Nine clever ways to use barbecue sauce in your recipes

Barbecue sauce is incredibly versatile and can enhance a wide range of dishes. Here are seven creative ways to use barbecue sauce:

1. Marinade
Use barbecue sauce as a marinade for meats like chicken, beef, or pork. Let the meat soak in the sauce for a few hours before grilling or baking to infuse it with flavor.

2. Glaze
Brush barbecue sauce on meats during the last few minutes of grilling or baking to create a delicious, caramelized glaze. This works well with ribs, chicken wings, and pork chops.

3. Dipping sauce
Serve barbecue sauce as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken nuggets, fries, or onion rings. It adds a sweet and tangy flavour that complements many fried foods.

4. Pizza topping
Spread barbecue sauce on pizza dough instead of traditional tomato sauce. Top with cooked chicken, red onions, and cheese for a tasty barbecue chicken pizza.

5. Sandwich spread
Mix barbecue sauce with mayonnaise or mustard to create a flavourful spread for sandwiches and burgers. It adds a zesty kick and complements grilled meats perfectly.

7. Stir into soups or stews
Add a spoonful of barbecue sauce to soups or stews to give them a smoky, rich flavour. It works well in beef stews, chilli, or even vegetable soups.

8. Eggs
Drizzle barbecue sauce over scrambled eggs or an omelet for a unique, smoky flavour. It can also be used as a topping for baked eggs or frittatas.

9. Rice or grain bowls
Mix barbecue sauce into cooked rice, quinoa, or other grains to create a flavourful base for grain bowls. Add your favourite proteins and vegetables for a complete meal.