Quick Smoky Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A quick, smoky barbecue sauce with rich flavors of brown sugar, butter, beer, and liquid smoke, perfect for grilling, dipping, or as a flavorful condiment.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (4 oz.) bottle barbecue sauce (smoky)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 (4 oz.) bottle plain sauce
  • 1 (4 oz.) bottle catsup
  • 12 oz. can beer
  • 3 oz. liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • little red pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix together all ingredients in a jar.
  2. Seal the jar tightly.
  3. Store in the refrigerator.
  4. Will keep for up to a year.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more intense flavor, consider using a dark beer like stout instead of a light beer. If you want a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar slightly or add a bit of maple syrup. Liquid smoke can be strong, so adjust the amount according to your taste preference. This sauce is versatile and can be used in various American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This smoky barbecue sauce is perfect for grilled meats, burgers, and even as a dipping sauce for appetizers like Hot Chili And Cheese Dip. Try it with roasted vegetables or as a glaze for ribs. It pairs beautifully with the flavors of Seashell Macaroni And Cheese for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store the smoky barbecue sauce in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. It will last for up to a year, but for the best flavor, use it within six months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, ensuring it doesn't boil.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick Smoky Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 275 calories, with 6g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 811mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

275 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.8g 12% DV
Total Fat 10.3g 13% DV
Carbs 39.8g 14% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 30.8g 62% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 811.4mg 35% DV
Potassium 286.7mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 27.1mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 62.8mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 37.6mg 42% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 104.7mg 8% DV
Iron 0.8mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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 sauce as a base?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of barbecue sauces or even use homemade sauces for a fresh twist. Just be mindful of the flavor profile of the sauce you choose, as it will influence the overall taste of your barbecue sauce.

How spicy is this barbecue sauce?

The heat level can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe includes an optional little red pepper, which you can omit for a milder sauce. If you prefer it spicy, add more red pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this barbecue sauce is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. Just ensure that the beer you use is also vegetarian, as some brands may use fining agents derived from fish or other animal products.

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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