Mom Hettricks' Barbecue Sauce
A sweet and tangy barbecue sauce with rich flavors of brown sugar, vinegar, and ketchup, perfect for grilling, dipping, or glazing meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and simmer until flavors meld, about 10-15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a touch of cayenne pepper for heat. If you prefer a tangier sauce, increase the vinegar slightly or try using apple cider vinegar. Brown sugar can be swapped with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. Adjust garlic powder to your taste; fresh minced garlic works well for a bolder flavor. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to fit your palate or dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this barbecue sauce with grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or beef for a flavorful kick. It also pairs beautifully with the Hot 3 Bean Casserole(Diabetic) for a delightful contrast. Consider using it as a topping for burgers or as a dipping sauce for fries. It complements summer picnics and backyard barbecues perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions, using ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply microwave it until warm, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This sauce can also be used cold as a dipping sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom Hettricks' Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 131 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 586mg per serving (25% 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 sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This barbecue sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly when chilled.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To adjust the sweetness, simply increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar or regular sugar according to your taste. For a healthier option, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to achieve the desired sweetness without added calories.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this barbecue sauce is naturally vegan as it does not contain any animal products. You can enjoy it as is or use it in various vegan recipes, such as a marinade for grilled vegetables or as a sauce for Vegan recipes like tofu skewers.
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).