Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe is a rich, smoky, and spicy sauce made from jalapenos, ketchup, vinegar, and spices that bring deep flavor to grilled dishes.
I made this Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe because of my old experience creating homemade sauces and my passion for bold flavours.
I was inspired after watching how this recipe was made on a southern cooking show. I will now show step by step how to prepare it.
Why You’ll Love Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe?
You will love Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe because it delivers a bold mix of smoky sweetness and gentle heat that wakes up every bite.
The fresh jalapenos create a lively kick, while molasses and brown sugar bring rich depth. Each spoonful adds exciting flavor to grilled meats, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables.
It’s an easy way to make meals taste more vibrant and satisfying, leaving everyone craving more of its irresistible homemade barbecue goodness every single time.
How To Prepare Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American (Southern Style BBQ)
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: About 3 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender (optional, for a smoother texture)
Ingredients
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 fresh jalapeno peppers, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
How To Make Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Step 1: Warm The Oil:
Pour about a tablespoon of vegetable oil into a medium sized saucepan and warm it over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook The Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and jalapenos. Cook for around 4–5 minutes, stirring every so often, until the onions look translucent and the jalapenos soften.
Step 3: Mix In The Spices:
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds to let the spices release their fragrance.
Step 4: Add The Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and liquid smoke. Stir until everything is fully combined.
Step 5: Let It Simmer:
Turn the heat down low and let the sauce gently simmer without a lid for about 15–20 minutes. Stir now and then as it thickens and deepens in flavor.
Step 6: Blend And Store:
If you want a smooth sauce, blend it using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Once it cools down, pour it into a clean jar or an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Special Note:
This Jalapeno BBQ Sauce brings a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavours. Adjust heat by adding or removing jalapeno seeds. It’s ideal for grilling, dipping, or marinating guaranteed to elevate any BBQ dish!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 55 |
| Total Fat | 1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
About This Sauce
The Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe stands out for its bold, smoky-sweet flavor with a spicy kick from fresh jalapenos.
This sauce perfectly balances tangy apple cider vinegar, rich molasses, and warm spices, creating a depth that enhances any grilled dish.
Its speciality lies in the fusion of classic barbecue sweetness with the heat of jalapenos, giving it a lively, Southwestern twist.
Ideal for glazing ribs, brushing on chicken, or using as a dip, this homemade sauce adds irresistible zest to every bite.
Ways To Use It
1. Brush it over grilled chicken or ribs during the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy, flavourful glaze.
2. Spread it on burgers or sandwiches to add a bold, smoky kick.
3. Toss it through pulled pork or shredded chicken for a spicy, saucy filling.
4. Serve it as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or grilled vegetables.
5. Mix it into baked beans or meatloaf to elevate the dish with a sweet and fiery twist.
Hot Tips
➢ Roast the jalapenos before chopping to bring out a deeper, smoky flavor that enhances the sauce’s richness.
➢ Simmer the sauce slowly on low heat to allow the spices and sweetness to blend smoothly.
➢ Use fresh garlic and onion for a more vibrant and natural taste instead of powdered versions.
➢ Add a splash of liquid smoke near the end of cooking for an authentic barbecue aroma.
➢ Let the sauce rest overnight in the refrigerator to intensify its flavor and thickness.
How To Make More Delicious Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe?
To make more delicious Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe, use fresh jalapenos for bright heat and balance sweetness using brown sugar and molasses.
Cook onions and garlic until soft before adding spices to enhance depth. Allow the sauce to simmer slowly so flavours blend smoothly.
A small amount of liquid smoke adds rich character. Blending the sauce gives a smooth texture. Let it rest before serving so every taste becomes bold, smoky, and deeply satisfying on grilled dishes.
How Long Does Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe Last In The Fridge?
Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if stored in a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle.
The cool temperature helps preserve its bold, smoky flavor and rich texture. Before using again, stir the sauce well to restore consistency and taste.
Avoid leaving it uncovered or dipping used utensils into the container to prevent spoilage. Proper storage keeps every batch tasting as flavourful, spicy, and delicious as the day it was made.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Spicy Is Jalapeno BBQ Sauce?
The heat level depends on the number of jalapenos and whether you keep the seeds. Removing seeds gives a milder sauce.
Can I Use Canned Jalapenos Instead Of Fresh Ones?
Yes, canned or pickled jalapenos work, but they add a tangier flavor than fresh.
What Dishes Pair Best With This Sauce?
It complements grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, sandwiches, and roasted vegetables.
Can I Make It Less Sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar or molasses slightly for a more tangy and smoky flavor balance.
Conclusion
I truly enjoyed making this easy and delicious Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe it turned out perfectly smoky, tangy, and full of flavor!
I hope you feel inspired to try it too. It’s simple to prepare, rewarding to make, and guaranteed to impress your taste buds.
Once you whip it up in your kitchen, you’ll see how effortlessly delicious homemade BBQ sauce can be. Make it soon and share how amazing it tastes!
More BBQ Sauce Recipes You’ll Love
Filipino BBQ Sauce Recipe || Best Here
White BBQ Sauce Recipe [No Cooking]
Strawberry BBQ Sauce Recipe || Sweet & Tangy
Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender (optional, for a smoother texture)
Ingredients
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 fresh jalapeno peppers finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Warm The Oil:
- Pour about a tablespoon of vegetable oil into a medium sized saucepan and warm it over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook The Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and jalapenos. Cook for around 4–5 minutes, stirring every so often, until the onions look translucent and the jalapenos soften.
Step 3: Mix In The Spices:
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds to let the spices release their fragrance.
Step 4: Add The Liquid Ingredients:
- Pour in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and liquid smoke. Stir until everything is fully combined.
Step 5: Let It Simmer:
- Turn the heat down low and let the sauce gently simmer without a lid for about 15–20 minutes. Stir now and then as it thickens and deepens in flavor.
Step 6: Blend And Store:
- If you want a smooth sauce, blend it using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Once it cools down, pour it into a clean jar or an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 55 | Total Fat: 1 g | Saturated Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 220 mg | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Fiber: 0.5 g | Sugars: 10 g | Protein: 0.5 g“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!”