Dive into a flavor explosion with my Cherry Bomb BBQ Sauce, where the natural sweetness of cherries meets a fiery kick, creating a sauce that’s both adventurous and irresistible.
This vibrant concoction blends the rich, deep notes of ripe cherries with smoky, savory undertones and just the right amount of spice, perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their barbecue.
Ideal for glazing ribs, marinating meats, or as a dipping sauce, this BBQ sauce will transform your culinary creations into unforgettable delights.
Get ready to ignite your taste buds and bring a bold twist to your favorite dishes with this extraordinary sauce.
How To Make Cherry Bomb BBQ Sauce?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cooking Times: 30 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yields: About 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step-1. Prepare the Cherries
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the pitted cherries and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
Step-2. Combine Ingredients
Stir in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and water.
Step-3. Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the cherries break down.
Step-4. Blend the Sauce
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly. Blend the mixture until smooth using a blender or food processor. Be careful, as the mixture will be hot.
5. Season and Store
Taste the sauce and add salt as needed. Let the sauce cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Facts Of Cherry Bomb BBQ Sauce
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Carbohydrate | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Bomb BBQ Sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, ribs, and pork chops. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for fries or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Tips and Variations
★ If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
★ For a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or honey.
★ Increase the smoked paprika for a more pronounced smoky flavor.
★ If you like a chunkier sauce, blend it less or mash the cherries with a fork.
Special Note
For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe cherries. They provide a natural sweetness that canned or frozen cherries can’t quite match.
FAQS
1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
2. How can I make the sauce spicier or milder?
To make the sauce spicier, increase the number of hot peppers or add a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce or omit the hot peppers and hot sauce.
3. Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Yes, this BBQ sauce makes an excellent marinade for meats. Just coat your meat with the sauce and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight for best results.
4. Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, this BBQ sauce is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, as it contains no animal products.
5. Can I make a sugar-free version of this sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the sugar with a sugar-free alternative, such as stevia or erythritol. Adjust the quantity to taste, as these substitutes can be sweeter than regular sugar.
6. How can I thicken or thin the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it for a longer period to allow more liquid to evaporate. To thin it, add a small amount of water, cherry juice, or apple cider vinegar until you reach the desired consistency.
Conclusion
Creating your own Cherry Bomb BBQ Sauce at home is a rewarding experience that enhances your dishes with fresh, vibrant flavors. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this sauce as much as I do.
Cherry Bomb BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the pitted cherries and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the cherries break down.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly. Blend the mixture until smooth using a blender or food processor. Be careful, as the mixture will be hot.
- Taste the sauce and add salt as needed. Let the sauce cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.