Skillet Barbecue

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A flavorful skillet barbecue featuring tender meat in a tangy, sweet, and smoky sauce, perfect for casual dinners and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 2 tablespoons oleo
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
  • 12 ounces can Spam, cut in julienne strips or use leftover pork or beef roast

Instructions

  1. Cook chopped onions in oleo until tender, but not brown.
  2. Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and Worcestershire.
  3. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes until thickened.
  4. Add julienned Spam or cooked leftover pork or beef roast and stir to combine.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute the Spam with diced chicken or turkey. You can also use homemade barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a more personalized touch. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Skillet Barbecue over cooked rice or in a sandwich for a hearty meal. It pairs well with coleslaw or Elaine'S Cauliflower Salad for a refreshing contrast. You could also serve it alongside baked beans or cornbread to complete the meal. Enjoy it as a casual family dinner or at your next barbecue gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Skillet Barbecue contains roughly 325 calories, with 3g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 530mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

325 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 4.7g 6% DV
Carbs 71.5g 26% DV
Fiber 1.8g 7% DV
Sugar 65g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 530.4mg 23% DV
Potassium 363.3mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 3.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 453.1mcg 50% DV
Vitamin C 23.7mg 26% DV
Calcium 169.7mg 13% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 other types of meat instead of Spam?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked pork or beef roast works great, and you can even use shredded chicken for a different flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite protein to match your taste or dietary preferences.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the barbecue mixture. You could also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.

What should I serve with Skillet Barbecue?

This dish pairs well with sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or potato salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it over rice or in a bun. These options complement the flavors of the barbecue while offering a satisfying balance.

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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