Pepper Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Pepper sauce is a savory blend of rich tomato sauce, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic spices. This versatile sauce complements grilled meats, pasta, or rice dishes, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Perfect for those who enjoy a burst of flavor with a hint of sweetness.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 c. oil
  • 1/2 c. chopped onion
  • 2 c. tomato sauce
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cook onion in oil until translucent.
  2. Add tomato sauce, water, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice to the onion.
  3. Add 2 peppers, cut in pieces.
  4. Cook until soft, about 45 minutes to an hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using olive oil instead of vegetable oil. You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. If you're short on time, use pre-chopped onions or even onion powder. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. This sauce is versatile and pairs beautifully with Aunt Lillian's Kraut Salad.

Serving Suggestions

This pepper sauce is excellent served over grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It also makes a great dipping sauce for appetizers. Pair it with crusty bread or rice to soak up the flavors. For a complete meal, serve alongside Pork Barbecue Sauce and a fresh Colorful Bean Salad for a delightful spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pepper sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover the container to prevent splatters. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pepper Sauce contains roughly 293 calories, with 1g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1894mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

293 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.1g 2% DV
Total Fat 15.4g 20% DV
Carbs 39.5g 14% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 32.3g 65% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1893.6mg 82% DV
Potassium 320.4mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 26mg 29% DV
Calcium 48.6mg 4% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

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?

Yes, this pepper sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day. Just reheat it gently before serving.

What type of peppers should I use?

You can use any type of peppers you prefer, such as bell peppers for sweetness or jalapeños for heat. Feel free to experiment with different varieties to suit your taste.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. The ingredients used, including the tomato sauce and spices, make it a great option for those following vegan recipes.

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).

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