If you are craving a sauce that perfectly balances sweet and smoky flavors with a bright fruity twist, this Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Featuring luscious apricots combined with a medley of spices and tangy vinegar, this sauce brings a fresh and vibrant flair to traditional barbecue. Whether you’re slathering it on grilled meats, roasting vegetables, or jazzing up sandwiches, this sauce is a game changer you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because the ingredients are simple yet packed with purpose, each contributing a unique layer of flavor, color, or texture. These basics are likely already in your pantry or easily sourced, making this homemade apricot BBQ sauce as accessible as it is irresistible.
- Apricots (6 large or 8-10 smaller, chopped small): The star fruit providing natural sweetness and a subtle tangy base.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 7.2 ounces): Adds body and richness to the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (4 dashes): Brings depth and a savory umami kick.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Enhances the fruitiness with smooth natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds caramel notes and balance to the acidity.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lends bright, tangy contrast that keeps the sauce lively.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Provides subtle savory background flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Offers a mellow but essential aromatic depth.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses smoky warmth, a hallmark of great BBQ sauces.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring all flavors into harmony.
How to Make Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Simmer the Ingredients
Start by adding all the ingredients into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Give everything a good stir to blend those flavors right from the start. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Partially cover the pan with the lid slightly ajar; this allows the sauce to thicken while reducing too much evaporation. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes so nothing sticks or burns to the bottom.
Step 2: Soften and Mash the Apricots
After this initial simmer, your apricots should be wonderfully soft, melting into the sauce. Take a potato masher or any tool you prefer to mash down the apricot pieces if you prefer a smoother sauce without big fruit chunks. Taste the sauce at this stage and adjust the seasoning if needed—perhaps a bit more sugar if you want sweetness or extra vinegar for tang. Cover and continue simmering for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop even richer flavors and perfect consistency.
Step 3: Cool and Store Your Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, take it off the heat and let it cool down for at least 20 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully. Then transfer the sauce to airtight jars or containers. Stored in the fridge, this apricot BBQ sauce stays fresh for about a week, ready to liven up your meals.
How to Serve Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the presentation of your dishes by garnishing with fresh herbs such as chopped cilantro or parsley. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal. You can also add a few thin slices of fresh apricot on top for a hint of elegance that nods to the sauce’s fruit base.
Side Dishes
This sauce’s sweet and smoky notes pair exceptionally well with grilled chicken, pork ribs, or even roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Serve it alongside a crisp coleslaw or creamy potato salad to brighten your plate and balance the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by using the Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe as a glaze for baked tofu or to drizzle over flatbreads topped with cheese and caramelized onions. It also makes a fantastic dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders or spring rolls, adding a sunny burst of flavor with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover apricot BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will maintain its freshness for up to a week. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save your sauce for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it gently in the fridge overnight before using.
Reheating
Reheat your sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of water or apple cider vinegar can help revive its silky texture if it thickens too much after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use dried apricots instead of fresh for this Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe?
While fresh apricots give the best natural sweetness and texture, dried apricots can work in a pinch. You would need to soak them in warm water until soft and adjust the liquid content in the recipe accordingly.
Is this sauce spicy?
This Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe leans more toward sweet and smoky rather than hot. However, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to turn up the heat if you like some spice.
How long will this sauce keep in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this sauce will stay fresh for about one week. Its flavor continues to develop, so it’s best used within that time for the most vibrant taste.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Absolutely! This sauce’s balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors makes it fantastic as a marinade for chicken, pork, or even vegetables. Marinate for at least an hour before cooking to allow the flavors to infuse.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar if I don’t have any?
If you’re out of apple cider vinegar, a mild white vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute. Both will maintain the necessary acidity to brighten up the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe in your arsenal, get ready for countless meals filled with bright, smoky goodness that will impress family and friends alike. It’s simple to make, endlessly versatile, and bursting with flavor—what’s not to love? Give it a try and enjoy the delicious transformation it brings to your barbecue and beyond.
Print
Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 to 1¼ cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apricot BBQ Sauce is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors perfect for enhancing your grilled meats or as a unique dipping sauce. Made with fresh apricots, tomato sauce, and a mix of spices simmered to perfection, this homemade sauce offers a fresh twist on traditional BBQ sauce with natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Fruit Base
- 6 large apricots (or 8–10 smaller ones), chopped small
Sauce Base
- 1 (7.2 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Spices
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine and Simmer: Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir to combine thoroughly, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Mash Apricots and Adjust Flavor: After 20 minutes, the apricots should be very soft. Use a potato masher or similar tool to mash the apricots to your desired consistency if you prefer a smoother sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings by adding more sugar or vinegar as needed. Cover again with the lid slightly ajar and continue simmering for another 20 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Once the sauce thickens to your liking, remove it from heat and let it cool for at least 20 minutes. Transfer to airtight jars and refrigerate. The sauce will keep for about one week in the fridge.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after simmering instead of mashing.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess by varying the amount of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar according to your taste.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork, or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.
- Store in the refrigerator in airtight containers and consume within a week for best freshness.
