Caribbean Barbecue Sauce
A vibrant Caribbean barbecue sauce with rich molasses, tangy vinegar, and spicy Tabasco, perfect for brushing on chicken during grilling or broiling for a smoky flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
- Use to brush chicken during broiling or grilling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more Tabasco or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, adjust the molasses to taste or substitute with honey. You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar for a different flavor profile. This sauce works well not only for chicken but also for grilled vegetables or as a marinade for Vegan recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Caribbean barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, but it also complements pork, shrimp, and even tofu. Serve alongside your favorite sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, consider a side of Vegetable Cornucopia Salad to balance the rich flavors of the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the sauce in ice cube trays for easy portioning. To reheat, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave in short bursts.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caribbean Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 163 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (123% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1117mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit for a day can enhance the flavors as they meld together. Just remember to give it a good stir before using it again.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this Caribbean barbecue sauce is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Most brands are safe, but it's always good to check the label to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are included.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just blend or puree them to achieve a similar consistency to tomato sauce. You may need to cook them down for a bit longer to achieve the right thickness and flavor. Be sure to adjust seasonings according to taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).