Lemon Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
Brighten up your next cookout with this irresistible Lemon Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce! Bursting with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, this homemade BBQ sauce features the zesty zip of fresh lemon juice and zest, mingled with rich brown sugar, honey, and a touch of smoky paprika. A hint of Dijon mustard and a splash of Worcestershire sauce add depth, while optional cayenne pepper brings customizable heat to suit your spice level. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile sauce is ideal for glazing grilled meats, basting ribs, or even as a dipping sauce for your favorite snacks. Homemade and full of bold flavor, this barbecue sauce will elevate any dish to new heights.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup water
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest over medium heat. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture is smooth.
Add the apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to the saucepan. Mix well to incorporate.
Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the water to thin the sauce slightly.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to simmer gently. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (add more lemon juice for tang, brown sugar for sweetness, or cayenne for heat).
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool for 5-10 minutes.
Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
700 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.5 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2753 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 174.2 g | 63% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 149.7 g | ||
| Protein | 1.6 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 114 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 423 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
