This post may include affiliate links. Thank you for your support.
Discover the perfect blend of sweet berries, spicy jalapeños, and tangy seasonings in my delicious homemade strawberry barbecue sauce recipe. This fruity twist on classic BBQ sauce is ideal for marinating meats and adding deliciously sassy strawberry flavor to all your grilled favorites.
“What a unique and delicious twist on BBQ sauce! I love that jalapeno-roasted strawberry combo!! Next time, I may have to make a double batch so I can just put it on all my food because it’s great with EVERYTHING. Just super deliciousness all around!!”
– JESSIE
Update: This recipe was originally published in August 2016. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making the best strawberry seasoned barbecue sauce at home.
Table of Contents
About this strawberry bbq sauce
Get ready to transform your BBQ game with this sensational recipe for strawberry barbecue sauce! More than just a sauce – it’s a summer flavor revelation that combines the unexpected, scrumptious juicy sweetness of roasted strawberries and spicy jalapenos with classic barbecue seasonings and spices.
Whether you’re a seasoned pit-master or a backyard grilling enthusiast, this strawberry BBQ sauce will add a burst of berry delicious flavor to all your favorite dishes, from ribs to chicken and beyond.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Unique flavor combination. This bbq sauce recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional sauces by incorporating the natural sweetness and caramelization of roasted fresh berries with a tangy, slightly spicy, and warm barbeque profile.
- Beautifully versatile. This strawberry sauce isn’t just limited to bbq foods, it pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes, such as salmon, chicken nuggets, and even fruits like grilled peaches.
- Easy to prepare. Straightforward and simple to prepare, this recipe is ideal for home cooks who want to create a delicious homemade barbecue sauce without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Storage and Longevity: You can easily double this recipe and store it for later, making it convenient for future barbeque use.
Ingredients in strawberry barbecue sauce
- Fresh Strawberries: Look for ripe berries with a vibrant color that feel firm to the touch. And be sure to rinse, dry, hull, and halve any large berries before roasting in the oven.
- Light Brown Sugar: For sweetness and richness.
- Neutral Oil: Be sure to use a neutral oil, such as canola oil or vegetable oil.
- Sweet Onion: Select onions that are firm and heavy for their size for the best mild flavor.
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: To enhance all the delicious flavors.
- Ground Coriander: For warm.
- Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, be sure to leave the seeds and ribs in the jalapeno peppers. And, for a milder barbecue sauce, remove and discard them.
- Aromatics: Peeled and finely chopped garlic cloves along with grated ginger lend aromatic depth of flavor and a hint of warmth.
- Tomato Paste: For rich, caramelized tomato flavor. Consider purchasing tomato paste in a tube for easy storage.
- Ketchup: Lends sweetness and tang. I recommend natural ketchup made with minimal additives.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Provides acidity.
- Soy Sauce: Be sure to opt for low sodium so you can control the salt levels in your bbq sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: For complexity and umami.
If fresh berries are on sale at the store, pick up an extra container and put them to good use in these recipes: Strawberry Sangria with Sparkling Wine, Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Crumbles, and Strawberry Alcoholic Milkshake.
Recipe variations
- Berry BBQ Sauce: Use a combination of strawberries with other fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry barbecue sauce.
- Chipotle Strawberry Barbecue Sauce: Add chipotle peppers in adobo to give this strawberry bbq sauce recipe a smoky, spicy kick.
- Spicy Strawberry Sauce: Be sure to leave the seeds and ribs in the jalapeno peppers. And add some cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Maple or Honey Strawberry BBQ: Substitute some or all of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup or honey for a different type of sweetness.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you’re looking for a hands-off approach, prepare the strawberry sauce in the slow cooker instead. Just be sure to cook it on low for several hours for the best, rich flavor.
Expert tips for the best success!
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries. For the best flavor be sure to select fresh strawberries at their peak ripeness. Or use overripe strawberries for a sweeter flavor.
- Roast the strawberries for the most flavor. Roasting intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds a depth of delicious, caramelized flavor to create a more complex flavor.
- Simmer to reduce. Gently simmer the barbecue sauce to concentrate the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Blend the sauce for smoothness. Use an immersion blender, food processor, or high-speed blender to achieve homemade bbq sauce with a smooth, consistent texture.
