Fresh Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe
This delicious Peach BBQ sauce recipe will become your favorite. Sweet and smoky pairs very well with many dishes. With BBQ season upon us make sure you have a jar in your fridge. Keep reading to find out about the secret ingredient.
It is punchy, it is flavorful, it will elevate your grill game this summer. Oh yeah, this homemade Peach BBQ Sauce is also very easy to make. One pot, stove top or grill. Done in no time – this might even be better than your favorite store bought BBQ sauce!
Why You Will Love This Homemade Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Sweet meets the heat, what is not to love here
- Quick and easy to make
- Versatile, pairs very well with many proteins or veggies
- Simple, fresh ingredients, no preservatives
Ingredients, Variations and Substitutions
Fresh Peaches – ripe, juicy peaches bring a natural sweetness and fruity flavor to the sauce, complementing the smoky chipotle and tangy tomato. Choose ripe but firm peaches. You can use frozen peaches (thawed) or canned peaches (in juice, not syrup) as a substitute. Nectarines can be a great substitute. You can also try using mango for a slightly different flavor profile.
Water – used to thin out the sauce and achieve the desired consistency. Use filtered or bottled water for the best flavor. You can use vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor, or even peach juice for a boost of peachiness.
Tomato Paste – gives this sauce richness, depth, and a savory undertone. If possible use pure paste without added sugars or artificial flavors. You can substitute with an equal amount of tomato sauce, but you may need to simmer the sauce longer to achieve the desired thickness.
Apple Cider Vinegar – provides acidity and tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the peaches and other ingredients. I recommend raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for the best flavor and health benefits. White wine vinegar or white vinegar can be used as substitutes. You may need to adjust the quantity slightly based on personal preference.
Adobo Chipotle Pepper and sauce – offer smoky, spicy notes that elevate the flavor profile of the sauce. Start with one pepper and adjust according to your spice tolerance. You can use canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Olive Oil – helps to emulsify the ingredients, creating a smooth texture. If possible use extra-virgin olive oil for its robust flavor and health benefits. You can substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil.
Honey and Molasses – contribute sweetness and complexity to the sauce, balancing the acidity and heat. Choose high-quality honey and unsulphured molasses for the best flavor. Maple syrup and dark corn syrup can be used as substitutes.
Worcestershire Sauce – adds umami depth, savory richness, and a hint of tanginess to the sauce. Look for vegetarian or vegan Worcestershire sauce if you’re following a plant-based diet. Soy sauce or tamari can be used as substitutes, but you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.
Smoked Paprika, Mustard, Salt, and Pepper – these seasonings add layers of flavor, including smokiness, warmth, and a savory kick, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce. Use smoked paprika for its distinct smoky flavor, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Regular paprika can be used instead of smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard can replace yellow mustard if preferred. Taste and adjust accordingly.
Equipment you will need:
Saucepan, heavy bottom pan recommended
Cutting board, chef’s knife
Vegetable peeler
Spoon, spatula for mixing the sauce while cooking
Immersion blender or food processor
Measuring cups and spoons
Strainer, optional if you want an extra smooth sauce
Wood pellet smoker, optional to cook the sauce
Top tips:
Choose ripe and fragrant peaches for the best flavor. They should give slightly when gently squeezed and have a sweet aroma.
Adjust spice level – start with one chipotle pepper and gradually add more for extra heat. You can also adjust the amount of adobo sauce.
Simmer for flavor – let the sauce simmer gently over low heat to develop complex flavors. This allows the ingredients to meld together and intensifies the taste of the sauce.
Blend – for a silky smooth texture, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce. This step ensures a uniform texture and helps incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more honey or even brown sugar for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tanginess, chili powder for spiciness, salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Make it to your liking!
Get Creative – add a splash of bourbon for a boozy twist, incorporate diced onions or garlic for extra flavor, or experiment with different fruit combinations like mango or pineapple for unique variations.
Step by step:
- Start by gathering all the ingredients.
- Wash the peaches, remove the pits and chop the fruit into small pieces.
- Measure out the rest of the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Preheat your smoker to a low temperature, around 225-250°F (107-121°C). Use a mild wood such as apple, cherry, or hickory for a subtle smoky flavor that won’t overpower the sauce.
- Heat a skillet or saucepan directly on the smoker’s grate or on a stovetop if your smoker doesn’t have this option.
- Heat olive oil and chopped fresh peaches to the skillet and sauté until slightly softened and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the sautéed peaches to a smoker-safe pan or dish, then add all the remaining ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let the peach barbecue sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and the flavors have melded together.
