Spicy Blueberry BBQ Sauce Recipe
A spicy blueberry BBQ sauce combines sweet blueberries with tangy vinegar, smoky paprika, and a kick of heat from chili flakes. Simmered together with garlic, onion, and brown sugar, the result is a rich, balanced sauce perfect for grilling. It pairs wonderfully with chicken, pork, or grilled vegetables.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Strainer (optional for smoother texture)
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne or hot chili sauce to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 two-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 small shallot about 3oz, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground or grated nutmeg about ½ a whole nutmeg
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the blueberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, cayenne, black pepper, salt, cinnamon stick, allspice, and nutmeg to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries break down and the sauce thickens.
- For a smoother sauce, remove the cinnamon stick and use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender. Blend until smooth, then return to the pan.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more cayenne for heat or honey for sweetness if desired. Let the sauce cool before using. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.