Elevate Your BBQ: The Ultimate Homemade Roasted Strawberry Barbecue Sauce Recipe
This Homemade Roasted Strawberry BBQ Sauce is an absolute game-changer for your summer cookouts. Bursting with a rich, smoky, and deliciously sweet-yet-tangy flavor, it’s sure to become your new favorite condiment!
Looking for the perfect dish to pair with this incredible sauce? You absolutely must try these BBQ Cauliflower Wings – they’re an ideal canvas for its vibrant taste!
Life has its little obsessions, doesn’t it? Mine, for a while, was diving deep into the world of “Orange is The New Black.” I remember posting about it on Instagram and getting a wave of enthusiastic support from fellow watchers, including some of my dear blogger friends (Joanne and Kayle, you know who you are!). When everyone’s buzzing about a show, you just have to see what the hype is all about, right?
It didn’t take long into the first episode for me to be completely hooked. My dedication ran so deep that I once found myself watching it just five minutes before Game of Thrones was set to begin, even sacrificing my usual prime viewing spot in the living room. That’s real obsession!
The only downside? I couldn’t exactly binge-watch it during the day because Mr. Jessiker Bakes was at work, and I had (reluctantly!) promised not to watch ahead without him. This meant my daytime hours were freed up for what I was “supposed” to be doing. And sometimes, inspiration strikes in the most unexpected ways when you’re focusing on the tasks at hand.
The Secret to an Irresistible Strawberry BBQ Sauce
But enough about my TV habits, let’s talk about something truly exciting: this Roasted Strawberry Barbecue Sauce. The inspiration for this came from a local hot wings restaurant that serves a unique strawberry barbecue sauce. I found myself craving that distinct flavor profile – the sauce, not necessarily the wings – and decided it was time to create my own version. And so, this incredible roasted strawberry BBQ sauce was born!
Why Roasting Strawberries Makes All the Difference
You might wonder why I chose to roast the strawberries instead of simply adding them fresh or puréed. The answer is simple: roasting transforms the strawberries, intensifying their natural sweetness and creating a much deeper, more complex flavor. This caramelization process also helps them blend more seamlessly into the sauce, contributing to a smoother, richer consistency that’s hard to achieve otherwise. It truly unlocks an unparalleled dimension of taste, making this BBQ sauce stand out from any other.
When I tell you this sauce is utterly delicious, I mean even Mr. Jessiker Bakes, my resident BBQ King, gave it an enthusiastic thumbs-up. It strikes all the right notes with its perfect blend of smokiness, layers of robust flavor, and just the right amount of spice. The roasted strawberries introduce a delightful, natural sweetness that beautifully balances the savory elements, creating a harmonious and addictive profile.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Flavor Revelation
Making your own barbecue sauce might seem like an extra step, but trust me, the reward is immense. This recipe comes together so quickly that you’ll genuinely wonder why you ever bothered buying mass-produced sauces from the store. Homemade BBQ sauce allows you to control the quality of ingredients, adjust the spice level to your preference, and avoid unnecessary additives. The freshness and vibrant flavors of a homemade sauce, especially one with unique elements like roasted strawberries, simply cannot be replicated by anything off the shelf.
This versatile sauce is ready to elevate pretty much anything you can imagine. Brush it generously on grilled chicken, ribs, or tempeh for a sweet and smoky glaze. Use it as a vibrant topping for burgers or sandwiches, or thin it out slightly for a phenomenal salad dressing. And yes, you can absolutely do like me and just eat it by the spoonful – it’s that good!
P.S. Here are some of the items I used to make this recipe if you’d like to use them too:
| WHAT YOU’LL NEED // SHOP MY FAVORITE INGREDIENTS & PREP PRODUCTS |
If you try this Roasted Strawberry Barbecue Sauce please let me know in the comment section below, or tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #jessicainthekitchen! For more exclusive recipes follow me on Instagram AND on Snapchat: jessinkitchen.
Roasted Strawberry Barbecue Sauce
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
Roasted Strawberries:
- 1 1/2 cups strawberries, cut in half, preferably fresh for best flavor
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (adds a subtle caramel note, can substitute brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or other neutral oil for roasting)
Magic Dust (BBQ Spice Rub):
- 1/2 cup paprika (smoked paprika can be used for extra depth)
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or granulated brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons mustard powder
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1/4 cup ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup granulated garlic (or garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons cayenne powder, or less to taste for desired heat level
Barbecue Sauce Base:
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup vegan Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s truly vegan if applicable)
- 1/4 cup firmly packed coconut sugar (for a balanced sweetness, can use brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons molasses (adds depth and traditional BBQ flavor)
- 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon magic dust (from the blend above)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Hot sauce, such as Tabasco, to taste (optional, for an extra kick)
Instructions
Roasted Strawberries
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil paper, then lightly grease it with your chosen oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a medium bowl, gently toss the halved strawberries with the coconut sugar until evenly coated. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before proceeding.
Magic Dust & Barbecue Sauce Assembly
- First, prepare your “Magic Dust.” In an airtight container, combine all of the ingredients listed under “Magic Dust” (paprika, kosher salt, coconut sugar, mustard powder, chili powder, ground cumin, ground black pepper, granulated garlic, and cayenne powder). Secure the lid and shake vigorously to ensure all spices are thoroughly combined. This creates a versatile spice rub you can use for various dishes.
- For the barbecue sauce, combine all the “Barbecue Sauce Base” ingredients (ketchup, cider vinegar, vegan Worcestershire sauce, firmly packed coconut sugar, molasses, prepared yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon of your homemade magic dust, and black pepper) in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Stir well to incorporate everything, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and deepened in color, indicating the flavors have melded beautifully. Remove from heat.
- Once the roasted strawberries have cooled, add them to the cooked barbecue sauce. Using an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a regular blender), blend the sauce until the strawberries are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. For a chunkier sauce, blend less. Pour the finished sauce into a clean, airtight container for storage.
Notes
The remaining “Magic Dust” can be stored in an airtight container in your pantry for several months. It’s a fantastic all-purpose seasoning for grilling, roasting vegetables, or adding a smoky kick to any dish. It can be used on tofu, tempeh, various meats, or even sprinkled on popcorn for a unique savory snack.
HOW TO STORE BBQ SAUCE
The homemade Roasted Strawberry BBQ Sauce should be stored in a sealed jar or airtight container in your refrigerator. It will keep well for 7-10 days, allowing you to enjoy its fresh, vibrant flavor throughout the week. For longer storage, you can also freeze portions of the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
TIPS FOR PERFECTION
Strawberry Freshness: While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture when roasted, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before tossing with sugar and roasting, as excess moisture can hinder caramelization.
Sweetness Adjustment: Taste your sauce after simmering and blending. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a touch more coconut sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup. For more tang, a splash of apple cider vinegar can be added.
Spice Level: The cayenne powder in the Magic Dust provides a good amount of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add to taste. Similarly, if you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more hot sauce to the BBQ base.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.