Overnight Barbecue Sauce
A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with a balance of sweetness and spice, perfect for enhancing any meat or poultry dish with bold flavors and a smoky kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine red wine vinegar, water, salt, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pepper, dry mustard, paprika, and dashes of Tabasco sauce in a bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Pour the mixture into a container and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld.
- Use as a marinade or basting sauce for any meat or poultry.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or a tablespoon of molasses. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar for a sweeter taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the Tabasco sauce or add cayenne pepper. This sauce is versatile and works well with various meats, including chicken and ribs, so feel free to experiment.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is excellent as a marinade or basting sauce for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Woody'S Spareribs and can also enhance grilled chicken or vegetable skewers. Serve with sides like Carrot-Raisin-Pineapple Salad or Zesty Carrot Casserole for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Mint Iced Tea for a refreshing beverage pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overheating and splattering.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 331 calories, with 14g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (253% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value), and iron (109% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 647mg per serving (28% 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 vegan?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by ensuring that the Worcestershire sauce used is vegan-friendly. Many brands offer vegan Worcestershire sauce that does not contain anchovies. Otherwise, all other ingredients are naturally vegan.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To adjust the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar according to your taste. Alternatively, if you want it sweeter, consider adding a bit of honey or maple syrup. Just remember to balance it with acidity from the vinegar to maintain flavor balance.
Can this sauce be used for grilling vegetables?
Absolutely! This barbecue sauce is not just for meats; it works wonderfully with grilled vegetables. Brush it on vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant before grilling for a deliciously smoky and sweet flavor. It's a great addition to any vegan recipes you might want to explore.
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).