Mary Laybourne'S Barbecue Sauce
A rich, smoky barbecue sauce with sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, perfect for grilling, dipping, or glazing meats and vegetables for a delicious summer feast.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Parboil the diced celery and onions for 15 minutes over low heat.
- Drain off the water, then rinse with cold water.
- Add the sugar, vinegar, chili sauce, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the celery and onions.
- Cook over low to medium heat for 30 minutes.
- Stir several times during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce. If you don’t have chili sauce on hand, ketchup mixed with a bit of hot sauce can serve as a substitute. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be added at the end for a fresh flavor. Always taste as you go and adjust seasonings according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It pairs beautifully with Zesty Oyster Crackers as a delicious appetizer or dip. Consider serving it alongside Lemony Cucumbers for a refreshing side dish that complements the rich flavors of the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in portions using ice cube trays. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Laybourne'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 1051 calories, with 11g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 626mg per serving (27% 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?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Simply let it cool, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it before serving. This makes it a great option for gatherings or meal prep.
Is this barbecue sauce vegan-friendly?
Yes, this barbecue sauce is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the chili sauce you use is also vegan, as some brands may include non-vegan ingredients. This recipe is a great addition to your collection of vegan recipes.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a sugar alternative like agave nectar or maple syrup. You can also balance the sweetness by adding more vinegar or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
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).