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.
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon juice, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well incorporated.
Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir thoroughly.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the lemon zest for a burst of freshness.
Let the sauce cool to room temperature before using, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Brush the sauce onto grilled meats, or use it as a dipping sauce or marinade.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
545 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.7 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2395 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 143.3 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 116.8 g | ||
| Protein | 1.7 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 79 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 449 mg | 10% | |
*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.
