Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe is a rich, bold blend of Indian spices, tangy tamarind, smoky paprika, and sweet jaggery creating a deep, flavourful sauce.
The taste bursts with layers of heat, sweetness, and spice, making it absolutely delicious. I made this recipe after watching an Indian street food show that inspired me to recreate its magic.
I will now show up and explain step by step how to make this Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe.
Why You’ll Love Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe?
You will love Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe for its bold combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours that elevate any dish.
The rich texture blends beautifully into grilled meats, paneer, or vegetables, adding a deep and satisfying taste.
The Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe carries a balance of traditional Indian spices and smoky notes that enhance every bite.
Each spoonful delivers warmth and depth, turning simple food into something memorable, flavourful, and truly enjoyable to share at the table.
How To Prepare Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: Indian Fusion
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: About 3 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan or deep frying pan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (optional, for smooth texture)
- Fine strainer (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups tomato ketchup (or tomato puree + 1 Tbsp sugar)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 Tbsp jaggery (or brown sugar)
- 1 Tbsp mustard sauce (or Dijon mustard)
- 1 tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 medium onions, very finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic paste (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
- 1 tsp ginger paste (or 1 cm piece ginger, grated)
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or roasted cumin powder)
- Pinch of salt, to taste
- ¼ cup water (adjust for consistency)
- 70 ml rapeseed (canola) oil
- 30 fresh or frozen curry leaves
- 1 Tbsp tamarind concentrate (optional, for tangy flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
How To Make Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Step 1: Heat The Oil
Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and pour in the rapeseed oil. Once it’s hot, add the curry leaves. Let them crackle for a few seconds so they release their flavor into the oil.
Step 2: Saute The Onions
Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown. Stir often to prevent them from sticking or burning. This should take around 8–10 minutes.
Step 3: Add Ginger And Garlic
Stir in the ginger paste and garlic paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears and everything blends nicely.
Step 4: Mix In The Dry Spices
Add red chilli powder, garam masala, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously so the spices toast lightly and coat the onions evenly.
Step 5: Pour In The Sauces
Add the tomato ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard sauce, and vinegar. Stir well to combine all the flavours into a smooth mixture.
Step 6: Sweetness And Balance
Mix in the jaggery for sweetness and tamarind concentrate for a tangy kick (optional). Add about ¼ cup of water to thin it slightly. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and glossy.
Step 7: Blend And Finish
Turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool a bit. Blend it for a smooth consistency or strain it if you prefer. Taste and adjust the seasoning add more salt, jaggery, or tamarind to suit your taste.
Note
This Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavours. Adjust spices and sweetness to your taste.
Fresh ingredients and slow simmering enhance depth. Store in an airtight jar to preserve flavor and colour.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 3.5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 230 mg |
About This Sauce
The Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe is a flavourful fusion of traditional barbecue elements and vibrant Indian spices.
Its speciality lies in the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes enhanced by ingredients like curry leaves, garam masala, and tamarind.
Unlike regular BBQ sauces, this version offers a deeper aromatic complexity with the richness of caramelised onions and jaggery.
It complements grilled meats, paneer, and vegetables beautifully, bringing an authentic Indian twist to global barbecue favourites while retaining a delightful depth of flavor.
Ways To Use It
1. Brush onto grilled chicken, paneer, or shrimp for a smoky, spiced glaze.
2. Toss roasted or air fried vegetables to add bold, tangy flavor.
3. Serve as a dipping sauce for fried snacks like samosas, pakoras, or fries.
4. Mix into sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for an Indian inspired twist.
5. Use as a marinade for tofu, meat, or kebabs to infuse deep, aromatic flavours.
Expert Tips
● Caramelise onions slowly to bring out natural sweetness and deepen the sauce’s flavor.
● Toast spices lightly in oil to enhance their aroma before adding liquids.
● Use tamarind concentrate sparingly to balance tanginess without overpowering sweetness.
● Adjust consistency by simmering longer for thicker sauce or adding water for a lighter texture.
● Incorporate curry leaves at the start to infuse the oil and create a subtle, aromatic base.
How To Make Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe Tastier?
Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe gains extra flavor when onions are cooked until golden brown and spices are lightly toasted.
Adding fresh garlic, ginger, and curry leaves enhances richness. Jaggery and tamarind concentrate balance sweetness and tang for a deeper taste.
Simmering slowly allows all ingredients to blend fully, while smoked paprika or roasted cumin adds a smoky layer.
A small squeeze of lime or a pinch of extra seasoning at the end brightens the sauce and intensifies its flavor.
Proper Storage
Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe keeps well in a tightly sealed jar inside the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Clean utensils should be used to avoid introducing bacteria and maintain its quality.
Small portions can be frozen in airtight containers for longer storage and convenient use. Storing in a cool, dark place preserves flavor and colour.
Reheating slowly on low heat brings back its rich, smoky, and tangy taste, ready to enhance any dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Regular Sugar Instead Of Jaggery?
Yes, regular brown or white sugar can replace jaggery, but jaggery gives a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Can I Make It Vegan?
Yes, ensure Worcestershire sauce used is vegan or replace it with soy sauce.
Can I Adjust The Spice Level?
Yes, increase or reduce red chili powder to match your preference.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead Of Ketchup?
Yes, use tomato puree and add a little sugar to balance the tanginess.
Conclusion
I truly enjoyed making this easy and delicious Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe, and it turned out to be a wonderful success!
The rich flavours and perfect blend of spices made every bite special. I hope you feel inspired to try this simple recipe at home.
It’s quick to prepare and absolutely full of taste make it soon and let me know how delicious it turned out for you!
More BBQ Sauce Recipes You’ll Love
Authentic Gordon Ramsay BBQ Sauce Recipe
Grape Jelly BBQ Sauce Recipe | Quick & Delicious
Easy Famous Daves BBQ Sauce Recipe
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Filipino BBQ Sauce Recipe || Best Here
Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan or deep frying pan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (optional, for smooth texture)
- Fine strainer (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups tomato ketchup or tomato puree + 1 Tbsp sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp jaggery or brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp mustard sauce or Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp red chilli powder adjust to taste
- 2 medium onions very finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic paste or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger paste or 1 cm piece ginger, grated
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or roasted cumin powder
- Pinch of salt to taste
- ¼ cup water adjust for consistency
- 70 ml rapeseed canola oil
- 30 fresh or frozen curry leaves
- 1 Tbsp tamarind concentrate optional, for tangy flavor
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Heat The Oil
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and pour in the rapeseed oil. Once it’s hot, add the curry leaves. Let them crackle for a few seconds so they release their flavor into the oil.
Step 2: Saute The Onions
- Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown. Stir often to prevent them from sticking or burning. This should take around 8–10 minutes.
Step 3: Add Ginger And Garlic
- Stir in the ginger paste and garlic paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears and everything blends nicely.
Step 4: Mix In The Dry Spices
- Add red chilli powder, garam masala, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously so the spices toast lightly and coat the onions evenly.
Step 5: Pour In The Sauces
- Add the tomato ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard sauce, and vinegar. Stir well to combine all the flavours into a smooth mixture.
Step 6: Sweetness And Balance
- Mix in the jaggery for sweetness and tamarind concentrate for a tangy kick (optional). Add about ¼ cup of water to thin it slightly. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and glossy.
Step 7: Blend And Finish
- Turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool a bit. Blend it for a smooth consistency or strain it if you prefer. Taste and adjust the seasoning add more salt, jaggery, or tamarind to suit your taste.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70 kcal | Carbohydrates: 9 g | Fat: 3.5 g | Sugar: 6 g | Protein: 0.5 g | Sodium: 230 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!”