Barbecue Sauce for any Meat

Barbecue Sauce Recipe for Meat - Made with Honey, Orange Juice and Pecans

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Barbecue sauce is a beloved condiment that can elevate any meat dish to new heights. This particular recipe offers a unique blend of sweetness, acidity, and a hint of spice, making it versatile enough to pair with everything from pork ribs to grilled chicken. With its rich combination of flavors, this barbecue sauce is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

History

The origins of barbecue sauce can be traced back to the early days of American history, with variations evolving regionally across the United States. This recipe, however, takes inspiration from traditional Southern barbecue sauces, incorporating ingredients like honey for sweetness and cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. The addition of minced bacon and roasted pecans gives it a distinctive twist, making it a modern classic in its own right.

Ingredients

2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
0.5 tsp white pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp ground cayenne pepper
0.5 lb (227 g) minced bacon
2 cups beef stock
1 cup honey
5 tbsp fresh orange juice
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp minced garlic
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1.5 cups chopped white onions
1.5 cups bottled chili sauce
0.75 cup dry roasted pecans, chopped
1 rind and pulp from 0.5 orange
1 rind and pulp from 0.25 lemon
1 tsp tabasco sauce

How to prepare

Combine the seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan, fry the bacon over high heat until crisp.
Stir in the onions, cover the pan, and continue cooking until the onions are dark brown, but not burned, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the seasoning mix and cook for about 1 minute.
Add the stock, chili sauce, honey, pecans, orange juice, lemon juice, orange and lemon rinds and pulp, garlic, and Tabasco, stirring well.
Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove the orange and lemon rinds.
Continue cooking and stirring for about 15 minutes more to let the flavors marry.
Add the butter and stir until melted.
Remove from heat.
Let it cool for about 30 minutes, then pour into a food processor or blender and process until the pecans and bacon are finely chopped, about 10 to 15 seconds.

Variations

For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, consider adding more honey or a touch of brown sugar. For a smokier flavor, include a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, use high-quality, fresh ingredients. Freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice, as well as freshly ground black pepper, can make a significant difference in the depth of flavor. When frying the bacon, ensure it's crispy to add a nice texture to the sauce. Lastly, allowing the sauce to simmer for the recommended time is crucial for the flavors to meld together properly.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue sauce pairs exceptionally well with grilled or smoked meats. Try it with pork ribs, chicken thighs, or even as a glaze for grilled salmon. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for chicken wings or as a flavorful addition to pulled pork sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is the slow simmering of the sauce, which allows the flavors to develop fully. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. Using a food processor or blender to finely chop the pecans and bacon ensures a smooth texture that clings well to meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're unable to find dry roasted pecans, toasted walnuts can be a suitable substitute. Maple syrup can replace honey for a different kind of sweetness. For those avoiding pork, turkey bacon can be used in place of traditional bacon.

Make Ahead Tips

This barbecue sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this sauce in a rustic jar or bowl, garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. For a more elegant presentation, drizzle the sauce over the meat and garnish with orange or lemon zest.

Pairing Recommendations

This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with robust red wines like Zinfandel or Shiraz, which can stand up to the sauce's bold flavors. For beer lovers, a smoky porter or a hoppy IPA can complement the sauce's sweetness and spice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to thin it out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this barbecue sauce contains approximately 100-150 calories. The exact number will depend on the serving size and the specific ingredients used, such as the type of honey and bacon.

Carbohydrates

This barbecue sauce contains honey and fresh fruit juices, contributing to its carbohydrate content. A serving of this sauce can have approximately 15-20 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from sugars. The exact amount may vary depending on the honey and fruit juice's natural sugar content.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the minced bacon and unsalted butter. A serving of this sauce contains about 5-10 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Using high-quality, lean bacon can help reduce the overall fat content.

Proteins

While not a significant source of protein, this barbecue sauce does contain small amounts from the bacon. Each serving may provide about 2-3 grams of protein. For dishes requiring higher protein content, consider pairing the sauce with protein-rich meats.

Vitamins and minerals

Thanks to the fresh orange and lemon juice, this sauce provides a good dose of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health. The onions and garlic also contribute a variety of minerals and vitamins, including vitamin B6, manganese, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains potential allergens, including nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter). Those with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution and consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, this barbecue sauce is a flavorful condiment that adds a rich layer of taste to any meat dish. While it contains sugars and fats, it also offers nutritional benefits like vitamin C and a small amount of protein. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

This barbecue sauce recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making it a versatile addition to any meat dish. With its rich history and nutritional benefits, it's a delicious way to enhance your cooking. Whether you're a barbecue aficionado or just looking to try something new, this sauce is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I was at a family barbecue at my cousin's house. As I was helping prepare the food, I noticed my aunt Anne making a delicious looking barbecue sauce for the meat. I asked her for the recipe, and she smiled and said she would be happy to share it with me.

Aunt Anne had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She explained that it was a simple yet flavorful sauce that could be used on any type of meat, from chicken to pork to beef. I was intrigued and eager to learn how to make it myself.

As I watched Aunt Anne mix together the ingredients, I made sure to pay close attention to each step. She started by combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, and a dash of hot sauce in a saucepan. She brought the mixture to a simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors together.

The smell of the sauce wafted through the air, and I could practically taste the tangy sweetness on my tongue. Aunt Anne explained that the key to a good barbecue sauce was in the balance of flavors – not too sweet, not too tangy, not too spicy. It was all about finding that perfect harmony that would complement the meat without overpowering it.

After the sauce had simmered for about 10 minutes, Aunt Anne removed it from the heat and let it cool slightly before brushing it onto the meat. The sauce was thick and sticky, clinging to the meat like a delicious glaze. As we grilled the meat over the hot coals, the sauce caramelized and created a mouthwatering crust that sealed in the juices.

When it was time to eat, I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor. The meat was tender and juicy, with a smoky flavor that was enhanced by the barbecue sauce. The sweetness of the brown sugar and ketchup balanced perfectly with the tanginess of the vinegar and mustard, creating a sauce that was rich and complex.

As I savored each bite, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I thanked Aunt Anne for sharing her family recipe with me, and she smiled and said that it was a pleasure to pass it on to the next generation. I felt honored to carry on the tradition of making this delicious barbecue sauce, knowing that it had been perfected over years of cooking and sharing with loved ones.

Since that day, I have made Aunt Anne's barbecue sauce countless times, each time adding my own twist to it – a little more hot sauce for a spicy kick, a touch of honey for extra sweetness, or a splash of bourbon for a rich depth of flavor. No matter how I tweak the recipe, the basic elements remain the same, creating a sauce that is versatile and delicious on any type of meat.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe from Aunt Anne, and I know that it will continue to be a cherished part of my cooking repertoire for years to come. It is a reminder of the power of family traditions and the joy of sharing good food with those we love. And every time I make this barbecue sauce, I am transported back to that warm summer day when I first discovered the magic of its flavors.