Strawberry BBQ Sauce Recipe
If you're looking for a unique twist on traditional BBQ sauce, try this Strawberry BBQ Sauce recipe! Combining the sweetness of ripe strawberries with savory spices and a touch of tangy vinegar, it’s the perfect balance for grilling chicken, pork, or even vegetables. A delicious, fruity alternative for BBQ lovers!
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.
Notes
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.