Pepper Barbecue Sauce
A spicy, tangy barbecue sauce with a kick of red pepper and Jamaican pickapepper sauce, perfect for grilling or as a flavorful dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix water, catsup, onion powder, crushed red pepper, salt, granulated garlic, and white pepper in a pan; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer covered for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add remaining ingredients (shaken vigorously in a quart jar to dissolve and mix thoroughly) to the pot.
- Return to low heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, adjust the sugar to taste. For a healthier option, consider using a low-sugar or homemade catsup. Ensure to mix the cornstarch with a little water before adding it to prevent clumping.
Serving Suggestions
This Pepper Barbecue Sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats, particularly chicken and ribs. Serve it alongside sides like Microwaved Yam or a fresh Juniorette Salad for a delicious meal. It also works well as a dipping sauce for appetizers or as a flavorful addition to sandwiches and burgers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use a microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to bring the sauce back to a smooth consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepper Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 315 calories, with 7g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2020mg per serving (88% 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 vinegar instead of lemon juice?
Yes, you can substitute vinegar for lemon juice, although it will alter the flavor slightly. Use a mild vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, to maintain a balanced taste. Adjust the sugar as needed to compensate for the acidity.
How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
If you're looking for a cornstarch alternative, you can use arrowroot powder or a flour slurry. Simply mix equal parts of flour with water to create a paste and add it to the sauce while stirring. This should help achieve a similar thickness.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
While the sauce can be stored in the fridge, it is not recommended for canning due to the low acidity. For safe canning, you would need to adjust the recipe to ensure proper acidity and preservation. Always follow safe canning guidelines when preserving sauces.
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).