Savory Barbecue Sauce
A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with a savory onion and lemon flavor, perfect for brushing on grilled chicken to add depth and a smoky sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place butter in a microwave-safe dish and microwave at high power for about 40 seconds until melted.
- Add chopped onions and stir well.
- Cover the dish with waxed paper.
- Microwave at high power for about 2 minutes, stirring once.
- Add all remaining ingredients except thyme leaves to the dish, stirring until well blended.
- Microwave at high power for another 5 to 6 minutes, stirring once until the sauce is boiling hot and thickened.
- Add thyme leaves when stirring the last time.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. If you don't have brown sugar, white sugar with a touch of molasses can work as a substitute. You can also adjust the mustard to your taste; prepared mustard gives a milder flavor compared to dry. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This savory barbecue sauce is perfect for grilled meats, especially ribs and chicken, or as a dipping sauce for appetizers. Consider serving it alongside Casserole Potatoes for a hearty meal. It also pairs beautifully with vegetarian recipes like grilled vegetable skewers to add a rich flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent hot spots.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 153 calories, with 2g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% 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 barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
You can easily modify the sweetness by adjusting the amount of brown sugar you use. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with half the sugar and taste it before adding more. Remember, the acidity from the lemon juice will balance the flavors, so adjust accordingly.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this barbecue sauce is vegetarian-friendly! It contains no meat products and can add great flavor to any vegetarian dish. Use it as a marinade or finishing sauce for grilled vegetables or plant-based proteins for a delicious meal.
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).