The sweet, tangy, and smoky profile of this Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce takes your BBQ game to a whole new level.
Combining the bright sweetness of ripe raspberries with the deep, smoky heat of chipotle peppers, this sauce is perfect for everything from grilled chicken and ribs to roasted vegetables and even burgers.
The natural fruitiness of the raspberries balances perfectly with the complex, earthy flavors of the chipotle, creating a versatile and unforgettable sauce.
The richness of tomato sauce, complemented by apple cider vinegar and a touch of liquid smoke, creates a barbecue sauce that’s perfect for grilling, marinating, or as a dipping sauce.
Ideal for chicken, pork, or even veggies, this sauce adds depth and complexity to your meals.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this irresistible sauce, from ingredients to cooking steps, and even the how to use. Let’s dive in!
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Course: Sauce/Dip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 50 per 2 tablespoon serving
- Yield: 2 cups
What You’ll Need This Recipe?
Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 2 pints of fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 15 oz. tomato sauce
How To Make Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. Stir in chipotle peppers, red pepper flakes, liquid smoke, brown sugar, white sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sugars to dissolve.
3. Add raspberries and tomato sauce to the pan. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the raspberries break down.
4. Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth. Alternatively, let it cool slightly and blend in a regular blender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or vinegar if necessary. Let the sauce cool before using. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
How To Use Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
This tangy, smoky, and sweet BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways to enhance your meals:
✔ Grilled Meats: Perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken wings, or grilled pork chops. Brush it on during the final minutes of grilling for a caramelized finish.
✔ Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Use this BBQ sauce as a marinade or glaze for grilled tofu, tempeh, or even portobello mushrooms.
✔ Burgers and Sandwiches: Add a spoonful of this sauce to your favorite burgers, whether beef, chicken, or veggie-based. It will add a delicious layer of flavor that everyone will love.
✔ Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for fries, grilled veggies, or appetizers like meatballs and chicken tenders.
✔ Pizza or Flatbread: Swap out traditional pizza sauce with Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce for a unique and flavorful twist on your favorite pies.
Fantastic Variations
1. Raspberry Mango Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Add 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen mango puree to the sauce while simmering. The sweetness of mango complements the tangy raspberries, creating a vibrant and tropical twist. This variation is perfect for chicken or seafood.
2. Raspberry Peach Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Substitute or mix in peaches with raspberries for a sweet and slightly tangy flavor profile. You can use fresh peaches in the summer or canned peach slices when fresh ones aren’t in season. This sauce pairs beautifully with pork or ribs.
3. Raspberry Bourbon Chipotle BBQ Sauce
For an adult twist, add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The rich caramel flavor of bourbon enhances the smoky chipotle and sweet raspberry notes. Great for beef or grilled steaks!
4. Raspberry Lime Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Add the zest and juice of one lime to the sauce for a zesty punch that brightens the flavor. The tartness of lime balances the sweetness of raspberries, giving the sauce a refreshing finish. This variation is fantastic on grilled fish or shrimp.
5. Smoky Raspberry Apple Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Incorporate 1/2 cup of applesauce into the mix to introduce a subtle apple sweetness. The apple adds a soft undertone that complements both the chipotle’s smokiness and the raspberries’ tartness. This sauce works well with turkey or grilled vegetables.
Hot Tips For Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
1. Use Fresh Raspberries: Fresh raspberries will give you the best flavor, but frozen raspberries can be used in a pinch. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them before cooking.
2. Balance Sweetness & Heat: Adjust the sugar and chipotle pepper levels based on your desired sweetness and spice level. Start with less chipotle and red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to heat.
3. Simmer Longer for Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker BBQ sauce, let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smooth, glossy sauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the mixture after cooking. This gives it a more refined texture.
5. Store Properly: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight jar or bottle in the fridge. It should keep for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it in small portions for later use.
FAQs About Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Let it cool, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate until ready to use. The flavors will continue to develop!
Can I substitute the chipotle peppers?
If you don’t have chipotle peppers, you can use regular smoked paprika or another type of chili pepper to bring in heat, but it won’t give you the same smoky flavor.
Can this sauce be used for marinating meat?
Absolutely! This BBQ sauce makes a fantastic marinade. Coat your meat in the sauce and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
What can I use this BBQ sauce on besides grilled meat?
It’s perfect for basting grilled chicken, pork ribs, or steak. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for fries, roasted vegetables, or even on burgers and sandwiches for extra flavor.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, the Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients (check for gluten in your chipotle peppers and tomato sauce).
Conclusion
This raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce is a delightful blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors that will elevate any dish.
Using it as a glaze for grilled chicken, a dip for fries, or drizzling it over pulled pork sandwiches, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and the result is a homemade sauce that beats store-bought versions by a long shot.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do, and don’t forget to get creative with it in your cooking. The balance of flavors is key, so play around with it until you find the perfect version that matches your taste. Happy cooking!
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Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 2 pints of fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup red onion chopped
- 15 oz. tomato sauce
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in chipotle peppers, red pepper flakes, liquid smoke, brown sugar, white sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sugars to dissolve.
- Add raspberries and tomato sauce to the pan. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the raspberries break down.
- Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth. Alternatively, let it cool slightly and blend in a regular blender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or vinegar if necessary. Let the sauce cool before using. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.