Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
123 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe
Description
The Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce begins by sautéing diced jalapenos and onion in olive oil until tender, then adding garlic for its aroma. Tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, smoked paprika, ground mustard, honey, brown sugar, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper are combined and simmered to meld flavors. The bourbon contributes a subtle depth, with suggestions to substitute with tequila, rum, broth, or apple juice for variations or non-alcoholic options.
This sauce can be used as is for a chunkier consistency or pureed for smoothness. Additional vinegar or water can thin the sauce if needed. It pairs well with grilled meats and can be stored chilled in a sealed container. The heat level can be adjusted by choosing milder or hotter peppers like serrano, habanero, or ghost pepper powder.
The recipe yields about 2½ cups and allows for customization in sweetness, heat, and thickness. The blend of smoky, spicy, sweet, and tart flavors creates a complex barbecue sauce suitable for a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1-2 jalapeno pepper diced (use hotter if you'd like, such as habanero
- 1 onion diced, small
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (use ketchup for a sweeter version)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup bourbon (try it with tequila or rum instead, or use broth or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (try it with ghost pepper powder for extra hot)
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey (maple syrup is a nice substitution)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (use less or omit for less sweet)
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan to medium heat. Add onion and peppers and cook for 5 minutes to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook another minute, until garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir until everything is combined. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors mingle. You can simmer longer if you'd like.
- Option 1: Strain into a serving container and use as desired.
- Option 2: Transfer the ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth for a thicker version. Use as desired, or strain to thin it out, plus more vinegar or water to thin as desired.
- You can serve this right away, or let it sit awhile to allow the flavors to more fully develop. Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Notes
- This recipe makes approximately 2½ cups of sauce unstrained.
- Adjust the heat level by using jalapenos for moderate heat or hotter peppers like serranos, habaneros, or ghost peppers for more intensity.
- Try bourbon alternatives such as tequila or rum to vary the flavor profile.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with broth or apple juice, and thin with water if necessary.
- The sauce can be simmered longer to deepen the flavor before using.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 123 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 123kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 390mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 301mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 1148IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 29mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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