works wonderfully for grilling meats or as a dipping sauce for veggies, making it a versatile option for summer cookouts.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemony Barbecue Sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled chicken or ribs. It also pairs beautifully with Joan'S Heavenly Salad as a dressing for a refreshing side. For a complete meal, serve with Lo-Cal Slaw and cornbread. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables or drizzled on a veggie burger for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Lemony Barbecue Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When reheating, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This sauce can be frozen for up to three months as well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemony Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 996 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 721mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. It’s an excellent option for meal prep, especially for summer barbecues, ensuring you have a delicious condiment ready for grilling.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Lemony Barbecue Sauce is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegan, as some brands contain anchovies. This sauce is perfect for pairing with grilled vegetables or tofu dishes, making it a great addition to vegan recipes.
How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
To adjust the spice level, you can add a small amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mix while cooking. Start with a teaspoon and increase it gradually to achieve your desired heat. This allows you to customize the sauce to your taste while keeping the zesty lemon flavor intact.
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).