Southern Comfort Barbecue Butter Sauce
Discover the rich, tangy flavors of the South with this delightful barbecue sauce inspired by Lady Bird Johnson's original recipe. This velvety sauce blends the comforting taste of butter with the sharpness of apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice, creating an irresistible glaze that enhances the flavor of grilled meats. Perfect for basting your favorite cuts while they sizzle on the grill, this sauce can also be served warm at the table, allowing guests to add an extra layer of flavor to their meals. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and spice with each delectable bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup (preferably organic)
ketchup
1/4 cup
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup
Tabasco sauce
to taste
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced (optional))
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it is fully liquid and bubbling.
2
Add the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic (if using). Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4
Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Tabasco sauce to your desired level of heat.
5
Remove from heat and serve warm, reserving some for passing at the table alongside grilled meats.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Comfort Barbecue Butter Sauce?
It is a rich, tangy Southern-style barbecue sauce inspired by Lady Bird Johnson's recipe, featuring a velvety butter base.
What is the historical inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the original barbecue sauce favored by Lady Bird Johnson.
What are the primary ingredients in this sauce?
The sauce is made with butter, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and Tabasco.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of butter, which should be melted until liquid and bubbling.
What type of vinegar should be used?
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar is used, preferably organic for the best flavor.
Is the garlic required in this sauce?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, but it is listed as an optional ingredient.
How do I prepare the lemon juice?
The recipe recommends using 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
How do I adjust the heat level of the sauce?
You can adjust the spiciness by adding Tabasco sauce to your desired level of heat.
What seasonings are used in this barbecue sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How should the sauce be served?
It should be served warm, either as a glaze during grilling or as a dipping sauce at the table.
Is this sauce suitable for grilling?
Yes, it is specifically designed for basting meats while they sizzle on the grill.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce has a velvety and smooth consistency due to the butter base.
How much ketchup is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of ketchup.
Does this sauce contain Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth of flavor.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but it is best served warm as the butter will solidify if the sauce cools completely.
What is the flavor profile of Southern Comfort Barbecue Butter Sauce?
It offers a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and spice with a rich buttery finish.
What kind of meats pair well with this sauce?
It is excellent for grilled meats such as chicken, ribs, or pulled pork.
Is there any sugar added to this recipe?
While no granulated sugar is added, the ketchup provides a hint of sweetness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients total, including seasonings.
Is the sauce brought to a boil?
Yes, you should bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to simmer.
What is the best way to melt the butter?
Melt it in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is fully liquid.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While freshly squeezed is recommended for flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Is this a spicy sauce?
The heat is mild but can be increased by adding more Tabasco sauce and black pepper.
What makes this sauce 'Southern style'?
Its inspiration from Lady Bird Johnson and the use of butter and cider vinegar are classic Southern elements.
Is the black pepper specifically prepared?
The recipe calls for freshly ground black pepper for the best aromatic quality.
Should the sauce be removed from heat before adding salt?
The salt and pepper are typically added during the simmering process before removing from heat.
Is this sauce thick or thin?
It is a relatively thin basting sauce that thickens slightly during the 5-minute simmer.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe yields approximately 1 to 1.25 cups of sauce, suitable for a family meal.