Black BBQ Sauce
Black BBQ sauce is a bold, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce with deep molasses, brown sugar, and vinegar flavors. Often darker due to ingredients like blackstrap molasses, tamarind, or coffee, it adds complexity to grilled meats. Popular in Southern U.S. cuisine, it complements ribs, brisket, and chicken with its rich, tangy, and slightly bitter undertones.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender
- Knife and chopping board
- Fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed black coffee
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon Tabasco or hot pepper sauce
Instructions
- Heat the neutral oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and saute until softened and lightly golden (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the brewed coffee, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice, and water or stock. Stir to combine. Mix in brown sugar, thyme, ground nutmeg, black pepper, salt, and Tabasco sauce. Add blackberries and stir gently.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth. For a silky texture, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed add more salt, lemon juice, or Tabasco to suit your preference.
Notes
For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the jalapenos and cayenne pepper. Substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative. Ensure the sauce is stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.