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Texas Bbq Sauce Recipe 1765898894.173649

texas bbq sauce recipe

  • Author: Elina Mirkle
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 2.5 cups 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Texas BBQ sauce recipe delivers a glossy, dark red hue and deep, smoky aroma, perfect for make-ahead meals. Featuring a perfect balance of smoky heat from chipotle powder and a deep, fruity tang from dried cherries, it elevates everything from grilled chicken to pulled pork.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3.5 oz (100 g) dried pitted tart cherries
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 14.5 oz (400 g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable broth, low sodium
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) dark brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsulphured molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves finely chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 6-8 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, dried cherries, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the apple cider vinegar, scraping the pan bottom to deglaze. Let simmer for 1 minute until slightly reduced.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dark brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, cumin, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and salt. Stir to combine.
  4. Slow Cook Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries are soft and flavors have melded.
  5. Blend and Reduce: Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and process until smooth. Return the blended sauce to the pan and simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce reaches a rich, thick, glossy consistency.
  6. Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavor deepens as it rests.

Notes

For the best flavor, make this sauce a day ahead; the flavors meld and deepen significantly overnight. Adjust the consistency by adding broth for a thinner sauce or simmering uncovered longer for a thicker glaze. To control heat, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Sauces
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 45 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 1.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: BBQ sauce, Texas BBQ, smoky, cherry, homemade, glaze, grilling, pulled pork, chicken, dipping sauce, make ahead

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Find it online: https://easydashrecipes.com/texas-bbq-sauce-recipe/