Lemon Pepper BBQ Sauce
Lemon Pepper BBQ Sauce is a zesty and tangy condiment that combines the fresh, bright flavors of lemon with the bold, spicy kick of black pepper. This sauce starts with a base of classic BBQ ingredients such as tomato sauce or ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar.
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
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.