Short Order Barbecue Sauce
A smoky, tangy barbecue sauce with a balanced blend of ketchup, vinegar, and spices, perfect for grilling, dipping, or marinating meats for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, let the sauce sit overnight in the refrigerator before using. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for the wine vinegar for a slightly different tang. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar or honey. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste; a pinch of smoked paprika can add a nice depth.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled meats like chicken or ribs. It pairs beautifully with Candied Sweet Potatoes A La Orange for a delightful meal. Use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers, or brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling for a caramelized finish. Serve alongside coleslaw and cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze the sauce for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve its flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Short Order Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 462 calories, with 3g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 588mg per serving (26% 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 of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit for a day enhances the flavors. Just be sure to reheat it gently before serving.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To increase the heat level, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture. Start with a small amount and gradually add more to achieve your desired spice level without overpowering the other flavors.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegans?
Yes, this barbecue sauce is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegan, as some brands contain anchovies. You can find vegan alternatives readily available in stores.
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).