Zesty Barbecue Sauce(Microwave)

Cook: 8 min Serves: 3 Cuisine: American

A vibrant, tangy barbecue sauce with a touch of heat and sweetness, perfect for grilling or as a dipping sauce for meats and vegetables.

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Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • 1/4 c. chopped onion
  • 2 c. catsup
  • 1 c. water
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. horseradish
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • dash of hot pepper sauce
  • dash of garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Place oil and chopped onion in a 1-quart casserole.
  2. Microwave on High for 3 to 4 minutes or until onion is tender.
  3. Stir in remaining ingredients.
  4. Microwave on High for 4 to 5 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding more chili powder or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. If you don’t have horseradish, a bit of prepared mustard can work as a substitute. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar slightly. Always taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking, especially with the salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions

This zesty barbecue sauce is perfect for grilled meats, such as chicken or ribs, and pairs beautifully with Pan Roasted Potatoes. Serve it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken wings or veggie skewers. It also makes a great addition to sandwiches or burgers for a flavorful twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Zesty Barbecue Sauce(Microwave) contains roughly 320 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1686mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).

320 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.6g 9% DV
Total Fat 16.4g 21% DV
Carbs 46.6g 17% DV
Fiber 10.1g 36% DV
Sugar 28.9g 58% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1686.1mg 73% DV
Potassium 664.3mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 298.5mcg 33% DV
Vitamin C 20.7mg 23% DV
Calcium 137.3mg 11% DV
Iron 4.3mg 24% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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

What can I use this sauce for besides grilling?

This zesty barbecue sauce is versatile! Beyond grilling, use it as a marinade for meats or tofu, a sauce for pizza, or a flavor booster for baked beans. It can also enhance the taste of roasted vegetables or serve as a tangy dressing for coleslaw, adding a delightful 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).

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