Matt'S Simple Barbecue Sauce

Cook: 8 min Serves: 3 Cuisine: American

A tangy, sweet, and savory barbecue sauce with citrus and mustard notes, perfect for grilled meats and ideal for those who enjoy bold flavors in their BBQ dishes.

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Ingredients

  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 c. ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp. prepared yellow mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp. orange marmalade
  • 2 Tbsp. butter

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except butter in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in butter, if desired.
  5. Serve warm.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, blend the sauce after cooking. If you're out of orange marmalade, apricot preserves work well as a substitute. Adjust the level of sweetness by varying the brown sugar amount. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with Luscious Orange Salad for a delightful contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this barbecue sauce warm over grilled meats like chicken or ribs for a classic flavor boost. It also works great as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken wings or vegetable skewers. Consider serving it alongside Johnny Biette (Large Recipe) for a hearty meal that satisfies all appetites.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of water or vinegar to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Matt'S Simple Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 218 calories, with 1g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value).

218 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.1g 2% DV
Total Fat 15.7g 20% DV
Carbs 19.6g 7% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 14.3g 29% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 446.2mg 19% DV
Potassium 226.6mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 45mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.2mcg
Vitamin C 2.1mg 2% DV
Calcium 40.7mg 3% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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 in advance?

Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste. Just remember to reheat it gently before serving.

Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this barbecue sauce is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. Just ensure that the Worcestershire sauce used is vegetarian, as some brands may include anchovies. You can find vegetarian versions at most grocery stores.

Can I freeze the leftover barbecue sauce?

Yes, you can freeze this barbecue sauce! Pour it into a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and using it.

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).

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