Pork Sauce
Pork Sauce is a rich, tangy condiment with a smoky kick, perfect for enhancing grilled meats or as a flavorful dipping sauce. Its bold tomato base combined with vinegar, spices, and a hint of heat makes it a versatile addition for summer barbecues or hearty family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 (32 oz.) bottles catsup
- 2 onions, sliced ⓘ
- 3 pods garlic or 2 Tbsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. celery seed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 2 lemons, sliced ⓘ
- 3 bottles water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the sauce to remove solids.
- Serve hot or cooled, as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water or simmer longer to evaporate excess liquid. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the red pepper and Tabasco sauce. You can substitute the cider vinegar with apple cider for a slightly different taste. Adding a splash of soy sauce can enhance the umami profile, making it a delicious complement to grilled meats. This sauce pairs beautifully with Pork Chop Skillet.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile pork sauce can be served over grilled or smoked meats, such as ribs or pulled pork. It also works well as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken nuggets or even as a flavorful addition to sandwiches. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a fun drink pairing, try it with Banana Brunch Punch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze the sauce in portions for longer storage. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Sauce contains roughly 1182 calories, with 27g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (258% of the Daily Value), iron (168% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (138% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1670mg per serving (73% 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?
Yes, this sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer periods. Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste when served later.
How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
To adjust the spice level, simply reduce the amount of red pepper and Tabasco sauce according to your preference. You can also add more sugar to balance the heat or incorporate milder spices for a gentler flavor.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, to make a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative and omit any meat-based ingredients. You can also experiment with additional herbs and spices to maintain a rich 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).