Thick And Sweet Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

A thick and sweet barbecue sauce with rich tomato, lemon, and garlic flavors, perfect for grilling, dipping, or drizzling over your favorite dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook onion and garlic in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until tender.
  2. Add tomato sauce and remaining ingredients.
  3. Reduce heat; simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley works as a substitute. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or balancing it with a bit of vinegar. This sauce can also be made in larger batches and stored for later use.

Serving Suggestions

This thick and sweet barbecue sauce is perfect for grilling chicken, ribs, or vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Evelyn'S Slaw for a refreshing contrast. Serve it alongside grilled corn on the cob or use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers. It also works well in sandwiches and wraps.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in small portions. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Thick And Sweet Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 331 calories, with 9g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C.

331 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.7g 17% DV
Total Fat 11.6g 15% DV
Carbs 49.3g 18% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 17.6g 35% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 336.9mg 15% DV
Potassium 391.3mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 129.4mg 43% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 143.4mcg 16% DV
Vitamin C 14.8mg 16% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 91.5mg 7% DV
Iron 4.1mg 23% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

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 barbecue sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious when you use it later.

Can I use a different type of sweetener?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different type of sweetener, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar. Just remember that these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor and consistency.

Is there a way to make this sauce spicier?

Yes, you can add heat by incorporating hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the recipe. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste 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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