- Once the peach barbecue sauce has finished simmering, remove it from the heat.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the peach barbecue sauce to a regular blender (in batches if necessary) and blend until smooth.
- Taste the peach barbecue sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the peach barbecue sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
- Store the Peach Barbecue Sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze it for longer storage.
Best ways to enjoy this Peach BBQ Sauce
Glazed Beef or Pork Ribs
On Grilled Chicken
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Vegetarian Burgers
BBQ Pizza
Grilled Corn on the Cob
BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Or even Grilled Peaches!
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Storage instructions, reheating
- Refrigeration:
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or jars.
- Seal the containers tightly to prevent air exposure and flavor degradation.
- Store the sealed containers of BBQ sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freezing:
- Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers. Top tip – use ice cube trays for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the sauce cubes to a freezer bag for convenient use.
- Label the containers with the date of preparation for easy reference.
- Use within 2-3 months for the best quality and taste.
- Reheating:
- To reheat refrigerated sauce, simply remove the desired amount from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature on the counter for about 15-30 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop. Transfer it to a saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Avoid reheating the sauce at high temperatures or for extended periods, as this can cause the sugars to caramelize and alter the flavor.
- If reheating frozen sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before following the same reheating instructions
- Reheating Tip: When reheating the sauce, you can adjust the consistency by adding a splash of water or apple cider vinegar if it has thickened during storage
Peach BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Sauce pan heavy bottom
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon, spatula for mixing
- immersion blender or food processor
- wood pellet smoker stove top
Ingredients
- 4-5 fresh peaches
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 adobo chipotle pepper and 1 tbsp of the sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1.5 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Start by gathering all the ingredients.
- Wash the peaches, remove the pits and chop them into small pieces.
- Measure out the rest of the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Preheat your smoker to a low temperature, around 225-250°F (107-121°C). Use a mild wood such as apple, cherry, or hickory for a subtle smoky flavor that won’t overpower the sauce.
- Heat a skillet or saucepan directly on the smoker’s grate or on a stovetop if your smoker doesn’t have this option.
- Add the olive oil and chopped peaches to the skillet and sauté until slightly softened and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the sautéed peaches to a smoker-safe pan or dish, then add all the remaining ingredients listed in the recipe.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and the flavors have melded together.
- Once the sauce has finished simmering, remove it from the heat.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a regular blender (in batches if necessary) and blend until smooth.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
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Conclusion
I hope you like the secret ingredient – Chipotle Peppers. They add punch, smokiness and overall make this fruit forward BBQ Sauce delicious.
FAQ
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute canned or frozen peaches if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to drain canned peaches and thaw frozen ones before using them in the sauce.
Is Peach BBQ sauce sweet or spicy?
Peach BBQ sauce typically has a balanced flavor profile with a hint of sweetness from the peaches and a subtle heat from the chipotle peppers. The sweetness is often brought by ingredients like brown sugar, which adds depth and richness to the sauce. However, you can adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to your preference by modifying the ingredients.
Can I make Peach BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Peach BBQ sauce ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat before serving. Read HERE more about storage and reheating.
What dishes can I use Peach BBQ sauce with?
Peach BBQ sauce pairs well with a variety of grilled meats such as grilled chicken, ribs, pork chops, and even seafood. It also adds a flavorful twist to sandwiches, burgers, and grilled vegetables or fruits like grilled peaches! Read HERE more about how to best enjoy this BBQ Sauce.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Additionally, you can incorporate other spicy ingredients like chili powder to increase the heat level. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to achieve your desired level of heat.
Is Peach BBQ sauce gluten-free?
The ingredients in Peach BBQ sauce are typically gluten-free, but it’s essential to check labels to ensure that all components are gluten-free, especially Worcestershire sauce, which may contain gluten. Look for gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or use a gluten-free alternative.
Can I use Peach BBQ sauce as a marinade?
Yes, Peach BBQ sauce can be used as a marinade for meats or vegetables. Simply coat the food with the sauce and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before grilling or cooking.
How can I make Peach BBQ sauce vegan or vegetarian?
To make Peach BBQ sauce vegan or vegetarian, ensure that all ingredients used are plant-based. Look for vegan Worcestershire sauce or omit it altogether, and use a sweetener like maple syrup instead of honey.
What can I add to BBQ sauce to make it taste better?
To enhance the flavor of barbecue sauces, consider adding ingredients such as brown sugar for sweetness, Worcestershire sauce for more flavor depth, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. You can also experiment with spices like paprika and chili powder, along with minced garlic/garlic powder and onion, to create a well-balanced and flavorful barbecue sauces.
I hope you love this Peach BBQ Sauce recipe!
