Best Apple Bourbon Barbecue Sauce Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

APPLE BOURBON BARBECUE SAUCE



Apple Bourbon Barbecue Sauce image

Categories     Sauce     Bourbon     Apple     Simmer

Yield Makes 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup diced sweet onion
3/4 cup coarsely grated peeled apple (preferably a firm, sweet-fleshed variety such as Rome beauty)
3 tablespoons bourbon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1/2 cup cola
1/2 cup brown sugar
6 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon molasses
1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke

Steps:

  • In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion to the skillet and sauté for 4 minutes. Add the grated apple, bourbon, salt, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and cumin and sauté for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  • In a large nonreactive saucepan, add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the apple mixture and stir well. Simmer for 2 additional minutes and remove from the heat. After cooling, transfer to a tightly covered jar or plastic container and store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
  • Cooking Method
  • Stove

COUNTRY-STYLE RIBS WITH APPLE-BOURBON BARBECUE SAUCE



COUNTRY-STYLE RIBS WITH APPLE-BOURBON BARBECUE SAUCE image

Categories     Pork

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 3

1/2 cup hickory, apple or maple wood chips 2 tablespoons light brown sugar 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon sweet paprika 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder 3/4 teaspoon onion powder 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Pinch of cinnamon Pinch of ground ginger 4 pounds meaty country-style pork ribs (about 6 ribs total)
Apple Bourbon BBQ Sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and coarsely shredded 3 tablespoons bourbon 2 cups store-bought smoky Kansas City-style barbecue sauce

Steps:

  • APPLE BOURBON BBQ SAUCE 1.In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the apple and cook until the moisture has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add the bourbon and cook until nearly evaporated, about 3 minutes. Stir in the sauce and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Use or refrigerate for up to 1 month. 1.Light a gas grill. Wrap the wood chips in heavy-duty foil, pierce the packet all over with a skewer and add to the grill. Cover and let the chips begin to smoke, about 5 minutes. 2.Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon and ginger. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs and let stand for 5 minutes. 3.Grill the ribs, covered, over moderately high heat for 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are lightly charred and cooked through. Brush the ribs liberally with some of the barbecue sauce and grill, turning once, until nicely glazed, about 5 minutes. Transfer the ribs to a platter and serve, passing more of the barbecue sauce on the side

RUBBED AND GRILLED PORK LOIN WITH APPLE BOURBON BARBECUE SAUCE



Rubbed and Grilled Pork Loin with Apple Bourbon Barbecue Sauce image

Above the shoulder of a pig from the neck to the hams lie the pork loins. Pigs are equipped with two meaty loins located on the top sides of the spine. Buying whole loins will not break your wallet or your waistline. A three-ounce serving contains about one hundred fifty calories with six grams of fat. These loins can be smoked whole, divided into smaller roasts (typically two to five pounds), or cut into pork chops. This cut should not be confused with the pork tenderloin, which is much smaller (three quarters of a pound to one and a half pounds) and is located in the loin area but underneath the rib cage of the pig. This recipe combines the charring effect of direct grilling and the slow heat of the indirect cooking process to create a tender roast that retains its moisture. I created this recipe for the National Pork Board a few years back. The Apple Bourbon Barbecue Sauce is a sweet complement to the spicy dry rub and smoked flavors. The dish is a nice change from pork chops, which is the traditional use for this cut of meat.

Yield serves 10 to 16

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 boneless pork top loin roast, 4 to 5 pounds
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons onion salt
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
Apple Bourbon Barbecue Sauce (page 227)

Steps:

  • Prepare your grill for direct and indirect heat by building a fire (wood or a combination of charcoal and wood) on one side of the grill, leaving the other side void.
  • Place the pork loin on a cutting board or platter and brush all over with the oil. In a small bowl, stir together the dry rub seasonings. Apply the dry rub to the meat in an even coating, patting so the rub adheres.
  • When the cooker reaches 400°F, place the pork loin directly over the medium-hot coals. Cook for 10 minutes on each side to brown. Move the pork away from the heat, cover the grill, and cook for 70 to 90 minutes or until the pork's internal temperature reaches 150°F. Baste with the apple bourbon sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Let the pork loin rest on a cutting board under tented foil for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • The internal temperature of most meats, including pork, will spike by at least five degrees after you remove it from the grill. Let it sit or "rest" undisturbed on your counter for 10 to 15 minutes. This rest allows the temperature to equalize and gives the meat fibers time to reabsorb the internal juices. If you can resist digging in, you'll appreciate and enjoy the extra moisture.
  • Direct and Indirect heat
  • Hickory and Apple

Barbecue sauces have come a long way in their evolution, and apple bourbon barbecue sauce has become a crowd-pleaser both in restaurants and at home. This sweet and tangy sauce adds flavor to grilled or baked meats, especially pork ribs and chicken.

