Root Beer BBQ Sauce: A Sweet and Tangy Delight for Every Grill Master
Creating a delicious barbecue sauce can elevate any grilled dish, and this Root Beer BBQ Sauce recipe, featuring a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, is an excellent addition to your summer cookout repertoire. Whether slathered on grilled chicken, brushed on ribs, or served alongside burgers, this sauce is not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly versatile, appealing to both adults and children alike. This recipe yields 1 ½ cups of sauce, perfect for a family gathering or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ketchup | 1 cup |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | ¼ cup |
| Dark brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Light molasses | 3 tablespoons |
| Lemon (rind of) | 1 ½ |
| Ground ginger | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh ginger (minced) | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh garlic (minced) | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 2 teaspoons |
| Liquid smoke | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Information | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 373.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 2149 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 97.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 82.9 g |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a heavy medium saucepan, combine all ingredients: ketchup, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, dark brown sugar, light molasses, lemon rind, ground ginger, minced fresh ginger, garlic powder, minced fresh garlic, onion powder, cornstarch, and liquid smoke. |
| 2 | Place the saucepan over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. |
| 3 | Once the sauce reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced to approximately 1 ½ cups, which should take about 20 minutes. |
| 4 | If the sauce does not reach your desired thickness, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of water, then gradually add it to the simmering sauce while stirring continuously until thickened. |
| 5 | After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. |
| 6 | Carefully transfer the cooled sauce to a bowl, ensuring it is fully combined and smooth. |
| 7 | Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce can be made up to two weeks in advance, as long as it is kept refrigerated. |
Tips for Use
This Root Beer BBQ Sauce is a wonderfully adaptable condiment that can be used in a variety of ways beyond simply grilling. Consider using it as a marinade for meats, a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, or even as a flavorful addition to baked beans or coleslaw. The sweet and tangy profile makes it particularly delightful when paired with rich and savory flavors, providing a perfect balance to your dishes.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of homemade barbecue sauce lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it according to your taste preferences. With the rich sweetness of root beer, the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice, and the smokiness from liquid smoke, this Root Beer BBQ Sauce is sure to become a staple at your summer gatherings. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the delightful flavors that this sauce brings to your favorite grilled dishes!
Keywords
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