Marinade-Barbecue Sauce
A versatile and tangy barbecue sauce and marinade with a balanced blend of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and spices. Perfect for grilling, it adds a flavorful glaze to meats and vegetables, making it ideal for summer cookouts, family dinners, or entertaining guests seeking a sweet and savory kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Use the marinade for soaking meat or brush it on meats while grilling as a barbecue sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a bolder flavor, let the marinade sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. You can substitute catsup with homemade tomato sauce if you prefer a fresher taste. If you want a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. This marinade is versatile and works well for various meats, including chicken and pork.
Serving Suggestions
This marinade-barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially chicken and ribs. Serve alongside sides like Okra Salad or Sweet-Sour Bean Salad for a delightful meal. You can also brush extra sauce on the meat just before serving for added flavor, or use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like Peppered Beef.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you’ve used it as a marinade on raw meat, discard any unused marinade to avoid cross-contamination. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinade-Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 79 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 530mg per serving (23% 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 marinade for vegetarian options?
Yes, you can use this marinade for tofu or tempeh as well. Just ensure to marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. It can also be brushed on grilled vegetables for a delicious barbecue flavor.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?
If you find the sauce too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it on low heat for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce while it's heating to achieve a thicker consistency.
Is this sauce suitable for canning?
This marinade-barbecue sauce is not recommended for canning due to its low acidity. If you're looking to preserve it, consider freezing it in small portions instead. This way, you can easily thaw and use it as needed without the safety concerns of canning.
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).