Great North Maple Garlic BBQ sauce
Quick blended maple garlic BBQ sauce for ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. Mix, tweak heat, chill, and serve.
This sauce is delicious with BBQ ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken.
Yield: 1 cup
- Blend ketchup, Gateway to the North seasoning, and spices for a no-cook sauce ready in minutes.
- Add cayenne for heat and chipotle for heat plus smokiness. A splash of apple cider vinegar thins and brightens.
- Store in the fridge up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer. Brush on as a glaze near the end to avoid burning.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add cayenne for heat, chipotle for heat and smokiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gateway to the North Seasoning and can I substitute it?
Gateway to the North Seasoning is a blended seasoning used here for savory garlic and regional flavor. If you do not have it, use an all-purpose or BBQ rub or mix 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar to approximate the profile.
How do I get a maple flavor since the recipe name mentions maple?
The basic recipe relies on the seasoning for its character. To add clear maple notes, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to taste. Start with 1 tablespoon and increase if you want more sweetness and maple aroma.
How can I change the sauce thickness?
For a thinner sauce, add 1 teaspoon at a time of apple cider vinegar or water and blend until you reach the desired pourability. To thicken it, simmer the blended sauce over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often until it reduces.
Can I use this sauce as a glaze without burning it?
Yes. Because it contains sugar from ketchup and optional maple, brush the sauce on meats during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking over indirect heat. Apply several thin layers rather than one heavy coat to avoid charring.
How long does the sauce keep and can I freeze it?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the sauce will keep for about 1 to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and stir or reblend before using.
How do I control the heat level?
Start with a small amount of cayenne, such as 1/4 teaspoon, and add more if you want more kick. For smoky heat, add 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder and increase gradually. Mix and taste between additions.
Can I make the sauce ahead and reheat it?
Yes. The sauce develops flavor if made a few hours or a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. If reheating, stir often to keep it smooth and avoid scorching.
What is Gateway to the North Seasoning and can I substitute it?
Gateway to the North Seasoning is a blended seasoning used here for savory garlic and regional flavor. If you do not have it, use an all-purpose or BBQ rub or mix 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar to approximate the profile.
How do I get a maple flavor since the recipe name mentions maple?
The basic recipe relies on the seasoning for its character. To add clear maple notes, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to taste. Start with 1 tablespoon and increase if you want more sweetness and maple aroma.
How can I change the sauce thickness?
For a thinner sauce, add 1 teaspoon at a time of apple cider vinegar or water and blend until you reach the desired pourability. To thicken it, simmer the blended sauce over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often until it reduces.
Can I use this sauce as a glaze without burning it?
Yes. Because it contains sugar from ketchup and optional maple, brush the sauce on meats during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking over indirect heat. Apply several thin layers rather than one heavy coat to avoid charring.
How long does the sauce keep and can I freeze it?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the sauce will keep for about 1 to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and stir or reblend before using.
How do I control the heat level?
Start with a small amount of cayenne, such as 1/4 teaspoon, and add more if you want more kick. For smoky heat, add 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder and increase gradually. Mix and taste between additions.
Can I make the sauce ahead and reheat it?
Yes. The sauce develops flavor if made a few hours or a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. If reheating, stir often to keep it smooth and avoid scorching.
I use this on my pulled pork after it’s been in the Traeger. We just double everything AND use 2 tblsp. cayenne and 2 tblsp. Chipotle. The heat and smokiness nicely offsets the sweetness. We LOVE Gateway to the North and use it all the time. Thank you…!