Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe
Indian BBQ Sauce Recipe is a flavorful blend of tomatoes, jaggery, tamarind, and Indian spices creating a smoky, sweet, and tangy sauce. Fresh garlic, ginger, onions, and curry leaves enhance its depth. Simmered slowly, it develops rich layers of flavor. This versatile sauce pairs perfectly with grilled meats, paneer, vegetables, or as a dipping condiment.
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
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.