What is Apple Bourbon Barbecue Sauce?

Apple bourbon barbecue sauce is an American condiment used as a marinade or a dip for meats, vegetables, and sandwiches. It is made by blending apple juice, bourbon whiskey, ketchup, and spices.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup apple juice
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
Procedure
  1. In a saucepan, mix together all the ingredients.
  2. Place the pan on medium heat.
  3. Whisk the mixture to dissolve the honey and to prevent the spices from clumping together.
  4. Bring the sauce to a simmer while whisking constantly.
  5. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes or until it thickens.
  6. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  7. The apple bourbon barbecue sauce is now ready to serve or store.

Benefits of Apple Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

1. Enhances Flavor
Apple bourbon barbecue sauce has a unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors, which complements different types of meats. It adds depth to the taste of grilled or baked meat, making it more enjoyable.
2. Versatility
Apart from adding flavor to meats, apple bourbon barbecue sauce is also versatile enough to be used as a dip for snacks, such as grilled vegetables, potato chips, and sandwiches.
3. Helps in Tenderizing Meat
Apple juice, which is a key ingredient of apple bourbon barbecue sauce, contains an enzyme called bromelain that breaks down proteins. This process helps in tenderizing the meat, making it more succulent and easier to chew.
4. Contains Antioxidants
Apples are rich in antioxidants, which are essential for fighting free radicals that can cause oxidative stress in the body. Therefore, consuming apple bourbon barbecue sauce is not only delicious but also beneficial to the body.

Conclusion

Apple bourbon barbecue sauce is a delicious condiment that is easy to make and versatile enough to be used on different types of meats and snacks. It enhances the flavor of grilled or baked meats, tenderizes the meat, and contains antioxidants that are beneficial to the body. Therefore, it is an excellent addition to any meal.

Valuable Tips for Making Apple Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce, as we know it, is a crucial condiment for many grilled or barbecued dishes. There are many varieties of barbecue sauce, such as sweet, tangy, or smoky, but apple bourbon barbecue sauce has a unique flavor that sets it apart from other barbecue sauces. The combination of sweet and tangy apple flavors with the rich, smoky flavor of bourbon is a match made in heaven. If you are planning to make apple bourbon barbecue sauce, these valuable tips will help you create a delicious and flavorful sauce that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
The key to making excellent apple bourbon barbecue sauce is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. If you use canned or stale ingredients, the sauce's flavor will not be as robust as fresh ingredients. Start with fresh apples, onions, garlic, and tomato paste to give your sauce a natural sweetness and tang.
2. Choose the Right Bourbon
Bourbon is a vital ingredient in making apple bourbon barbecue sauce. It is essential to select the right bourbon to complement the apple and other ingredients' flavors. A decent bourbon has a unique flavor profile, which ranges from sweet to smoky. It is essential to choose a bourbon with a strong flavor to stand up to the other flavors in the barbecue sauce. Brands like Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, and Jack Daniels are popular choices.
3. Add Spice Carefully
Spices play a vital role in any barbecue sauce recipe, and apple bourbon barbecue sauce is no exception. However, it is crucial to add spices carefully and in the right amount. Apple bourbon barbecue sauce requires a balance of sweetness, tang, and heat. Too much spice can overpower the sweetness and detract from the sauce's overall flavor. Use spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to give your sauce a smoky flavor.
4. Simmer Slowly
One of the most crucial steps in making apple bourbon barbecue sauce is to simmer it slowly. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and develop slowly, resulting in a rich and delicious sauce. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in oil until they are soft and golden brown. Add the apples and other remaining ingredients like tomato paste, bourbon, and spices, and let the sauce simmer slowly for at least an hour.
5. Use a Blender
Using a blender to puree the sauce is an excellent way to get a smooth and silky texture. Once the sauce has simmered for an hour or so, let it cool slightly and then transfer it to a blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth and free from chunks. You can also use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pot.
6. Adjust Seasoning
After blending the sauce, taste it to ensure that it has the right balance of sweetness, tang, and heat. You can adjust the seasoning by adding more bourbon for a smokier flavor, or honey for a sweeter taste. You may also add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick.
7. Store Properly
Apple bourbon barbecue sauce can last for several weeks in the fridge if stored properly. Ensure that you store the sauce in a clean and airtight container to prevent contamination. You can also freeze the sauce in smaller batches and thaw it when needed. In conclusion, making apple bourbon barbecue sauce is a straightforward process that anyone can do. However, by following these valuable tips, you can take your sauce to the next level and create a mouth-watering and flavorful sauce that your family and friends will love. Remember to use fresh ingredients, simmer your sauce slowly, and blend it for a smooth texture. Don't be afraid to experiment, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

Related Topics