My Favorite Barbecue Sauce
A rich, smoky barbecue sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and spice, ideal for grilling beef, pork, and poultry for flavorful, tender results.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2/3 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 6 very thin slices lemon ⓘ
- 1/4 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan.
- Simmer slowly for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Use as a basting sauce for beef, pork, and poultry when cooking on the grill.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for future use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar or add honey. If you prefer a tangier flavor, try substituting apple cider vinegar with white vinegar. You can also experiment with different mustards like Dijon for a sharp twist. To enhance the smokiness, add more liquid smoke or smoked paprika. Adjust the cayenne pepper for desired heat level.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for basting beef, pork, and poultry on the grill. Serve it alongside grilled meats with a side of Sweet Cabbage Slaw for a refreshing crunch. It also pairs beautifully with a slice of Peach-Blackberry Cobbler for dessert, making for a well-rounded summer meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent burning. This sauce makes a great addition to grilled meats or as a dipping sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 411 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This barbecue sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, enhancing the overall taste. Just remember to reheat it gently before using.
What can I use this sauce for besides grilling?
This versatile barbecue sauce can be used as a marinade for meats, a dipping sauce for appetizers, or even a flavorful addition to sandwiches and burgers. It's excellent for slow-cooked dishes or as a glaze for roasted vegetables.
Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
Yes! You can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper or adding other spices like chili powder or hot sauce. For a milder version, omit the cayenne entirely or substitute it with sweet paprika for color without heat.
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).