Ralph'S Barbecue Sauce
A smoky, tangy barbecue sauce with a spicy kick, perfect for grilling and dipping, enhancing the flavor of chicken and other grilled meats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- If cooking 4 chickens, double the recipe.
- Melt the margarine in a saucepan.
- Add vinegar, Texas Pete, Carolina Treet, and ground red pepper to the melted margarine.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Use as a marinade or basting sauce for grilled chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider increasing the ground red pepper or adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce. If you don't have margarine, butter can be used as a substitute. This barbecue sauce pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, but you can also use it for pork or veggies. For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of brown sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect as a marinade or basting sauce for grilled chicken. Serve it alongside classic sides like coleslaw or baked beans for a complete meal. It also complements dishes like Chicken Rotini Tetrazzini or Stuffing And Pork Chops, adding a flavorful twist to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe bags and lay them flat in the freezer. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ralph'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 138 calories, with 0g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% 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, you can prepare Ralph's Barbecue Sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. The flavors will meld and enhance overnight, making it even tastier for your grilling session.
Is this sauce too spicy for kids?
The spice level can vary depending on how much ground red pepper and hot sauce you use. If you're serving kids, consider reducing the amount of Texas Pete hot sauce and ground red pepper to make it milder while still retaining delicious flavor.
Can I use this sauce for other proteins?
Absolutely! While it's fantastic with grilled chicken, you can also use this barbecue sauce for pork, beef, or even grilled vegetables. It adds a great depth of flavor to a variety of proteins and is perfect for summer cookouts.
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).