Mother'S Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with a blend of vinegar, catsup, and spices, perfect for grilling enthusiasts seeking a flavorful, homemade condiment for meats.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup catsup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon shortening

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Pour over about 3 pounds of meat.
  3. Cover and simmer until the meat is cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a great substitute. For a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar slightly. Make sure to finely chop the onion to avoid large chunks in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this barbecue sauce over your choice of grilled or slow-cooked meats, such as ribs or pulled pork. It pairs beautifully with coleslaw and cornbread for a classic American meal. For a unique twist, try it with a side of Vegetable Soup For Canning And Eating to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If it's too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mother'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 425 calories, with 2g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1961mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).

425 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.7g 3% DV
Total Fat 11.8g 15% DV
Carbs 80.6g 29% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 68.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1960.9mg 85% DV
Potassium 296.1mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.7mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 3.3mg 4% DV
Calcium 81.6mg 6% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Low-fat

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 on vegetables?

Absolutely! This barbecue sauce can add a delicious smoky flavor to grilled or roasted vegetables. Just toss your favorite veggies in the sauce before cooking, or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.

How long can I simmer the meat with the sauce?

You can simmer the meat with the sauce for about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the type of meat and its thickness. The longer you simmer, the more flavorful and tender the meat will become.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for vegan diets by replacing the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan version or soy sauce, and omitting any meat. The sauce works wonderfully with grilled tofu or tempeh.

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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