Creating my strawberry BBQ sauce recipe felt like blending two worlds of flavor that didn’t seem to belong together but turned out to be the perfect match.
It all started one summer evening when I had a surplus of fresh strawberries from the local farmers’ market and was craving something sweet with a hint of smoky tang.
Experimenting in the kitchen, I tossed the ripe berries into a pot with a bit of vinegar, brown sugar, and a few secret spices.
The strawberry BBQ sauce recipe that emerged was everything I didn’t know I needed sweet, tangy, smoky, and a little spicy. It was an unexpected delight.
Since then, every bite has taken me back to that summer night, and I’m excited to share it, hoping it brings a touch of that same joy to your own grilling adventures.
How To Prepare Strawberry BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Course: Sauce, Condiment
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: American BBQ
- Calories (per serving, estimated): 70-90 kcal (depending on serving size)
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups (8 servings)
Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for smoother sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for smoky flavor)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in the quartered strawberries and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
3. Add the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and liquid smoke (if using). Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the sauce until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the saucepan.
6. Allow the sauce to cool completely. Transfer it to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Special Note
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice level of this strawberry BBQ sauce recipe based on your preferences. If you have extra strawberries that are just about to go bad, this is a perfect recipe to use them up and turn them into something amazing.
If you prefer a smooth BBQ sauce, blending the ingredients will give it a more polished texture, while leaving it chunky adds a rustic feel.
How Can You Serve This Recipe
You can serve this strawberry BBQ sauce recipe in a variety of ways! It’s perfect as a glaze for grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or pork, adding a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the char.
You can also use it as a dipping sauce for fries, grilled veggies, or even burgers for a unique twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling it over a grilled cheese sandwich or a roasted tofu dish to elevate your meal with a burst of fruity goodness. The possibilities are endless!
Tips And Variations
✔ Add a smoky twist: For a deeper smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of chipotle powder or a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
✔ Spicy version: If you love heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño pepper when cooking the sauce.
✔ Sugar alternatives: You can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
✔ Consistency: If you like your BBQ sauce thinner, feel free to add a little bit of water or extra vinegar to reach the consistency you prefer.
Health Benefits
This strawberry BBQ sauce recipe is not just delicious, it also has a few health benefits, thanks to the fresh ingredients:
1. Rich in Vitamin C: Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and promote healthy skin.
2. Antioxidants: The strawberries in this sauce are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and may reduce inflammation.
3. Low in fat: With minimal fat content, this BBQ sauce is a healthier alternative to many store-bought options that can be high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
4. Gut health: The apple cider vinegar used in the sauce has been linked to better digestion and may support gut health.
How To Make Strawberry BBQ Sauce Recipe Tastier?
To make your strawberry BBQ sauce recipe even tastier, you can try a few simple tweaks to enhance its flavor profile:
1. Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can add depth and complexity to the sauce. Just toss them in during the simmering stage and remove them before blending for a fragrant boost.
2. Balance Sweet and Tangy: If you prefer a more balanced taste, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more apple cider vinegar for an extra tang or increase the honey if you like it sweeter. A splash of lemon juice can also bring in a refreshing acidity.
3. Incorporate Spices: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy kick. This will elevate the BBQ experience, especially if you enjoy a bit of heat.
4. Infuse with Smoke: For an extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika, or you could even add a few drops of liquid smoke to mimic the traditional BBQ flavor.
5. Cook Longer: Letting the sauce simmer for a little longer can help deepen the flavors as the ingredients meld together. The longer it cooks, the richer and more intense the sauce becomes.
FAQs For Your Strawberry BBQ Sauce
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
How long will the strawberry BBQ sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the sauce should last up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in smaller portions.
What can I use this sauce on besides BBQ?
This strawberry BBQ sauce is versatile! It works wonderfully as a glaze for grilled chicken, pork, or burgers, or as a dipping sauce for fries, roasted veggies, or even cheese.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Absolutely! You can add extra heat by including more chili flakes, hot sauce, or even a chopped jalapeño for a kick.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Yes, you can customize the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste. If you prefer a tangier sauce, reduce the sugar slightly and add more vinegar.
Conclusion
This strawberry BBQ sauce recipe isn’t just a recipe—it’s a memory in a bottle. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best creations come from stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unexpected.
I hope this strawberry BBQ sauce recipe brings as much happiness and excitement to your meals as it has to mine.
Whether it’s elevating your barbecue or adding a sweet twist to your favorite dishes, it’s a taste of summer that I can’t wait for you to experience.
Enjoy every bite!
More Amazing BBQ Sauce Recipes
Cattleman’s BBQ Sauce Recipe – A Flavor Explosion
Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe – Tangy and Sweet
Homemade Chick-fil-A BBQ Sauce Recipe
Canned Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe – Easy & Best
BWW Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe – Top All
Strawberry BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for smoother sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke optional, for smoky flavor
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the quartered strawberries and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and liquid smoke (if using). Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the sauce until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the saucepan.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely. Transfer it to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.