Papa Jacobs' Barbecue Sauce
A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with a blend of ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and spices, perfect for grilling, dipping, or glazing meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 (14 oz.) bottles catsup
- 1 (12 oz.) can chili sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 cup prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons coarse ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bottled thick steak sauce ⓘ
- dash of Tabasco or to taste
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons salad oil ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can beer ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, except garlic.
- Keep in refrigerator until ready to use or freeze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider increasing the Tabasco sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar can be used, but the flavor will be less rich. To enhance the depth, try adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika. This barbecue sauce is versatile and can also be used for marinating meats before grilling.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for grilled meats, particularly chicken and ribs. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky glaze. It pairs beautifully with Hearty Burger Joes or can be used as a dipping sauce for chips. Serve alongside coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Papa Jacobs' Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 533 calories, with 1g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 951mg per serving (41% 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 use a different type of vinegar in this recipe?
Absolutely! While wine vinegar adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or even balsamic vinegar for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, so choose based on your preference.
How can I make this sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the barbecue sauce, decrease the amount of brown sugar or consider adding more vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors. You can also incorporate a bit of unsweetened tomato paste to add depth without additional sweetness.
What meats pair best with Papa Jacobs' Barbecue Sauce?
This sauce goes well with a variety of meats, but it shines particularly with grilled chicken, pork ribs, and beef brisket. It can also enhance burgers and hot dogs, making it a versatile addition to any barbecue spread. Try it with Beef With Gravy for a delightful twist!
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).