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–+ servings
Barbecue Sauce for Weiners
Barbecue sauces like this became kitchen staples throughout the United States during the mid-20th century, when simple pantry ingredients were transformed into flavorful homemade sauces for hot dogs, hamburgers, and other grilled favorites. This version combines catsup, onion, celery, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and lemon juice to create a sweet-and-tangy sauce with a rich savory finish. Sautéing the vegetables in butter before simmering develops extra depth of flavor, making it more complex than bottled barbecue sauce. Perfect for cookouts, casual family dinners, or nostalgic meals, this vintage recipe is a reminder that homemade condiments often deliver fresher flavor with everyday ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course sauces
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 59 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup onion (finely chopped)
  • ½ cup celery (finely chopped)
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup catsup (ketchup or chili sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp prepared mustard
  • ½ cup water

Instructions
 

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

  • Melt the butter in a saucepan.
  • Add the chopped onion and celery.
  • Cook until softened but not browned.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

  • Stir in the lemon juice.
  • Add the vinegar, brown sugar, catsup (or chili sauce), Worcestershire sauce, prepared mustard, and water.
  • Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Simmer

  • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  • Cook for 15–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Serve

  • Serve warm over grilled wieners, hamburgers, or other barbecue favorites.

Tips

  • Substitute chili sauce for a slightly spicier flavor.
  • Add a dash of smoked paprika for smoky depth.
  • Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
  • Blend the finished sauce for a smoother consistency.
  • Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for outdoor barbecue flavor.
  • Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.
  • Simmer longer for a thicker sauce.
  • Brush onto burgers during the last few minutes of grilling.
  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to one week.
  • Freeze extra sauce in small containers for later use.

Nutrition

Calories: 59kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 290IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword classic American, condiment, hamburgers, homemade barbecue sauce, hot dogs, retro recipe, summer cookout, vintage recipe