Peach BBQ Sauce
Peach BBQ sauce is a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, offering a fruity twist to the traditional barbecue sauce. Made with fresh or canned peaches, this sauce brings a delightful sweetness that balances the heat and tanginess, making it ideal for grilled meats, vegetables, and even as a dip for snacks.
The natural sweetness of ripe peaches, combined with spices and a hint of smokiness, gives this sauce its unique flavor profile. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or looking for a flavorful glaze for your chicken or ribs, peach BBQ sauce is a must-try condiment.
Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe peaches (peeled, pitted, and diced) or 2 cups canned peaches (drained)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup water (if needed for thinning)
How to Make Peach BBQ Sauce:
Prepare the Peaches
If you’re using fresh peaches, start by peeling and pitting them. You can easily peel peaches by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then transferring them to an ice bath. The skin will slip off easily. Once peeled, pit and dice the peaches into small chunks. If using canned peaches, simply drain and dice them.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
Add the Peaches
Add the diced peaches to the saucepan and cook them down until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If your peaches are very ripe, this process may take less time.
Combine the Remaining Ingredients
Once the peaches have softened, stir in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook and Thicken
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Blend the Sauce
Once the sauce has cooked and thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the sauce until it’s smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids—blend in batches if necessary. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend just a portion of the sauce or skip this step altogether.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, brown sugar, or vinegar to balance the sweetness, heat, or tanginess. If you want more spice, add a pinch more cayenne pepper.
Store and ServeOnce the sauce has reached your desired flavor and consistency, transfer it to a jar or airtight container. Let it cool completely before refrigerating. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. Use it as a glaze for grilled meats, ribs, chicken, or as a dipping sauce for fries or roasted vegetables.
Chef’s Note:
Peach Variety:
Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal for this recipe, but canned or frozen peaches work just as well if fresh ones aren’t available. Make sure to drain canned peaches and thaw frozen peaches before using them. If the peaches are very sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of added sugar to avoid an overly sweet sauce.
Consistency:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer without a lid to allow more liquid to evaporate. For a thinner sauce, add more water or increase the vinegar for a tangier flavor.
Spice Level:
Adjust the heat according to your preference. Cayenne pepper and chili powder give the sauce a subtle kick, but you can omit these if you prefer a milder flavor. For those who love heat, add some finely chopped fresh jalapeño or use a spicier chili powder.
Vegan Option:
If you’re looking for a vegan version of this sauce, simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based.
Serving Suggestions:
Peach BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pork chops, ribs, and even tofu. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries, a glaze for roasted vegetables, or a topping for burgers. For a fun twist, try mixing it into baked beans or using it as a pizza sauce.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, approximately 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin A: 4% of Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 6% of Daily Value
- Iron: 2% of Daily Value
Peach BBQ sauce is a deliciously sweet and smoky option for those looking to elevate their barbecue game. It’s naturally low in fat and packed with flavor, making it a healthier alternative to traditional BBQ sauces loaded with high fructose corn syrup and artificial preservatives. The peaches provide a good dose of vitamins A and C, while the spices contribute antioxidants. This versatile sauce is perfect for grilling, dipping, or glazing, and its balanced blend of sweet and tangy notes is sure to become a household favorite.