Maple BBQ Sauce
Maple BBQ Sauce is a sweet and smoky condiment combining maple syrup, tomato paste, vinegar, and spices. This versatile sauce offers a balanced flavor with a hint of sweetness and tanginess. It’s perfect for glazing grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dipping sauce, enhancing any BBQ dish with rich flavor.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups tomato purée or one 14.5 oz can of tomato sauce
- 6 oz can of concentrated tomato paste
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Once it reaches a gentle simmer, reduce the heat and continue cooking for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar if desired. Let the sauce cool slightly before using, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
❖ Heat Adjustment: If you like your BBQ sauce on the spicy side, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring the heat.
❖ Maple Syrup Quality: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid imitation maple syrup, as it won’t provide the same rich, authentic taste.
❖ inegar Swap: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use regular white vinegar, but it will slightly change the flavor profile.