Unkie'S Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 160 min Cuisine: American

A tangy, sweet and spicy barbecue sauce with a citrus kick, perfect for slathering over chicken or ribs, offering a bold flavor profile that satisfies grill lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 to 4 drops Tabasco sauce
  • 2 sticks oleo
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • dash of black pepper
  • dash of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine vinegar, salt, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, oleo, lemon slices, black pepper, and cayenne in a saucepan.
  2. Simmer the mixture over low heat for several hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. Place chicken in a basket and cook for about 2 1/2 hours, basting frequently with the sauce.
  4. Serve the finished dish with extra sauce on the side, ideal for a hearty barbecue meal.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to balance the acidity of the vinegar. If you prefer a vegan version, substitute oleo with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce to your heat preference; if you like it spicier, feel free to add more. Stir often during simmering to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork. Serve it alongside a fresh coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal. It also complements side dishes like Granny'S Sweet Potatoes or Steam Ahead Broccoli, enhancing the overall barbecue experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. It can also be microwaved in short intervals, but be cautious to avoid splattering.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Unkie'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 88 calories, with 4g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 983mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

88 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 1.4g 2% DV
Carbs 20.3g 7% DV
Fiber 6.4g 23% DV
Sugar 2.9g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 982.7mg 43% DV
Potassium 584.4mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 155.3mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 76.1mg 85% DV
Calcium 107.7mg 8% DV
Iron 4.2mg 24% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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 in advance?

Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit for a day enhances the flavors as they meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before use.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

To increase the heat, you can add more Tabasco sauce or include a pinch of cayenne pepper. Alternatively, consider blending in some diced jalapeños for a fresh, spicy kick.

What type of vinegar works best for this recipe?

While the recipe calls for vinegar generally, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar are both excellent choices. They provide a balanced acidity that complements the other flavors in the sauce.

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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