Firehouse Barbecue Sauce

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Servings: 2 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A tangy-sweet, smoky-savory classic inspired by a Chicago firehouse legend, perfect for grilling and braising.
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Firehouse Barbecue Sauce recipe image
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Firehouse Barbecue Sauce

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 2 Calories: 322.2

Description

This Firehouse Barbecue Sauce is a tribute to Uncle Mal, a Chicago firefighter known for his secret tangy-sweet blend. It combines the bright acidity of vinegar with the deep sweetness of brown sugar, balanced by savory Worcestershire sauce and a kick of chili powder. The finely chopped onions cook down until soft, adding body and a subtle sweetness without overpowering the flavor profile. This versatile sauce is ideal for brushing onto ribs and chicken during the final minutes of grilling, but it also shines as a simmering sauce for meatballs or mixed into sloppy Joes. Its rich, glossy texture and complex flavor make it a staple for any backyard cookout or weeknight dinner, bringing a touch of nostalgic, home-style comfort to your table.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, water, finely chopped onion, packed brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, chili powder, and ground red pepper.
  2. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and blend the ingredients.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened and reduced to approximately 2 cups.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 322.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.0g4%
Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
Cholesterol 10.0mg4%
Sodium 4181.3mg175%
Total Carbohydrate 70.1g24%
Dietary Fiber 1.8g8%
Sugars 59.2g
Protein 5.0g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Usage: Brush generously over ribs or chicken during the last 10 to 15 minutes of grilling to prevent burning. Alternatively, mix with cooked ground meat for sloppy Joes or serve warm over meatballs.

Storage: Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The sauce will thicken further as it cools; add a splash of water if needed before reheating.

Variations: For a smokier flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke. Adjust the amount of ground red pepper or chili powder to control the heat level.

History: This recipe is attributed to Uncle Mal, a driver for Firehouse No. 1 in Chicago, shared by Virginia M. Christie of Bloomington, Minnesota.

Keywords: barbecue, bbq, sauce, firehouse, ribs, chicken, grilling, sweet, tangy, ketchup, brown sugar, onion, vinegar, chili powder, american, homemade, glaze, sloppy joes, meatballs, summer, condiment
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