Genevia's BBQ Sauce

About 5 cups servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 1 h Total: 1 h 10 m Beginner
Be the first to rate!
Genevia's BBQ Sauce
We prepare this sauce for our bar-b-cues with tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire. Great barbie sauce for any occasion—I always double the recipe because it goes fast at cookouts.

Ingredients

About 5 cups servings
  • 2 small cans tomato sauce
  • 2 cans water (same as tomato sauce)
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp steak sauce
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup brown sugar to taste
  • Cooking oil to cover top of sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a medium saucepan. Add enough cooking oil to cover the top of the sauce and stir well. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Lower heat to simmer and cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld together. Adjust brown sugar to taste.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why does the recipe call for oil on top of the sauce?

A: The layer of oil prevents a skin from forming on the surface during the long simmer. Just stir it in—it helps create a smooth, glossy sauce.

Q: Can I adjust the sweetness?

A: Absolutely. The brown sugar amount is listed as "to taste" for a reason. Start with 3/4 cup if you prefer less sweet, or go up to 1 1/4 cups for a sweeter sauce. Taste as you go.

Tips and Techniques

This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, and the flavor actually improves after a day or two. It’s perfect for grilled ribs, chicken, or pork.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • yellow mustard: Creole mustard or spicy brown mustard
  • steak sauce: A1 sauce or additional Worcestershire sauce
  • brown sugar: white sugar, honey, or molasses

Equipment Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Stirring spoon

Historical Context

Homemade BBQ sauces are a Louisiana cookout staple, with each family having their own version. This sweet and tangy style is popular across the South for basting grilled meats.