Lemon Barbecue Sauce

Brighten up your grilling game with this zesty and tangy Lemon Barbecue Sauce! Bursting with the vibrant flavor of freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, this quick and easy sauce perfectly balances sweetness from brown sugar and honey with a smoky kick of paprika and optional cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. A touch of apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce brings depth and complexity, while garlic powder rounds out the rich, savory profile. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile sauce is perfect for basting grilled chicken, ribs, or vegetables, and can also double as a flavorful dipping sauce or marinade. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or craving citrusy flair year-round, this homemade lemon barbecue sauce is sure to elevate any meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup Ketchup
• 0.25 cup Brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon juice, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 2

Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3

Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir thoroughly.

Step 4

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 5

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the lemon zest for a burst of freshness.

Step 6

Let the sauce cool to room temperature before using, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Step 7

Brush the sauce onto grilled meats, or use it as a dipping sauce or marinade.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(494.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	545.3

Total Fat 0.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2395.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 143.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.3g	0%
Total Sugars 116.8g
Protein 1.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 79.2mg	0%
Iron 2.5mg	0%
Potassium 448.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1.1%

Protein: 1.2%

Carbs: 97.8%