Virginia Cotton'S Delicious, Easy And Cheap Barbecue Sauce
A flavorful, easy-to-make barbecue sauce with a tangy and sweet profile, perfect for enhancing chicken dishes and suitable for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together tomato catsup, vinegar, lemon juice, water, butter, brown sugar, salt, dry mustard, paprika, and red pepper.
- Heat the mixture until well combined and hot.
- Pour the sauce over chicken and place in a covered dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier sauce, consider adding more vinegar or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a sweeter profile, you can increase the brown sugar or substitute honey. Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more red pepper or using a milder paprika. This sauce can also be used for marinades or as a dip for grilled meats, making it a versatile choice for your summer cookouts.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork. Serve it alongside classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread for a complete meal. For a delightful dessert, consider serving Glenna'S Chocolate Cake afterward to round off your barbecue feast. The sweetness of the cake complements the savory flavors of the sauce perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Virginia Cotton'S Delicious, Easy And Cheap Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 46 calories, with 0g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value).
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, you can prepare this barbecue sauce a day or two in advance. This actually allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat it as needed before serving.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarian recipes?
Absolutely! This barbecue sauce is vegetarian-friendly and can be used to add flavor to grilled vegetables, tofu, or seitan. It provides a great depth of flavor without any meat ingredients, making it ideal for those following a vegetarian diet.
What can I use instead of tomato catsup?
If you don't have tomato catsup on hand, you can substitute it with tomato sauce or puree. Just adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more sugar or honey to achieve the desired flavor. Alternatively, some people use homemade tomato sauce or even barbecue sauce for a different twist.
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).