Pomegranate BBQ Sauce Recipe
This homemade pomegranate BBQ sauce recipe starts with 100% pomegranate juice and cooks into a rich, deep-red sauce for grilled foods. Pomegranate juice gives it a tart taste, while ketchup adds the familiar base of barbecue sauce.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Small whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- Clean glass jar or storage container
Ingredients
- 1½ cups 100% pomegranate juice
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons light brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon regular paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
Step 1
- Add the pomegranate juice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar to a medium saucepan. Give everything a good stir until the ketchup mixes into the liquid.
Step 2
- Add the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, paprika, and ground mustard. Whisk well to break up any lumps and mix the seasonings into the sauce.
Step 3
- Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on it and stir often, especially around the bottom of the pan, so the sugar and ketchup do not stick.
Step 4
- Turn the heat down and let the sauce cook for about 15–18 minutes. Stir every few minutes while the sauce cooks down. It should look thick enough to cling to a spoon when ready.
Step 5
- Take the pan off the heat and mix in the fresh lime juice. Let the sauce cool for a minute, then taste it. A little extra lime juice or brown sugar can be added if the sauce needs more tang or sweetness.
Step 6
- For a silky-smooth sauce, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer. Let the sauce cool before placing it in a clean container. It will thicken a little more as it reaches room temperature.