- Balance the flavors to suit your taste. Be sure you continuously taste and adjust the strawberry barbecue seasonings as you cook the sauce. This allows you to perfectly balance the flavors of this strawberry bbq sauce recipe to suit your taste buds.
FAQs: frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Sure. Frozen strawberries are typically picked at peak ripeness, so they’re a great option if fresh aren’t in season.
Will the strawberry flavor be overpowering?
No. The key is to use the right ratio of strawberries to barbecue seasonings and other flavoring ingredients. When properly balanced, the strawberries add a subtle sweet and fruity flavor to bbq sauces.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Absolutely. Simply reduce the amount of brown sugar in this strawberry barbecue seasoning recipe. Alternatively, you can balance the sweetness with more vinegar or spices to achieve a less-sweet flavor profile.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
You sure can. Incorporate more heat by leaving the seeds and ribs in the jalapenos. Or simply incorporate cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
What meats pair best with strawberry barbecue seasoning?
This recipe for strawberry barbeque sauce pairs exceptionally well with chicken, pork, salmon, and even grilled veggies.
Whether you’re glazing meats, drizzling over veggies, or experimenting with creative pairings, this recipe for strawberry BBQ sauce is sure to elevate your culinary creations. Fire up the grill and impress your friends and family with a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Just don’t forget to share your delicious results and let us know how you enjoyed this delightful sauce!
Cheyanne
Craving MORE? Follow all the deliciousness on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!
More homemade bbq sauce recipes!
Strawberry BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl – for sugaring strawberries before roasting
- 1 Large Rimmed Baking Sheet – for roasting strawberries
- 1 Medium to Large Saucepan – to cook the barbecue sauce
- 1 Immersion Blender or Stand Blender – to blend the BBQ sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound Strawberries – rinsed, dried, hulled, any large berries cut in half or quarters
- 2 TBS Light Brown Sugar – firmly packed
- 1 TBS Neutral Oil – canola or vegetable oil
- ½ small Sweet Onion – peeled and small dice (about 1 scant cup)
- ½ tsp Ground Coriander
- To Taste Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper
- 3 to 4 whole Jalapeño Peppers – small dice (SEEE NOTES)
- 2 cloves Garlic – peeled and finely chopped
- 1 ½ tsp Grated Ginger
- 2 tsp Tomato Paste
- ¼ Cup Dark Brown Sugar – packed (54 grams)
- ¼ Cup Ketchup – leveled
- 2 ½ TBS Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 TBS Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- 2 TBS Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Arrange oven rack to the middle position and then preheat the oven to 375-degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large, rimmed sheet pan with non-stick aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean up. Then fold or roll up the sides of the aluminum or paper to catch the juices that will be released from the strawberries while they’re roasting in the oven. Set the pan aside.
- Sugar the Strawberries: Add the strawberries to a large mixing bowl and then sprinkle the sugar over the berries. Use a spoon to toss the berries in the sugar until they’re fully coated. Then, transfer the sugared strawberries to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them into a single, spaced-out layer for even roasting.
- Roast Strawberries: Transfer the strawberries to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the strawberries are soft, slightly jam-y, and start to caramelize. Remove the strawberries from the oven and set aside.
- Start the Barbecue Sauce – Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Once shimmering, add the onions, coriander, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until staring to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the jalapenos and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the jalapenos are softened, and onions are translucent, about 3-4 additional minutes. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until caramelized, about 2 minutes.
- Add Remaining BBQ Sauce Ingredients and Roasted Strawberries: Add the sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, along with the roasted strawberries and any collected juices, to the pan and stir well to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to maintain a simmer.
- Simmer Strawberry BBQ Sauce: Let the strawberries mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, for 18-20 minutes, or until the sauce is dark in color and has thickened slightly. Remove the sauce from the heat.
- Let Cool Slightly, then Blend: Let to sauce cool for 8-10 minutes before using an immersion blender or high-speed stand blender to puree the sauce. Then, use a spoon to taste the strawberry sauce and adjust the flavors to suit your own tastebuds.
