This Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce is a sweet and tangy treat! With juicy peaches and rich maple syrup, it adds perfect flavor to your grilled meats or veggies.
This sauce is like summer in a bottle! I love slathering it on ribs or chicken—seriously, it makes everything taste better. You have to give it a try at your next cookout!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are great, but canned ones work too. If they aren’t in season, you can also use frozen peaches. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before pureeing.
Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, honey or agave syrup can be alternatives, but they’ll change the taste a bit.
Ketchup: This adds sweetness and tang. If you want a healthier option, use low-sugar ketchup or make your own using tomato paste mixed with vinegar and a touch of honey.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives the sauce a nice tang. You can substitute it with white wine vinegar or lemon juice if you’re out. Just make sure to adjust to your taste.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have any, regular paprika or chili powder can be used instead, but it won’t be as rich.
How Do You Get the Perfect Consistency for Your Barbecue Sauce?
Achieving the right consistency is key for barbecue sauce. You want it thick enough to stick to meats but smooth enough to drizzle. Start by simmering the mixture as indicated. Here’s how:
- Keep it on medium to low heat; this prevents burning while allowing flavors to meld.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, making sure to scrape the sides of the pan to incorporate all the ingredients.
- If you find it’s too thick, feel free to add a splash of water or more vinegar to loosen it up.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, but watch out not to let it get too dry.
How to Make Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup fresh or canned peaches, pureed
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at around 30 minutes total! It’s quick and easy, and then it’s ready to enhance your grilled dishes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and placing it over medium heat. Pour in the pureed peaches, maple syrup, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. You want a nice, smooth base for your sauce.
2. Add the Flavor Boosters:
Next, add the Dijon mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. If you enjoy some heat, this is the perfect time to add red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors.
3. Simmer and Thicken:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. After that, lower the heat to low and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens up to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer.
4. Cool and Store:
Once your sauce is thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. You can use it right away, or if you’d like to save some for later, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week!
5. Enjoy Your Sauce:
Use your Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce to brush on grilled meats, as a marinade before cooking, or even as a tasty dipping sauce. It’s a versatile addition to your grilling adventures—enjoy!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! If you don’t have peaches on hand, you can substitute with other fruits like mangoes or apricots. Just make sure to puree them similarly, and you may need to adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more syrup or sugar, as different fruits have varying levels of sweetness.
How to Store Leftover Barbecue Sauce?
Store any leftover Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing it in ice cube trays and then transferring the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw just the amount you need later!
Can I Thicken the Sauce More?
Sure! If you’d like a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while it’s still cooking. It will thicken up quickly!
What Can I Use This Sauce With?
This sauce is incredibly versatile! You can use it to brush on grilled chicken, pork, or ribs. It also works great as a marinade or a dipping sauce for wings, veggies, or even fries. Get creative and enjoy!
