Fresh Blueberries are the essential ingredient in this sweet and tangy Blueberry Barbecue Sauce. Brush it over meat, veggies and even fruit on the grill.
Friends, let’s keep it real. Barbecue sauce is a very personal choice, so I know how hard it can be to even think of trying something new. And I admit to being a little lost on how to describe just how good this blueberry barbecue sauce is. So I will just say OMG (I know, totally obnoxious) it is so GOOD! Despite it’s name, balancing the sweet, earthy taste of blueberries with savory spices and honey makes a sauce that is not just for barbecue. Heck yeah, brush a thick layer on anything you are grilling or roasting in the oven. Then serve it as a dip for fries or spread it on sandwiches or eat it by the spoonful (my favorite).
Tips for making the best tangy and fresh Blueberry Barbecue Sauce:
- Use fresh blueberries – I have said it before but the best tasting results start with the highest quality ingredients. Choose organic if possible.
- When it comes to using spices, keep the shelf fresh by storing spices in a cool, dark place, away from direct heat or sunlight. In tightly closed containers whole spices will stay fresh for about 4 years, ground spices for about 2 to 3 years and dried herbs for 1 to 3 years.
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Did you know that blueberries are a super rich source of antioxidants? So I am going to go out on a limb here and say that blueberry barbecue sauce can be good for you!
So what the heck are Antioxidants and why do we need them?
Simply put, Antioxidants are molecules that fight damage by free radicals, which are unstable molecules in our bodies that can harm our cellular structures. Free radicals are constantly being formed during our metabolism and without us getting antioxidants, they would destroy our bodies very quickly. So it’s critical that we get enough antioxidants in our diet. And while antioxidants are found in a lot of what we eat, berries are an especially good source.
I made oven-roasted chicken breasts using this sauce. It caramelized into a deep purple coating on the meat and smelled so good Matthew and the boys were gathered around the island waiting for the chicken to be done. And that doesn’t happen very often!
If you love savory dipping sauces you might want to try my Garlic Dill Aioli recipe.
Essential Tools and Ingredients used to make this Fresh Blueberry Barbecue Sauce recipe:
Immersion blender, food processor or blender – I prefer to use an immersion blender to puree tender fruits and veggies right in the cooking pot. It is easy to use and you have one less thing to wash! A food processor or blender will work just fine if that is what you have.
TOOLS TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Immersion Blender – it’s so easy to use, just blend right in the cooking pot! This is the one I own.
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Fresh Blueberry Barbecue Sauce
Fresh Blueberries are the essential ingredient in this sweet and tangy Blueberry Barbecue Sauce. Brush it over meat, veggies and even fruit on the grill.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 small red onion diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic 1-1/2 teaspoons
- 2 cups fresh blueberries 1 pint, washed and picked over
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- pinch cayenne optional***
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Then add the blueberries, water, honey and vinegar. Bring sauce to a boil. While boiling, add chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, molasses and Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan.
- Continue to boil about 5 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from the heat and let the sauce cool 5 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender, stand blender or food processor to blend the sauce until smooth.
- Use immediately or store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Chef Tips
**1/4 cup apple cider or red wine vinegar + 2 teaspoons white sugar can be substituted for the 1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar for this recipe.
***We like our barbecue sauce pretty spicy, so I will add a pinch (or two) or cayenne to the sauce. If you like your sauce mild, then leave it out.
Nutrition Facts
© Copyright Christine Mello for Must Love Home. We would love for you to share a link to this recipe but please do not copy/paste the recipe instructions to websites or social media. We are happy for you to share a photo with a link back to this website instead.
© Copyright Christine Mello for Must Love Home. We would love for you to share a link to this recipe but please do not copy/paste the recipe instructions to websites or social media. We are happy for you to share a photo with a link back to this website instead.
If you made this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I would appreciate the chance to troubleshoot any issues you might have had before you leave the rating!
Hi Jackie, that’s a great question. I am not very experienced with canning so I am not sure of the answer. After doing some research, I found a website called Canning Homemade, which might be helpful. What I got from it is that this recipe should be okay to water bath can. Hope that helps!?
Can this recipe be water bath canned?Ja
Great post! Very different type of sauce that I would have never thought of trying. Really enjoyed it!