- Use or Store Strawberry Barbecue Sauce: Use the strawberry barbecue sauce as a marinade, glaze, or serving sauce and enjoy! Alternatively, transfer the sauce to an airtight jar or storage container and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Jalapeno Peppers: If you prefer a spicy bbq sauce, leave the seeds and ribs in the jalapeno. If you prefer a mild sauce, be sure to remove and discard all the seeds and ribs before dicing the pepper. And, if you prefer a barbecue sauce that’s moderately spicy, leave some of the seeds and ribs.
- Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
- Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
- Recipe Yield: approximately 2 cups of strawberry bbq sauce.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Mention @nospoonnecessary on Instagram and tag it #nospoonnecessary!
©No Spoon Necessary. All images and content are under copyright protection. Please do not use any images without prior permission. Kindly, do not publish this recipe without prior consent. If you want to reference this recipe, please do so by linking directly to this post.
Danni
I am seeing so many barbecue sauce recipes around at the moment, but this had become one of my favourites. The flavour combination of jalapenos and strawberries is epic together.
Tina R
Another winner!! Sweet, savory and lip-smackin’ delish!
Matt
Those flavors are so awesome!
Amanda
This flavor combination is so unique and delicious!
Victoria
This roasted strawberry jalapeno sauce is AMAZING!
Alyssa
Roasted strawberries definitely take barbecue sauce to the next level!
Jen
Roasted strawberry bbq sauce!! Are you kidding me? This is way too delicious. We had it with grilled chicken, but I’m certainly making it for ribs. If I don’t just end up eating with a spoon. 😉
Kelly
Love this roasted strawberry sauce – SO. much. yum!!!
Dee
The BBQ sauce is so so flavorful Cheyanne! You are really great at mixing flavors!!
Stacey
This recipe is amazing, I love heat and the jalepeno peppers strawberry combo hits the spot! Take care.
Harriet
Awesome recipe Cheyanne! I’ve never combined jalapeño with strawberries before – it’s such an amazing combination. Beautiful photos too!! You make the best recipes!
Nikki
I’ve never roasted strawberries before, but they are amazing. Sweet and slightly spicy and really delicious. Thank you for sharing!
Devin
I could eat ribs every night of the week (if only I could afford it 😉 This sauce is off the charts awesome. Love the flavours and it made the ribs perfectly saucy. Just the way I like then!
Sasha
Cheyanne – THAT sauce! Girrrrl – that there is sheer brilliance – a touch of genius!
Sarah
What a cool recipe!!!! I would have never thought to use strawberries in a BBQ sauce, but it makes perfect sense! I haven’t made ribs in so long… you definitely have inspired me 🙂
Michelle
You, my friend, seriously know how to make barbecue RIGHT. I’m obsessed with this sauce — I not only want it on ribs, but everything else too! Such an awesome combination of flavors – sorry, but I need a spoon for it!!
Jessie
What a unique and delicious twist on BBQ sauce! I love that jalapeno-roasted strawberry combo!! Next time, I may have to make a double batch so I can just put it on all my food because it’s great with EVERYTHING. Just super deliciousness all around!!
Lois
I can’t help but laugh at all the comments about the heat. You are all getting what we usually have here near Waco Tx, without the humidity. Usually. This month has been a shocker with temps staying below 80 and lots of rain IN AUGUST! Unheard of in nearly 50 years I’ve been in Texas! Looked like the sky was clearing late yesterday so I’m sure the heat will be back with a vengeance before this week is out. Ugh!
I’ve never thought to use strawberries in bbq sauce, nor have I heard of roasting them either. Peaches, yeah, but strawberries? Oh man have I got to try this! And on ribs no less! Or pork chops. Or pork roast. Or chicken. Oh my gosh. Endless possibilities! I’m saving this recipe. Two pigs will be ready for butcher this winter so I’ve got to get busy planting more strawberries. I’m drooling all over my keyboard!
Holly
Having a mouthwatering moment over here! I love this sweet and spicy flavor combo – yum, yum, yum!
Kate
You come up with the BEST combinations…how do you think of this brilliant stuff?? Now I want to roast ALL THE STRAWBERRIES.
Leslie
YUM! I love this roasted strawberry bbq sauce! It’s really flavoursome and great with ribs.