Indulge your senses with the zesty and tangy delight of my Lemon Pepper BBQ Sauce.
This unique recipe marries the bright, citrusy notes of fresh lemons with the subtle heat of cracked black pepper, all enveloped in the rich, smoky embrace of classic barbecue flavors.
Perfect for elevating your grilled meats, chicken wings, or even roasted vegetables, this sauce offers a refreshing twist on traditional BBQ.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply looking to add a burst of flavor to your weeknight dinners, my Lemon Pepper BBQ Sauce promises to be a crowd-pleaser that brings a lively, gourmet touch to any dish.
How To Make Lemon Pepper BBQ Sauce?
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yields: 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
![Lemon Pepper BBQ Sauce](https://arorassaucerecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Lemon-Pepper-BBQ-Sauce-1024x551.webp)
Instructions
Step-1. Heat the Olive Oil
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This helps to release the flavors of the spices when they are added.
Step-2. Combine the Base Ingredients
Add ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan. Whisk them together until well combined.
Step-3. Add Sweetness and Zest
Mix in brown sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir continuously to dissolve the sugar completely.
Step-4. Incorporate the Spices
Add freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder. If you prefer some heat, add cayenne pepper. For a deeper flavor, include ground allspice. Season with salt to taste.
Step-5. Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts Of Lemon Pepper BBQ Sauce
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 50 |
Fat | 2g |
Sodium | 300mg |
Carbohydrates | 8g |
Sugars | 6g |
Protein | 0.5g |
Serving Suggestions
❖ Brush the Lemon Pepper BBQ Sauce over grilled chicken breasts or wings for a tangy and flavorful kick.
❖ Mix the sauce into pulled pork for a delicious twist on a classic BBQ sandwich.
❖ Use the sauce as a glaze for grilled or roasted vegetables, adding a zesty note to your veggie dishes.
❖ Serve as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or even mozzarella sticks.
Tips and Variations
★ If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, increase the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce.
★ Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste. If you like a sweeter sauce, add a bit more.
★ For a fresh twist, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving.
Special Note
You can allow the sauce to sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together. This resting period can make a noticeable difference in taste.
FAQS
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
I recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
How long does the sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the sauce can last up to two weeks.
Can I freeze this BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?
White vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes, though they will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Lemon Pepper BBQ Sauce recipe is a delightful departure from traditional BBQ sauces, offering a refreshing and zesty flavor profile.
Easy to make and versatile, it will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with it on different dishes and savor the bright, tangy twist it brings to your meals.
![Lemon Pepper BBQ Sauce](https://arorassaucerecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Lemon-Pepper-BBQ-Sauce-500x500.webp)
Lemon Pepper BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This helps to release the flavors of the spices when they are added.
- Add ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan. Whisk them together until well combined.
- Mix in brown sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir continuously to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Add freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder. If you prefer some heat, add cayenne pepper. For a deeper flavor, include ground allspice. Season with salt to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Notes
![](https://arorassaucerecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot_1.jpg)
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.