Blueberry BBQ Sauce Recipe
This blueberry BBQ sauce is about to be your new summer favorite. It’s sweet, smoky, and just tangy enough to make anything you throw on the grill taste amazing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be slathering it on everything.
Sauce It Up This Summer
You guys, this homemade blueberry BBQ sauce is seriously next-level. It’s got everything—sweet, savory, tangy, and just a little bit of spice. Fresh blueberries, smoky paprika, and a touch of molasses all come together in the most amazing way.
So go ahead and slather it on grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or ribs for that perfect sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the heat. Honestly, you’re going to want to keep a jar of this around for every BBQ—it’s that good!
Looking for more simple seasonal sauces? Be sure to try our mango corn salsa, maple bourbon glaze, homemade basil pesto butter, and our basic basil pesto recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredient Notes
- Blueberries: Fresh berries add sweetness and vibrant color. Frozen works too; just cook a bit longer.
- Ketchup: The tangy base that balances the sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity and a subtle tang; can substitute with white wine or rice vinegar.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens sweetness with a touch of caramel flavor.
- Honey: Natural sweetener that also thickens and adds a glossy finish.
- Molasses: Adds rich, smoky flavor and darkens the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances umami and ties the flavors together.
- Smoked Paprika: Mild smokiness without heat, complementing the sweetness.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth and robust flavor.
- Onion Powder: Subtle savory note that blends smoothly.
- Ground Ginger: Adds warmth and a slight kick.
*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
Seasonal Produce Spotlight: Blueberries
Summer in the Pacific Northwest is all about blueberries. Our region’s rich soil, mild temps, and steady rainfall produce some of the best blueberries around, peaking from mid-June through August.
Whether picked fresh from a local farm or bought at a farmer’s market, these juicy berries are packed with flavor, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
For more on their benefits and growing tips, visit Oregon Blueberry and Washington Blueberries. And if you’re up for a day of picking, check out the best U-Pick farms in Washington.
Step-By-Step Directions
1
Combine INgredients
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2
Cook the Sauce
Cook for 10-15 minutes until blueberries burst and sauce thickens.
3
Blend
Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender.
4
Cool and Store
Cool, then store the blueberry BBQ sauce in a jar with a lid. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh, In-Season Blueberries: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, locally grown blueberries when they’re in season. They’ll give your sauce a vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- Adjust Sweetness: If your blueberries are particularly sweet or tart, adjust the sugar and honey in the recipe to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Control the Thickness: Simmer the sauce longer for a thicker consistency, or add a splash of water if you prefer it thinner.
- Make It Spicy: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chipotle pepper to the sauce.
- Double Up: This sauce freezes well, so make a double batch and store half for later. It’s perfect for a quick flavor boost on busy nights.
Serving Suggestions
Blueberry BBQ sauce is super versatile and we’ve got some great suggestions for enjoying it all summer long!
Grilled Chicken: Brush the sauce on grilled chicken thighs or breasts for a sweet and smoky glaze. Check out our Blueberry BBQ Chicken recipe for more.
Pork Tenderloin: Brush the sauce on a seared and roasted pork tenderloin during the last few minutes of cooking.
Burgers: Use it as a gourmet twist on your classic burger—spread it on the bun or mix it with some mayo for a unique twist.
Ribs: Pair it with slow-cooked or grilled ribs for a unique, fruity BBQ flavor.
Salmon: Glaze grilled or baked salmon with the sauce for a sweet and smoky seafood dish.
Grilled Shrimp: Brush the sauce on shrimp skewers for a fruity twist on your favorite seafood.
Wings: Toss chicken wings in the sauce before or after grilling for a unique BBQ wing flavor.
Sandwiches: Add it to pulled pork or chicken sandwiches for a tangy, sweet kick.
FAQs
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Blueberry BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- immersion blender or regular blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger.
- Cook the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries burst and the sauce thickens. Cover with a splatter screen to prevent any splatter from the simmering sauce.
- Blend the Sauce: Use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan, or carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender. Blend until smooth.
- Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to a jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe Notes
Top Tips
- Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh, in-season blueberries give the best flavor and color.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the sugar or honey if needed.
- Baste Often: Baste grilled meats with the sauce for a rich, caramelized glaze.
Leftovers & Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
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