Zesty BBQ Sauce
Elevate your grilling with Zesty BBQ Sauce, a tantalizing blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. This easy-to-make sauce features a hint of citrus, adding a refreshing twist to your favorite dishes.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 25 kcal
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for heat preference
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until it's smooth.
Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. These ingredients give the sauce its zesty kick, balancing the sweetness and spice.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Taste the sauce and add salt as needed. Adjust the cayenne pepper if you want more heat.
Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Let it cool before transferring it to a jar or bottle.
Store in a cool, dry place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a few weeks for optimal freshness.