Tired of the same old barbecue sauce? Ready to elevate your grilling game with a flavor explosion? Then look no further! This homemade mango barbecue sauce recipe is bursting with sweet, tangy, and smoky goodness. It's incredibly easy to make, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks looking for a delicious and healthy addition to their repertoire of easy recipes. Whether you're grilling chicken, ribs, or vegetables, this sauce will transform your next meal into a truly memorable culinary experience. This recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, and it’s one of the best recipes for a homemade cooking project.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ripe mangoes, peeled and diced (about 2 large mangoes)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well incorporated.
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Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken.
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Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a longer period, or you can briefly blend a portion of the sauce with an immersion blender for a smoother consistency. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
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Taste and Adjust: Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and thickness, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne pepper for heat. Salt and pepper are your best friends here!
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Cool and Store: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavor will actually deepen over time!
Cooking Tips for the Best Mango Barbecue Sauce:
- Mango Ripeness: Use ripe, but not overripe, mangoes for the best flavor and texture. Overripe mangoes can make the sauce too runny.
- Simmering Time: Don't rush the simmering process. The longer it simmers, the richer and more complex the flavor will become.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. If you're not a fan of spice, omit it altogether.
Variations:
- Spicy Mango Barbecue Sauce: Add a jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely minced, for an extra kick.
- Ginger Mango Barbecue Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for an aromatic twist.
- Sweet and Smoky Mango Barbecue Sauce: Increase the smoked paprika to 2 tablespoons for an even smokier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 0-1 gram
This homemade mango barbecue sauce is a fantastic addition to your healthy meals. It's a delightful alternative to store-bought sauces, packed with fresh flavors and made with simple ingredients. It's the perfect complement to grilled chicken, pork, fish, or even vegetables. Enjoy!