Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Smoky-sweet Cherry Chipotle BBQ sauce for ribs, pork, or skewers. Easy blender recipe with cherry preserves, chipotle, and lime.
Smokey and sweet. Try this sauce to baste grilled pork skewers or smoked ribs.
Yield: 1 cup
- Blend equal parts chipotle in adobo, cherry preserves, and ketchup for a smoky-sweet glaze.
- Add cumin, thyme, and lime juice for brightness and depth.
- Use straight from the blender or simmer briefly to thicken and meld flavors.
Spices
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Preparation Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor, and puree.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much sauce does this recipe make?
The recipe yields about 1 to 1 1/4 cups (roughly 250 to 300 ml). That is enough to baste a rack of ribs or several skewers.
Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Yes. Cut the chipotle in adobo to half or remove the seeds before blending. You can also add a touch more cherry preserves or ketchup to tame heat.
Can I substitute canned chipotle in adobo?
If you do not have canned chipotle, use 2 to 3 teaspoons chipotle or smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne for heat. Another option is 1 to 2 minced canned chipotle peppers plus a tablespoon of the adobo sauce.
Should I cook the sauce or can I use it raw?
You can use it straight from the blender as a quick glaze. For thicker texture, deeper flavor, and longer fridge life, simmer the sauce 5 to 10 minutes, then cool before storing.
How long will the sauce keep in the fridge or freezer?
Refrigerated in a sealed container, it will keep about 1 to 2 weeks. Frozen in a freezer-safe container, it will keep up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry preserves?
Yes. Pit and chop about 1 cup fresh cherries, simmer with 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar until they break down, then cool and use in place of 1/3 cup preserves.
What foods pair best with this sauce?
It pairs well with pork skewers, smoked ribs, pulled pork, grilled chicken, burgers, and roasted vegetables. It also works as a dipping sauce for fries or nuggets.
How much sauce does this recipe make?
The recipe yields about 1 to 1 1/4 cups (roughly 250 to 300 ml). That is enough to baste a rack of ribs or several skewers.
Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Yes. Cut the chipotle in adobo to half or remove the seeds before blending. You can also add a touch more cherry preserves or ketchup to tame heat.
Can I substitute canned chipotle in adobo?
If you do not have canned chipotle, use 2 to 3 teaspoons chipotle or smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne for heat. Another option is 1 to 2 minced canned chipotle peppers plus a tablespoon of the adobo sauce.
Should I cook the sauce or can I use it raw?
You can use it straight from the blender as a quick glaze. For thicker texture, deeper flavor, and longer fridge life, simmer the sauce 5 to 10 minutes, then cool before storing.
How long will the sauce keep in the fridge or freezer?
Refrigerated in a sealed container, it will keep about 1 to 2 weeks. Frozen in a freezer-safe container, it will keep up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry preserves?
Yes. Pit and chop about 1 cup fresh cherries, simmer with 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar until they break down, then cool and use in place of 1/3 cup preserves.
What foods pair best with this sauce?
It pairs well with pork skewers, smoked ribs, pulled pork, grilled chicken, burgers, and roasted vegetables. It also works as a dipping sauce for fries or nuggets.
This is a winner, although as someone on a salt-restricted diet, I’m working on my own homemade salt-free ketchup and chili sauce. That being said, cherries and barbecue are a fabulous combination. May I also suggest plum preserves. I haven’t tried it with this recipe, but used to make one centuries ago when I did my own canning. Barbecue sauce is one of the most creative things I make in my kitchen.
This sounds wonderful! I want to make it!!