My Own Barbecue Sauce
Rich, smoky barbecue sauce with a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect for grilling, dipping, or glazing meats and vegetables at gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz.) bottle ketchup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup molasses ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons liquid hickory ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large saucepan.
- Simmer over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, consider adding more cornstarch or simmering it longer. If you prefer a smokier flavor, try incorporating smoked paprika or adjusting the hickory liquid. Feel free to swap out the brown sugar with honey or agave for a different sweetness. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper or add cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for grilled meats, such as chicken or ribs, and also works well as a dipping sauce for veggies or fries. Pair it with sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a classic barbecue experience. It also complements dishes like Howard Johnson'S Cake for dessert, creating a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in small portions. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Own Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 224 calories, with 3g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of potassium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2175mg per serving (95% 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! In fact, making the sauce a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. This can save time on cooking day and enhance the overall taste.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by ensuring that the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce used are vegan-friendly. Most brands offer vegan alternatives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, making it a great option for vegan recipes.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To adjust sweetness, you can increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar or molasses according to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce these ingredients or substitute them with unsweetened apple sauce for a different flavor profile.
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).