Leslie Vinkler'S Barbecue Sauce For Barbecued Beef
A rich, smoky barbecue sauce with deep flavors of onions, tomato, coffee, and spices, perfect for grilled beef and suitable for summer cookouts or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. Crisco oil ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 3/4 c. tomato catsup ⓘ
- 3/4 c. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1/3 c. lemon juice ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. mustard ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1 c. black coffee ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 stick margarine ⓘ
- about 10 lb. meat
- 1 Tbsp. allspice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cloves ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chopped onions in oil until soft.
- Add all remaining ingredients except last four and simmer over charcoal for 30 minutes or more.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water while simmering. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add chopped jalapeños. You can substitute Crisco oil with olive oil for a healthier option. If fresh onions aren't available, dried onion flakes can be used in a pinch, adjusting the quantity to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially beef. Serve it alongside sides like coleslaw or baked beans for a classic barbecue meal. A refreshing salad, such as California Carol'S Cold Spaghetti Salad, complements the richness of the sauce. For a complete feast, consider adding cornbread or roasted vegetables to your spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leslie Vinkler'S Barbecue Sauce For Barbecued Beef contains roughly 696 calories, with 25g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and iron (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1791mg per serving (78% 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 this sauce for grilling chicken or pork?
Absolutely! This barbecue sauce is versatile and works well with chicken and pork. Simply marinate the meat in the sauce before grilling, or brush it on while cooking for a flavorful glaze.
Is this barbecue sauce spicy?
The spice level of this sauce is moderate, thanks to the Tabasco sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Tabasco or omit it altogether. Alternatively, for more heat, feel free to increase it to your liking.
What kind of meat pairs best with this barbecue sauce?
This sauce is designed to enhance barbecued beef, but it also complements brisket, ribs, and even grilled veggies for a hearty meal. For a unique twist, try it with tofu for a delicious vegan alternative.
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).