Black Garlic BBQ Sauce is a rich, sweet, and tangy condiment made with black garlic, tomatoes, and spices, offering deep umami flavour and smoky complexity.
I made this Black Garlic BBQ Sauce after watching a chef create it in a food documentary that instantly sparked my inspiration.
I’ve made it several times before, and my experience helps bring out its full flavour. Now, I’m here to walk you through each step and share how to make it yourself.
Black Garlic BBQ Sauce
Black Garlic BBQ Sauce is a gourmet twist on traditional barbecue sauces, featuring the deep umami flavour of fermented black garlic.
Its unique taste profile combines sweet, tangy, smoky, and slightly fruity notes from ingredients like molasses, blackberries, and apple cider vinegar.
The main speciality of this sauce lies in the complexity added by black garlic it brings a mellow, balsamic-like richness that sets it apart from regular BBQ sauces.
Perfect for glazing, dipping, or marinating, it adds depth and sophistication to grilled meats and vegetables.
How To Prepare Black Garlic BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American / Fusion
Yield: Approximately 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan or skillet
- Blender or food processor
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 8–10 cloves black garlic, peeled
- 8 oz fresh tomatoes (or canned)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves regular garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup blackberries
- (Optional) chili flakes or hot sauce, for heat
How To Make Black Garlic BBQ Sauce?
1. Start By Sauteing The Aromatics:
Warm some olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking them until they’re soft and fragrant this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Add The Black Garlic And Tomatoes:
Roughly chop the black garlic cloves and add them to the pan along with your fresh or canned tomatoes. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then until the tomatoes begin to break down.
3. Pour In The Liquids And Seasonings:
Add apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and if you’re using it, a bit of liquid smoke. Give it a good stir so all the flavours come together.
4. Let It Simmer:
Turn the heat down to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick or burn.
5. Add The Blackberries And Some Heat (If You Like):
Stir in the blackberries, and if you want a kick, sprinkle in some chili flakes or splash in hot sauce. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the berries soften and meld into the sauce.
6. Blend It Smooth:
Take the pan off the heat and carefully blend the sauce until it’s nice and smooth either with a regular blender or an immersion blender.
7. Season And Store:
Give it a taste and add salt, pepper, or more heat if needed. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a jar. Keep it in the fridge and enjoy within a week or two.
Note:
This sauce is rich, sweet, and tangy with concentrated flavour so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount when using it as a glaze or dip to avoid overpowering the dish. Adjust to taste as needed.
Nutrition Facts Of Black Garlic BBQ Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Tips And Variations
Tips
➢ Blend the ingredients until completely smooth to achieve a rich and creamy consistency.
➢ Simmer gently on low heat to prevent burning and to develop deeper flavors.
➢ Allow the sauce to rest in the fridge for at least 24 hours to let the flavors fully meld.
Variations
➣ Add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky warmth.
➣ Replace blackberries with blueberries for a milder fruity note.
➣ Mix in a splash of bourbon for a rich, slightly boozy flavor boost.
Ways To Use It Black Garlic BBQ Sauce
1. Coat grilled or roasted meats with Black Garlic BBQ Sauce for a rich, smoky flavor.
2. Spread the sauce on sandwiches or burgers to add a delicious, tangy kick.
3. Mix it into meatloaf or meatballs to enhance the taste with sweet and savory notes.
4. Drizzle over roasted vegetables to give them a flavorful boost.
5. Use as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken wings, fries, or veggie sticks.
Why We Love This Black Garlic BBQ Sauce?
We love this Black Garlic BBQ Sauce because it brings a bold, deep flavour that’s unlike anything from a store bought bottle.
The sweetness of molasses, the richness of black garlic, and the tang from vinegar create a balance that stands out.
It adds something special to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even sandwiches. The touch of blackberries gives it a fruity twist that keeps people coming back for more.
It’s a Black Garlic BBQ Sauce that turns simple meals into something unforgettable every time.
How To Make Black Garlic BBQ Sauce Tastier?
To boost the flavour of Black Garlic BBQ Sauce, introduce a bit more acidity using fresh lime juice or extra vinegar to brighten the taste.
Stir in a small amount of sweetener like maple syrup or molasses for added richness. Enhance smoky notes by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or oregano for subtle earthiness. Allow the sauce to simmer slowly, helping all the flavours blend together and become more intense and well-rounded.
Proper Storage
Store Black Garlic BBQ Sauce in an airtight container or glass jar to keep it fresh. Refrigeration helps preserve its rich flavours and prevents spoilage.
The Black Garlic BBQ Sauce can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Before using, give it a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients.
For longer storage, freezing in small portions works well, allowing you to thaw only what you need. Proper storage maintains the sauce’s deep taste and ensures it stays delicious every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is black garlic necessary for this sauce?
Black garlic adds a unique, sweet, and mellow flavour that’s hard to replicate with regular garlic.
Can I Adjust The Sweetness Of The Sauce?
Yes, you can add more molasses or blackberries to make it sweeter.
Is Liquid Smoke Essential?
Liquid smoke enhances the smoky flavour but can be omitted if preferred.
Can This Sauce Be Made Vegan?
Yes, simply substitute Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative.
Conclusion
Black Garlic BBQ Sauce was a smooth and tasty experience, and I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to follow but full of flavour.
I hope it inspires you to try it in your own kitchen. Go ahead, make it soon, and let me know how much you enjoyed it after tasting the rich, deep flavour for yourself.
Here Are Some Quick BBQ Sauce Recipes You Might Enjoy
Hog Wild BBQ Sauce | Sweet And Spicy
Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce | Spicy Flavours
Best Spicy Blueberry BBQ Sauce
Whole30 BBQ Sauce Recipe | Sugar-Free
Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe || Sweet And Smoky
Black Garlic BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Saucepan or skillet
- Blender or food processor
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 –10 cloves black garlic peeled
- 8 oz fresh tomatoes or canned
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp liquid smoke optional
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves regular garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup blackberries
- Optional chili flakes or hot sauce, for heat
Instructions
Start By Sauteing The Aromatics:
- Warm some olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking them until they’re soft and fragrant this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add The Black Garlic And Tomatoes:
- Roughly chop the black garlic cloves and add them to the pan along with your fresh or canned tomatoes. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then until the tomatoes begin to break down.
Pour In The Liquids And Seasonings:
- Add apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and if you’re using it, a bit of liquid smoke. Give it a good stir so all the flavours come together.
Let It Simmer:
- Turn the heat down to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick or burn.
Add The Blackberries And Some Heat (If You Like):
- Stir in the blackberries, and if you want a kick, sprinkle in some chili flakes or splash in hot sauce. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the berries soften and meld into the sauce.
Blend It Smooth:
- Take the pan off the heat and carefully blend the sauce until it’s nice and smooth either with a regular blender or an immersion blender.
Season And Store:
- Give it a taste and add salt, pepper, or more heat if needed. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a jar. Keep it in the fridge and enjoy within a week or two.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11 g | Sugars: 9 g | Fat: 1 g | Protein: 0.3 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sodium: 150 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!”