Sweet And Sour Barbecue

Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

A flavorful sweet and sour barbecue featuring seasoned hamburger topped with a tangy sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds hamburger
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic (or garlic powder)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 4 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mustard

Instructions

  1. Brown the hamburger in a skillet and drain excess fat.
  2. Add all remaining ingredients to the skillet.
  3. Simmer until the mixture thickens.
  4. Serve the sweet and sour barbecue on hamburger buns.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter barbecue sauce, consider adding an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or honey. If you're short on ketchup, you can substitute with barbecue sauce or tomato sauce mixed with a bit of sugar. For a smokier flavor, try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Be sure to drain the hamburger well to prevent a greasy sauce, which can happen if too much fat is left in the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sweet and sour barbecue on toasted hamburger buns for a delicious meal. It pairs beautifully with sides like Mixed Veg-All Salad or crispy coleslaw. For a heartier option, add a slice of cheese on top or serve it alongside homemade fries. This dish is perfect for picnics or casual gatherings, making it a great addition to any summer barbecue.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sweet and sour barbecue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it to prevent drying out, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Barbecue contains roughly 383 calories, with 5g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 842mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

383 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.7g 9% DV
Total Fat 7.1g 9% DV
Carbs 70g 25% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 47.7g 95% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 841.9mg 37% DV
Potassium 462.3mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 2.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.6mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 3.8mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 91mg 7% DV
Iron 2.6mg 15% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you prefer, shredded pork or beef can also work well, just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.

How can I make this barbecue sauce spicier?

To add a spicy kick, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce into the mixture. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference for the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes! You can replace the hamburger with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version. Sauté the lentils until tender before adding the sauce ingredients. This will create a delicious and hearty dish while keeping it meat-free.

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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