Watermelon BBQ Sauce
Watermelon BBQ Sauce is a sweet, smoky, and fruity barbecue sauce made with fresh watermelon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices. This bright summer sauce works beautifully as a glaze, dip, marinade, or finishing sauce for grilled dishes.
Equipment
- blender or food processor
- medium saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 cups diced seedless watermelon
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Blend the diced watermelon until smooth.
- Pour the watermelon puree into a medium saucepan.
- Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for 35 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir occasionally.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce cool before using or storing.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Simmer the sauce slowly so the watermelon reduces and the flavor becomes more concentrated. Brush the sauce onto grilled chicken, pork, ribs, shrimp, or vegetables during the final minutes of cooking. Use it as a dipping sauce for grilled vegetables, fries, skewers, or crispy appetizers. Store the cooled sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.Wine Advice
A chilled Rosé pairs beautifully with the fruity watermelon and smoky barbecue flavors. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc also works well with grilled dishes served alongside this sauce.Nutrition values
Calories: 45 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Protein: 1 g | Sodium: 160 mg | Sugar: 8 g