Citrus Molasses BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Zester
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup molasses
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Cook for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir occasionally.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Allow the sauce to cool before serving or storing.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Simmer the sauce gently to allow the citrus and molasses flavors to blend into a rich, smooth glaze. Brush the sauce onto chicken, pork, ribs, or vegetables during the final minutes of grilling or roasting. Use the cooled sauce as a dipping sauce, sandwich spread, or flavorful marinade. Store the sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.Wine Advice
A fruity Pinot Noir complements the sweet molasses and smoky notes beautifully. A chilled Riesling provides a refreshing contrast to the citrus flavors.Nutrition values
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About This Recipe
Citrus BBQ Sauce combines the rich sweetness of molasses with the fresh flavor of orange juice to create a smooth homemade barbecue sauce. Ketchup forms the classic base, while Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika add depth and balance. This versatile recipe works perfectly as a glaze, marinade, dipping sauce, or finishing sauce for grilled meats and vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Citrus BBQ Sauce
This orange barbecue sauce is easy to prepare with everyday ingredients and develops incredible flavor while it gently simmers. The orange juice concentrates naturally, giving the sauce a bright citrus character that blends beautifully with the rich molasses. Browse our Barbecue Recipes, Sauce Recipes, Marinade Recipes, Condiment Recipes, and American Recipes for more homemade favorites.
Simple Homemade Preparation
Making Citrus BBQ Sauce only takes one saucepan and a few simple steps. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and simmer gently until the sauce reaches the perfect consistency. Orange zest adds fresh aroma, while smoked paprika provides subtle smoky notes. The finished sauce spreads easily over grilled food and also works beautifully as a dipping sauce.
Serving Orange Barbecue Sauce
This orange barbecue sauce tastes wonderful with grilled chicken, pork, ribs, burgers, shrimp, roasted vegetables, and grilled corn. Brush it onto food during the final minutes of cooking to create a glossy glaze. It also pairs well with sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and barbecue platters. Serve it during a Barbecue, Outdoor Cooking, a Summerpartys, a Family Dinner, or a relaxing Weekend.
Storage Tips
Store Citrus BBQ Sauce in a clean airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before each use because natural separation may occur. Freeze smaller portions if you would like to keep some for future cookouts. For safe food storage recommendations, visit the FDA Food Safety website.
Citrus BBQ Sauce delivers bright citrus flavor, gentle smokiness, and rich sweetness, making it an excellent homemade addition to your barbecue recipes throughout the year.