RECIPESPRODUCTSPANTRYSHOPPING
CONDIMENTS AND SAUCES

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a popular condiment and flavoring ingredient that adds a distinctive savory, sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky taste to various dishes. Typically used in the culinary context of grilling or slow-cooking meats, it is often associated with American regional barbecue cuisines, such as Kansas City and Memphis-style barbecues. A versatile sauce, it can also be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or glaze for meats and vegetables. The base ingredients usually include tomato, vinegar, and sugar, with various spices added to achieve specific flavor profiles. It is widely available in supermarkets as a ready-made product, or can be homemade with a variety of recipes to suit individual tastes and preferences.
#1
IN SAUCES
172
CAL / 100G
$0.10
AVG / OZ
barbecue sauce
97%
CARBS
1%
FAT
2%
PROTEIN
Barbecue Sauce FAQ
Barbecue sauce is a common ingredient in many kitchens, offering a special blend of sweet, tart, and savory flavors. Some of the common mistakes people make when cooking with barbecue sauce include overdoing the amount, leading to overpowering flavor, or using it at the wrong stage of cooking, which could result in it getting burnt due to its high sugar content. To get the most out of barbecue sauce, it's best to apply it near the end of the cooking process for grilling or roasting, as the sauce can caramelize without burning. Also, if making homemade barbecue sauce, you can get creative by adding different elements like fruits, coffee or even alcohol for a customized flavor profile. A less-known tip is to use it in unconventional ways such as in a pizza topping, meatloaf glaze, or even a cocktail ingredient.
Should I marinate meat in barbecue sauce?
Can I use barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce in recipes?
Why does my barbecue sauce taste burnt when I grill with it?
What can I add to basic barbecue sauce to make it special?
How can I reduce the sweetness of store-bought barbecue sauce?
Can barbecue sauce be used as a dipping sauce?
What else can I do with barbecue sauce besides grilling?
Is it healthy to cook with barbecue sauce?
My barbecue sauce is too acidic, what can I do?
Can I add barbecue sauce to my vegetarian dishes?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does barbecue sauce expire?
Typically, a store-bought, unopened barbecue sauce can last from 12 to 18 months past the printed date. Once you open the bottle, if kept refrigerated intensely, it can last for about 6 to 9 months or more. If you've made your own homemade sauce, keep in mind it lacks the preservatives found in commercial products and refrigeration is essential – it should be used within 4 to 7 days. Freezing barbecue sauce is also a practical option and can preserve it up to 6 months.
How do you tell if barbecue sauce is bad?
There are several ways we can identify expired barbecue sauce. For a start, a drastic change in color, usually a darker shade, should raise some flags. If you notice any moldy spots, discard it immediately. The smell may become increasingly sour or unpleasant and its consistency might become quite thick or even lumpy over time. Last but not least, if its taste doesn’t resemble its original tanginess, it's time to say goodbye.
Tips for storing barbecue sauce to extend shelf life
• Always check the 'best by' or 'use by' date on the bottle for a more precise guideline. • Remember to store your opened barbecue sauce in the refrigerator, ideally in the door where the temperature fluctuates less. • Always use clean utensils when scooping the sauce to prevent contamination. • Make sure the lid is secured tightly after every use to prevent air and bacteria from entering the bottle. • If you wish to freeze the sauce, do so in an airtight container or ziplock bag to limit freezer burn and maintain quality. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best consistency.
EXPIRES WITHIN
8 - 11
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
15g
CARBS
0g
FAT
0g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
VEGETARIAN
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
Recipes with what you have
Download Cooklist
Get the app to track inventory, save recipes, build meal plans and order groceries from local stores.
Scan to download
QR Code