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A jar of fresh, rich bbq sauce homemade, ready for dipping and grilling.

Unforgettable Coffee-Kissed BBQ Sauce

This robust coffee-kissed BBQ sauce offers a unique depth of flavor, blending the sweetness of brown sugar with the tang of apple cider vinegar, all elevated by a hint of coffee. Perfect for grilling, dipping, or slathering on your favorite meats.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 40 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan

Ingredients
  

Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch cayenne pepper optional
  • 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
  • Pour in the strong brewed coffee or espresso and stir all ingredients until well combined.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat; once it bubbles, reduce the heat to low.
  • Simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently as it reduces to prevent sticking.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

This BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile; try it on ribs, chicken, pulled pork, or as a dipping sauce for fries. For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a drop of liquid smoke along with the other spices. It stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.