Blackberry Barbecue Sauce

Blackberry Barbecue Sauce is a bold and flavorful twist on classic barbecue sauces, combining the sweet, tart essence of blackberries with a smoky, tangy base.

This versatile sauce is perfect for glazing meats, slathering on sandwiches, or serving as a dipping sauce. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or looking for a unique sauce to elevate your meals, this recipe will bring a delightful burst of flavor to your table!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Blender or immersion blender
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight jar or container for storage

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Blackberries: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the blackberries and 1/4 cup of water. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and release their juices.
2. Blend: Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the cooked blackberries until smooth. If you prefer a seedless sauce, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Return the blackberry puree to the saucepan. Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cook the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, heat, or salt to your preference.
6. Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, approximately 2 tablespoons)

• Calories: 35
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

Expert Tips

• Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or brown sugar, depending on how tart your blackberries are.
• Heat: For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes.
• Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of water or vinegar while simmering.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, frozen blackberries work perfectly for this recipe. Thaw them before cooking for best results.

How long does this sauce last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last up to 2 weeks.

Can I freeze the sauce?
Absolutely! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

What can I use this sauce for?
This sauce is fantastic for grilling meats, as a topping for burgers, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables.

Can I use other berries instead of blackberries?
Yes, you can substitute blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries for a different flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving, if desired.

Substitutions & Variations

• Sweeteners: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness.
• Acidity: Use balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a richer flavor.
• Herbs: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme while simmering for an herbal note.

Blackberry Barbecue Sauce

Blackberry Barbecue Sauce is a bold and flavorful twist on classic barbecue sauces, combining the sweet, tart essence of blackberries with a smoky, tangy base.

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Equipment

• - Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• - Blender or immersion blender
• - Fine mesh strainer (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Airtight jar or container for storage

Ingredients

  

• - 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
• - 1/2 cup ketchup
• - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• - 1/4 cup brown sugar
• - 2 tablespoons honey
• - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
• - Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• **Cook the Blackberries:** In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the blackberries and 1/4 cup of water. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and release their juices.
• **Blend:** Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the cooked blackberries until smooth. If you prefer a seedless sauce, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
• **Simmer the Sauce:** Return the blackberry puree to the saucepan. Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
• **Cook the Sauce:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
• **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, heat, or salt to your preference.
• **Cool and Store:** Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.