Sweet Texas BBQ Sauce
Sweet, smoky BBQ sauce for ribs, chicken, or fries. Easy to make, stores refrigerated up to 2 weeks. Swap jelly or adjust heat to taste.
This sauce is great to serve with beef ribs, grilled chicken quarters, or as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries.
Yield: Approximately 3 cups
- Make the sauce by gently heating all ingredients until butter melts, then simmer low for 15 minutes.
- Store in the fridge up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer. Reheat gently before using.
- Swap blueberry for grape jelly, sauté an onion for more savory flavor, or use vegan swaps for dairy-free sauce.
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Preparation Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a heavy-bottom sauce pan and heat on low until butter is melted. Whisk to incorporate.
Cover and cook 15 minutes over a low flame.
Let cool, transfer to a container with a tight fitting lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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More About This Recipe
You can also use grape jelly instead of blueberry. For a more savory flavor, finely dice one onion and saute it in the butter before adding the other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will this BBQ sauce keep?
Store the cooled sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers or ice cube trays for about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Can I can this sauce to make it shelf stable?
Home canning this recipe is not recommended. The mix of preserves, butter, and sugars changes acidity and can affect safety. Use refrigeration or freezing, or follow a tested, properly acidified canning recipe instead.
How can I make the sauce dairy-free or vegan?
Replace the butter with a neutral oil or vegan butter. Regular Worcestershire sauce often contains anchovies, so use a vegan Worcestershire or substitute tamari or soy sauce with a splash of extra vinegar and a little molasses.
Can I use a different jelly or jam instead of blueberry?
Yes. Grape jelly works well. Apricot, peach, or other fruit jams can be used too. If the jam is very sweet, taste and reduce added sugar or molasses slightly.
How do I make the sauce spicier or smokier?
Add cayenne, crushed red pepper, hot sauce, or chopped chipotle for heat. For more smoke, stir in a bit of liquid smoke, smoked paprika, or increase the Smoky Sweet Chile Hickory Rub.
Can I use this sauce as a grill glaze?
Yes. Brush it on in the last 5 to 10 minutes of grilling. Because it has sugars, apply near the end to avoid burning and reapply a few times for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
Simmer the sauce uncovered until it reduces to the thickness you want. You can also stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, or mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with cold water and whisk it in while heating until it thickens.
How long will this BBQ sauce keep?
Store the cooled sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers or ice cube trays for about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Can I can this sauce to make it shelf stable?
Home canning this recipe is not recommended. The mix of preserves, butter, and sugars changes acidity and can affect safety. Use refrigeration or freezing, or follow a tested, properly acidified canning recipe instead.
How can I make the sauce dairy-free or vegan?
Replace the butter with a neutral oil or vegan butter. Regular Worcestershire sauce often contains anchovies, so use a vegan Worcestershire or substitute tamari or soy sauce with a splash of extra vinegar and a little molasses.
Can I use a different jelly or jam instead of blueberry?
Yes. Grape jelly works well. Apricot, peach, or other fruit jams can be used too. If the jam is very sweet, taste and reduce added sugar or molasses slightly.
How do I make the sauce spicier or smokier?
Add cayenne, crushed red pepper, hot sauce, or chopped chipotle for heat. For more smoke, stir in a bit of liquid smoke, smoked paprika, or increase the Smoky Sweet Chile Hickory Rub.
Can I use this sauce as a grill glaze?
Yes. Brush it on in the last 5 to 10 minutes of grilling. Because it has sugars, apply near the end to avoid burning and reapply a few times for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
Simmer the sauce uncovered until it reduces to the thickness you want. You can also stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, or mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with cold water and whisk it in while heating until it thickens.
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