Ultimate Tangy Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Tangy Barbecue Sauce Recipe 🌟🔥🍋

This Tangy Barbecue Sauce is an absolute delight that will elevate any dish it graces. Whether you’re slathering it on grilled chicken, using it as a dip for fries, drizzling it over burgers, or giving your hot dogs a flavorful kick, this sauce is versatile and delicious. 🍗🍟🍔🌭 You might even consider making a larger batch to freeze some for later, ensuring you always have this zesty condiment on hand. When grilling, remember to brush it on during the last 20 minutes to avoid burning. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

Total Time: 33 minutes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes

Recipe Category: Sauces

Keywords: Lemon, Citrus, Onions, Fruit, Vegetable, < 60 Mins, Stove Top

Ingredients 📝

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
3 yellow onions, finely chopped
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Fresh ground pepper to taste

Nutritional Information 📊

Calories: 445.7
Fat Content: 18.8g
Saturated Fat Content: 11.1g
Cholesterol Content: 45.8mg
Sodium Content: 2165.5mg
Carbohydrate Content: 72.9g
Fiber Content: 1.9g
Sugar Content: 63.6g
Protein Content: 4.5g

Yields: 1 1/3 cups

Step-by-Step Instructions 🥣👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Melt the Butter
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- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely and start to bubble slightly before adding the vegetables. 🧈✨
Cook the Celery and Onions
- Add the finely chopped celery (1/2 cup) and yellow onions (3). Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to soften the vegetables and release their flavors without browning them. The onions should become translucent, and the celery should soften slightly. 🧅🥒
Combine the Ingredients
- Add the ketchup (1 cup), fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons), granulated sugar (2 tablespoons), cider vinegar (2 tablespoons), Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon), dry mustard (1 teaspoon), and fresh ground pepper to taste. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and the dry mustard should be fully incorporated without any lumps. 🍅🍋🥄
Simmer the Sauce
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure all the flavors meld together beautifully. The sauce should thicken slightly and become fragrant. ⏲️🔥
Cool and Store
- After simmering, transfer the sauce to a bowl. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. This cooling period allows the flavors to further develop and meld together. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. 🍶❄️

Tips and Tricks 🌟💡

Double the Recipe: Consider doubling the recipe if you plan to use this sauce frequently. It freezes well, and having it on hand can be a lifesaver for quick meals.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter barbecue sauce, increase the amount of granulated sugar to 3 or 4 tablespoons. Conversely, for a tangier sauce, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
Spice it Up: For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This will give the sauce a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Blending for Smoothness: If you prefer a super smooth sauce, you can blend the mixture after it has cooled slightly. Use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or transfer the sauce to a countertop blender.
Grill Tips: When using this sauce on grilled items, brush it on during the last 20 minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️✨

Grilled Chicken: Brush the sauce on chicken pieces during the last 20 minutes of grilling. Serve with a side of coleslaw and cornbread for a classic barbecue meal.
Burgers: Use this sauce as a topping for burgers along with your favorite cheese, lettuce, and tomato. It adds a tangy and sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with beef.
Hot Dogs: Drizzle the sauce over grilled hot dogs, and top with diced onions and pickles for a tasty twist.
Fries: Use it as a dip for French fries. The sweet and tangy flavors complement the crispy, salty fries beautifully.
Pulled Pork: Mix this sauce into pulled pork for a delectable barbecue sandwich. Serve on a toasted bun with a side of pickles.

Storage 📦❄️

Refrigerator: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezer: For longer storage, pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Behind the Flavor 🍋🍅🧅

The unique combination of ingredients in this Tangy Barbecue Sauce brings together a delightful medley of flavors. The butter adds a rich base, while the celery and onions provide a savory depth. The ketchup, lemon juice, and cider vinegar offer a balance of sweet, tangy, and acidic notes, creating a complex and irresistible taste. The granulated sugar and Worcestershire sauce add layers of sweetness and umami, while the dry mustard and fresh ground pepper give the sauce a subtle kick and a hint of heat. Every ingredient works harmoniously, resulting in a sauce that enhances any dish it accompanies.

Final Thoughts 💭❤️

This Tangy Barbecue Sauce is not just a condiment; it’s a flavor enhancer that can transform your meals into memorable culinary experiences. Its versatility means you can experiment with it in various dishes, ensuring you never get bored of its delicious taste. Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast or just looking for a way to jazz up your meals, this sauce is a must-try. Happy cooking! 🍴🔥🌟

Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. The joy of cooking lies in experimentation and personalization. Enjoy making and sharing this delectable Tangy Barbecue Sauce with your loved ones! 🥳👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🍖