Experience a Sweet and Spicy Fusion with Blackberry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce!
Blackberry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce is a sweet and spicy blend of juicy blackberries, fiery jalapenos, and savory barbecue flavors. Perfect for grilling and dipping, it adds a tantalizing twist to any dish. But have you ever wondered how the sweetness of blackberries pairs with the heat of jalapenos? Try it and find out!
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To make this sauce, simply blend together the blackberries and jalapeno, then combine with the rest of the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until thick and dark in color. Once cooled, strain the sauce to remove any seeds or pulp, and transfer to a jar for refrigeration. Use it as a marinade, sauce, or dipping sauce for your next BBQ!
But where did this unique recipe come from? Blackberries have been a popular fruit for centuries, and were even featured in ancient Greek and Roman literature. In medieval Europe, blackberries were believed to have medicinal properties and were used to treat a variety of ailments. And in the American South, blackberries have long been a staple ingredient in jams and desserts.
Add a spicy kick to this sweet fruit, and you’ve got a flavor combination that’s uniquely American. The first documented use of jalapeno peppers in food dates back to the Aztecs in Mexico, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that jalapenos became a popular ingredient in American cuisine. Today, jalapenos can be found in everything from salsa to burgers.
Combining these two ingredients may seem like an unlikely pairing, but the sweetness of the blackberries perfectly balances the spiciness of the jalapeno pepper. And with the addition of traditional BBQ sauce ingredients like brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce, this sauce is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ.
So whether you’re a fan of traditional BBQ sauce or looking to expand your flavor horizons, give blackberry jalapeno BBQ sauce a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Blackberry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce
Handle Jalapenos with Care
When working with jalapenos, be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling them. The oils from the peppers can irritate your skin, eyes, or mouth. Be mindful of the jalapeno’s heat level and adjust accordingly by deseeding or using more/less peppers.
Customize to Your Taste
If you prefer a smoother sauce, strain it twice, or blend it again after straining it to get the right consistency. If it’s too sweet or too tangy, adjust by adding more honey or vinegar respectively until you reach the desired flavor.
Don’t Rush the Simmering
The sauce needs to be simmered slowly to thicken and intensify in flavor. Do not rush or increase the heat too much, or you risk burning the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Use Quality Blackberries
Use fresh, ripe blackberries, as they have the best flavor. If you’re in season, consider picking your berries locally, rather than buying them at the supermarket. Frozen berries may also work but are less flavorful and may alter the consistency of the sauce.
Store Properly
Store the sauce in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you’re making a big batch, you can also freeze it in a jar or airtight plastic bag for up to three months. Thaw and heat up when ready to use.
Experiment with Pairings
This sauce pairs well with chicken, pork, or beef, and it’s also great on vegetables or tofu. Use it as a marinade or brush it on while grilling. You can also try adding it to your next pizza, burger or sandwich for a unique twist!
How Many Calories are in Blackberry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce?
Nutrition Facts
4 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 260
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 66g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 59g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 1g
What Drinks Pair Best with Blackberry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce?
Wine pairing: A bold and fruity Zinfandel or Syrah would pair well with the Blackberry Jalapeno BBQ sauce. The sweetness of the blackberries and honey in the sauce are balanced by the spice and heat from the jalapeno, as well as the other savory elements in the recipe. The robust flavors and tannins in the wine will complement the richness of the sauce and enhance the flavor of the dish.
Beer pairing: A fruity IPA or a fruit beer, such as a raspberry or blackberry ale, would pair well with the blackberry jalapeno BBQ sauce. The fruit notes in the beer would complement the blackberry in the sauce, while also cutting through the heat from the jalapeno.
Cocktail pairing: Pair this Blackberry Jalapeno BBQ sauce with a spicy Margarita made with fresh jalapeno, lime juice, agave syrup, and your choice of tequila or mezcal. The heat from the jalapeno in the cocktail will complement the flavors in the sauce, while the sweetness from the blackberries and honey will balance out the spice in the drink.
How to Make Blackberry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse blackberries and jalapeno and remove stems.
- Roughly chop the jalapeno, including seeds and membranes for more heat, or deseed it for less heat.
- In a blender or food processor, puree the blackberries and jalapeno until smooth.
- In a medium saucepan, combine blackberry-jalapeno puree, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and darkened in color.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once cooled, strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer to remove any seeds or pulp.
- Transfer the sauce to a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Enjoy as a marinade, sauce, or dipping sauce for chicken, pork, beef, or vegetables.