Tasty Maple Strawberry BBQ Sauce Recipe – Sweet, Smokey and Awesome

Maple Strawberry BBQ Sauce Recipe by Cousin Mike

This tasty maple strawberry BBQ sauce recipe is easy to make and sure to please. Great on chicken or your favorite protein. Like it a little more smokey? Add a deesh of liquid smoke to kick up the smoke flavor!

Quick answer: This maple strawberry BBQ sauce comes together in about 25 minutes in one saucepan. Simmer all the ingredients until thickened, then brush it onto chicken, pork, or ribs during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling. Makes about 2 cups.

Grilled meat glazed with homemade maple strawberry BBQ sauce beside a small dish of the sauce

Maple Strawberry BBQ Sauce

A sweet, smoky homemade BBQ sauce with maple syrup and strawberry preserves — ready in about 25 minutes and perfect on chicken, pork, or ribs.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Sauce

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Dash of Liquid Smoke optional

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients and whisk until smooth.
  2. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
  5. Use immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  6. Brush onto chicken, pork, or ribs during the final 10-15 minutes of grilling, until caramelized.

Maple Strawberry BBQ Sauce on Chicken

Enjoy your delicious DIY BBQ sauce with a unique twist of maple syrup and strawberry flavor!

Maple strawberry bbq sauce on chicken

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade BBQ sauce last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this sauce keeps for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I make it less sweet?

Yes. Cut the maple syrup or strawberry preserves back by a couple of tablespoons, or add a splash more apple cider vinegar to balance it out.

What can I put this BBQ sauce on?

It’s great brushed on grilled or smoked chicken, pork, ribs, and burgers, and it also works as a dipping sauce or a glaze for meatballs.

Do I have to use the liquid smoke?

No, it’s optional. The smoked paprika already adds smoky flavor — the liquid smoke just deepens it if you want a stronger BBQ taste.

Why make your own BBQ sauce?

Making your own BBQ sauce can have a number of benefits over buying pre-made sauces from the store. Here are some reasons why I like to make my own BBQ sauce:

  1. Customization: When you make your own BBQ sauce, you have complete control over the flavor profile. You can adjust the sweetness, spiciness, acidity, and any other flavor elements to your liking. This means you can make a sauce that perfectly complements the flavors of the meat you’re cooking, and that matches your personal taste preferences.
  2. Healthier ingredients: Many store-bought BBQ sauces contain high amounts of sugar, preservatives, and other additives. When you make your own sauce, you can use healthier ingredients, such as natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and avoid any additives or preservatives that you may not want in your food.
  3. Fresher flavor: Homemade BBQ sauce is typically made with fresh ingredients, which can result in a fresher, more vibrant flavor than store-bought sauces that may have been sitting on the shelf for months.
  4. Cost-effective: Making your own BBQ sauce can be a cost-effective option, as you can buy ingredients in bulk and make larger batches of sauce at once.
  5. Sense of accomplishment: Finally, making your own BBQ sauce can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to exercise your creativity in the kitchen, and can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment when you serve a delicious homemade sauce to your family and friends.

Thanks for checking out my DIY bbq sauce recipe – Cousin Mike