My Dad'S Barbecue Sauce
A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with a spicy kick, perfect for grilling enthusiasts and family gatherings, blending smoky, sweet, and acidic flavors for versatile use.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop celery, onions, and garlic in a food processor until very fine.
- Saute the chopped vegetables in butter until tender.
- Add lemon juice and vinegar to the mixture and stir well.
- Incorporate ketchup, Tabasco sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing thoroughly.
- Add sugar to the sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to low, cooking for a few minutes.
- Add water to thin the sauce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, consider blending the vegetables instead of chopping them finely. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Tabasco sauce. You can substitute the cider vinegar with apple cider for a milder taste. This sauce can also be used as a marinade for grilled meats or as a glaze for baked dishes, enhancing the flavors of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It also works well as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Microwaved Creamy Mashed Potatoes and a fresh salad. Pairing it with cornbread or coleslaw can also complement its rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Dad'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 675 calories, with 5g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2119mg per serving (92% 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?
Yes, this sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. In fact, letting it sit for a day allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious when served. Just remember to store it in an airtight container.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To adjust the sweetness, you can either increase or decrease the amount of sugar. If you want a less sweet sauce, start with less sugar and taste as you go. You can also balance sweetness with more vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this barbecue sauce is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat products. However, if you wish to make it vegan, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce used is vegan-friendly, as some brands contain anchovies. This sauce pairs well with various vegetarian recipes.
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).