Tart Barbecue Sauce

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

A tangy and savory barbecue sauce with a hint of sweetness, perfect for grilled meats and sandwiches, offering a bold flavor that complements smoky dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter or other fat
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1 sour pickle, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons chili sauce
  • 4 slices lemon
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 green pepper, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
  2. Place in a saucepan over low heat and cook until butter melts, stirring constantly.
  3. Keep warm in a double boiler until ready to use on barbecued meats or as a sauce for barbecue sandwiches.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. Adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or honey if desired. This sauce goes well with various proteins, making it versatile for different American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This tart barbecue sauce is perfect for grilled meats, such as chicken, ribs, or burgers. It also works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for barbecue sandwiches. Serve alongside coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal, and consider pairing it with Lemon Crisp Cookies for a delightful dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain the sauce's flavor and texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tart Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 203 calories, with 1g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium.

203 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.4g 3% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 44.8g 16% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 32.4g 65% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 253.8mg 11% DV
Potassium 728.9mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 49.6mg 55% DV
Calcium 67.2mg 5% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this barbecue sauce a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you're ready to use it. The flavors may even deepen as it sits.

Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this tart barbecue sauce is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. However, ensure that any substitutes you use, like Worcestershire sauce, are vegetarian, as some brands may contain anchovies.

How can I make it spicier?

To add heat to the sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also increase the amount of chili sauce for a bolder kick, tailoring it to your personal spice preference.

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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