Mr. John'S Barbecue Sauce
Mr. John's Barbecue Sauce offers a tangy, sweet, and savory flavor profile with hints of vinegar, mustard, and spices. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts and fans of bold flavors, this versatile sauce enhances meats, chicken, or vegetables, adding a homemade touch to your barbecue gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 stick margarine ⓘ
- 1 pint vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 lemons, juiced, peeled, and sliced ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish ⓘ
- 1 quart tomato juice ⓘ
- red pepper ⓘ
- black pepper ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- Tabasco sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients together in a saucepan or mixing bowl.
- Heat the mixture to a simmer and keep warm before using.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the margarine with unsalted butter. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more Tabasco sauce or fresh minced chili peppers. You can also replace the sugar with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile. For a smoky taste, try adding a dash of smoked paprika. This sauce works great in a marinade for meats, similar to how you might use the 'Batter For Fried Chicken'.
Serving Suggestions
Mr. John's Barbecue Sauce is perfect for grilled meats, especially chicken and ribs. It pairs beautifully with 'Best Ever Coleslaw' for a classic barbecue meal. Serve it alongside baked beans or cornbread for a hearty spread. Try drizzling it over roasted vegetables for a flavorful twist. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken wings or onion rings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, checking frequently to prevent overheating. This sauce can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mr. John'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 1986 calories, with 9g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 193g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar amount. You can also substitute it with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Remember to taste as you go, adjusting until you reach your desired flavor balance. This flexibility allows you to customize the sauce to your liking.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Mr. John's Barbecue Sauce is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat products. However, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegetarian, as some brands include anchovies. You can easily find vegan versions at most grocery stores if you're looking for vegan recipes.
How long can I store this barbecue sauce?
You can store this barbecue sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
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).