Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe is a sweet and tangy condiment, often used as a glaze or dipping sauce for meats like chicken, ribs, or pork.
This Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe tastes incredibly delicious on grilled chicken, ribs, or as a dip. I made this Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe after watching a backyard grilling show where the chef used fruit based sauces.
Inspired by that moment, I decided to recreate it at home. I will now show up and walk step-by-step through how I made this Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe.
Why This Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe Is The Only One You’ll Need?
This Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe brings together a bold mix of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that stand out in every bite.
The rich texture blends smoothly over grilled meats or roasted vegetables. A balance of apricot jam, spices, and honey creates a depth that sets it apart from store bought sauces.
It delivers a fresh, homemade taste that enhances any dish. Once tasted, it becomes a go to favorite because of its simplicity, flavor, and the way it transforms everyday meals.
How To Prepare Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American BBQ / Southern
Yield: Makes about 3 cups of BBQ sauce
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight glass jar or container (for storing)
Ingredients
- 18 oz (510g) apricot jam or apricot preserves
- ½ cup (120ml) ketchup
- ¼ cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ Tbsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chilli powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Start with the oil:
Pour about a tablespoon of olive oil into a medium-sized saucepan and warm it up over medium heat.
2. Add the spices:
Once the oil is hot, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chilli powder, and a pinch of cayenne. Stir everything around for about 30 seconds just enough to wake up the spices and get them fragrant.
3. Mix in the rest:
Add the apricot jam, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir it all together until it looks nice and smooth.
4. Let it simmer:
Bring the sauce up to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down low. Let it simmer without a lid for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every so often. It should start to thicken up a bit.
5. Season to taste:
Give it a taste and add salt and black pepper if it needs a little more flavor.
6. Blend it (if you want):
If you like a smooth sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender right in the pot, or pour it into a regular blender and puree until silky.
7. Cool and store:
Once it’s done, let the sauce cool down completely. Then transfer it to a sealed container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe blends the natural sweetness of apricot jam with vinegar, bold spices, and a touch of honey for a rich, flavourful sauce. It brings a sweet heat balance that enhances grilled meats, burgers, or even roasted vegetables.
The main speciality of this Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe lies in the fruity apricot base, which gives it a unique, bright flavour not found in typical BBQ sauces. It stands out for its smooth texture and deep, layered taste.
Best Variations
➣ Fresh ginger and soy sauce create a warm, umami-rich version inspired by Asian flavors.
➣ Chipotle peppers or smoked jalapeños add a smoky heat for a bold, spicy kick.
➣ Bourbon or whiskey brings a rich, boozy note that enhances the taste of grilled dishes.
➣ Orange juice and zest brighten the sauce with a fresh citrus flavor that pairs nicely with apricot.
➣ Maple syrup replaces honey for a deeper, earthy sweetness that works great with pork and chicken.
Usage Suggestions
1. Brush the sauce onto chicken wings during the last minutes of grilling for a sticky, flavorful glaze.
2. Use as a dipping sauce for grilled shrimp or fried appetizers.
3. Spread it on burgers or sandwiches to add a sweet and tangy layer of flavor.
4. Toss roasted vegetables in the sauce for a deliciously caramelized finish.
5. Combine with pulled pork for a tasty, fruity barbecue sandwich.
Pro Tips And Tricks
➢ Choose apricot preserves with chunks for added texture and a more intense fruit flavor.
➢ Use apple cider vinegar for a balanced tang that complements the sweetness of the apricots.
➢ Brown sugar enhances the depth of flavor, so don’t skip it.
➢ Adding Worcestershire sauce brings a subtle umami boost to the sauce.
➢ For a smoother sauce, blend it briefly after cooking to combine all ingredients evenly.
How To Store Leftovers Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Leftover Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
Allow the Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe to cool completely before transferring it to a clean glass jar or plastic container.
Keep it refrigerated, where it will stay good for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freezing in small portions works well.
Thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight before use. Always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating or serving leftover sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Dishes Pair Well With Apricot BBQ Sauce?
It complements grilled chicken, pork, ribs, roasted vegetables, and sandwiches.
Is This Sauce Spicy?
The heat level can be adjusted by changing the amount of cayenne pepper and chilli powder.
Can I Use Fresh Apricots Instead Of Apricot Jam?
Fresh apricots can be used but will require cooking and blending to achieve the right consistency.
Can This Sauce Be Made Vegan?
Yes, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make it vegan friendly.
Conclusion
This Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe turned out to be a simple and tasty success that I really enjoyed making. The blend of sweet and bold flavors made it special, and the process was smooth from start to finish.
I’m sharing it with the hope that it inspires you to try it too. It doesn’t take much time, and the results are truly satisfying.
Make it soon in your kitchen and tell me how delicious it tastes after you try it.
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Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight glass jar or container (for storing)
Ingredients
- 18 oz 510g apricot jam or apricot preserves
- ½ cup 120ml ketchup
- ¼ cup 60ml apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup 60ml honey
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar light or dark
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ Tbsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chilli powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Start with the oil:
- Pour about a tablespoon of olive oil into a medium-sized saucepan and warm it up over medium heat.
Add the spices:
- Once the oil is hot, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chilli powder, and a pinch of cayenne. Stir everything around for about 30 seconds just enough to wake up the spices and get them fragrant.
Mix in the rest:
- Add the apricot jam, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir it all together until it looks nice and smooth.
Let it simmer:
- Bring the sauce up to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down low. Let it simmer without a lid for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every so often. It should start to thicken up a bit.
Season to taste:
- Give it a taste and add salt and black pepper if it needs a little more flavor.
Blend it (if you want):
- If you like a smooth sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender right in the pot, or pour it into a regular blender and puree until silky.
Cool and store:
- Once it’s done, let the sauce cool down completely. Then transfer it to a sealed container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to two weeks.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60 kcal | Carbohydrates: 14 g | Protein: 0 g | Fat: 0 g | Sodium: 300 mg“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”