Orange Chili Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 5 min Cook: 5 min Cuisine: American

A vibrant orange chili barbecue sauce with sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, perfect for marinating or basting grilled meats like chicken, ribs, beef, or pork.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup orange marmalade
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot pepper sauce

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan; mix well.
  2. Heat the sauce until it comes to a boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Simmer for 1 minute.
  4. Use the sauce immediately as a marinade and baste for grilled chicken, ribs, beef, or pork, or cool and store in the refrigerator for future use.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter sauce, consider using apricot or peach preserves instead of orange marmalade. If you prefer a smokier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or hot pepper sauce. This barbecue sauce also works well as a glaze for grilled vegetables. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Use this vibrant orange chili barbecue sauce as a marinade or basting sauce for grilled chicken, ribs, beef, or pork. It pairs beautifully with sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Summer Relish for a refreshing twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When reheating, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Orange Chili Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 269 calories, with 12g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1892mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

269 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.8g 24% DV
Total Fat 14.9g 19% DV
Carbs 32.7g 12% DV
Fiber 8.8g 31% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1891.9mg 82% DV
Potassium 1274mg 27% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 213.2mcg 24% DV
Vitamin C 10.7mg 12% DV
Calcium 579.2mg 45% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

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 barbecue sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and improve over time, making it even more delicious when you're ready to use it.

Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this sauce is entirely plant-based and perfect for those following vegan recipes. It's a great addition to grilled vegetables, tofu, or tempeh.

Can I freeze this barbecue sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce! Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

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).

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