Ruth'S Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

Ruth's Barbecue Sauce offers a rich, tangy flavor profile with a hint of sweetness and spice, perfect for grilling or as a condiment. Its blend of ketchup, vinegar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce creates a versatile sauce that complements meats, sandwiches, and more, appealing to both casual and serious barbecue enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. flour
  • 1 Tbsp. mustard
  • 1/4 c. chopped onion
  • 1 c. catsup
  • 1 Tbsp. fat
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 3/4 c. water
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil while stirring.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer if desired, or use immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of Ruth's Barbecue Sauce, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the flour slightly or let it simmer longer. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with cornstarch. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also elevate the taste.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or pulled pork. It can also be used as a flavorful dip for fries or veggies. For a complete meal, serve alongside classic sides such as Smothered Potatoes or Fried Cornbread for a satisfying American recipes experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ruth'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 637 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1847mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).

637 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.6g 3% DV
Total Fat 62.3g 80% DV
Carbs 17.3g 6% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 6.5g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1846.8mg 80% DV
Potassium 74.5mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 65.4mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 25.9mg 2% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 barbecue sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This barbecue sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit for a day allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making it even more delicious when used later.

Is this recipe suitable for canning?

While this sauce can be prepared in large batches, it is not recommended for traditional canning due to the presence of low-acid ingredients. For long-term storage, freezing the sauce in portions is a safer alternative.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Yes, you can modify the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar amount. Conversely, if you like it sweeter, consider adding a bit of honey or maple syrup to enhance the flavor.

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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