Sweet And Tangy Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 10 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: American

Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce combines rich tomato paste with brown sugar, vinegar, and spices, perfect for glazing ribs or chicken with bold, flavorful notes.

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Ingredients

  • 6 oz. can tomato paste
  • 1 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • dash chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 medium minced onion
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. water
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Let stand for several hours to blend flavors.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider adding 1-2 cloves of minced garlic or a dash of liquid smoke. If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for regular vinegar for a milder tang. This sauce is versatile; try it on grilled chicken or as a dip with dishes like Jazzed Up Ice Cream.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is perfect for glazing grilled meats, especially ribs and chicken. Serve it alongside sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a classic barbecue experience. It also pairs beautifully with burgers and can be used as a dipping sauce for appetizers. For a fantastic dessert option, try it with dishes like Mock Strawberry Pie.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months; just make sure to leave some space in the container as the sauce will expand when frozen. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Tangy Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 133 calories, with 1g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

133 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 1.5g 2% DV
Carbs 25.7g 9% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 17.9g 36% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 336.2mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 39.7mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 2.6mg 3% DV
Calcium 62.1mg 5% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% 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 make this barbecue sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this barbecue sauce up to a week in advance. The flavors will actually improve as they meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving to bring back the vibrant taste.

Is this barbecue sauce vegan?

Yes, this sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is vegan as it contains no animal products. You can enjoy it on a variety of dishes, including grilled vegetables and vegan burgers, making it a great choice for those looking for vegan recipes.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar depending on your preference. For a healthier option, try using maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for the brown sugar, which will still give you a deliciously sweet 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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