Adding flavor and flair to your barbecue sauces can take your grilling game to the next level. With just a few extra spices and ingredients, you can transform a basic bbq sauce into something sensational. This guide will explore numerous ways to spice up bbq sauce to suit any palate. From adding heat to imparting sweetness, the possibilities are endless when doctoring up bottled sauces or crafting your own signature blend from scratch. Read on for seasoning inspiration to make your barbecue unforgettable.
Choosing a Base Sauce
When deciding how to spice up packaged barbecue sauce, it helps to first understand the usual base ingredients. Most bottled bbq sauces contain some combination of the following:
- Tomatoes – Often ketchup, tomato sauce or tomato puree provide tanginess and sweetness.
- Molasses or brown sugar – For rich caramelized flavor and sheen.
- Vinegar – White, cider or wine vinegars boost acidity.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth of flavor.
- Mustard – Yellow mustard contributes texture and zip.
- Spices and seasonings – Onion, garlic, black pepper and chili powder are common.
Once you know the likely components of your store-bought sauce, you can better complement or enhance what’s already there.
Thin, Watery Sauces
If your base sauce is unusually thin or watery, consider adding:
- Tomato paste – Thickens and enriches flavor
- Pureed or crushed fruits – Banana, mango, peach, etc.
- Honey or maple syrup
- Minced onions cooked down until caramelized
- Potato starch slurry
Thick, Gloppy Sauces
For thick, gloppy sauces, try thinning with:
- Water, beer or fruit juices
- Vinegar
- Pureed vegetables like carrots or peppers
- Stock or broth
Tomato-Based Sauces
To spice up tomato-centric sauces, experiment with:
- Balsamic or red wine vinegar
- Chili powder or cayenne
- Cinnamon and allspice
- Molasses or brown sugar
- Bourbon or rum
- Sauteed bell peppers and onions
Vinegar-Based Sauces
For vinegar-forward sauces, complement with:
- Brown sugar or honey
- Pureed or diced fruit
- Tomato sauce or sun-dried tomatoes
- Lemon or lime juice
- Chopped pickled jalapenos
- Minced garlic
With endless combinations possible, part of the fun is trying different add-ins until you create your saucy masterpiece.
Spice and Herb Ideas
Beyond typical barbecue seasonings, don’t be afraid to experiment with all sorts of aromatic spices, herbs and peppery heat. Consider these tasty options:
Warming Spices
- Allspice
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
Savory Herbs
- Basil
- Bay leaves
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Marjoram
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Tarragon
- Thyme
Heat and Zing
- Cayenne
- Chili powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Horseradish (grated fresh or prepared)
- Minced garlic or shallots
- Minced pickled jalapenos
- Paprika or smoked paprika
- Peppercorns (black, white, green, pink)
- Wasabi powder
Don’t limit yourself to designated barbecue spices like chili powder. Branch out with herbs like basil, savory like cumin, or heat like wasabi to put an exciting spin on ordinary sauce.
Sweet Spice Blends
Balancing sweet and savory flavors is key for a stellar bbq sauce. Here are crave-worthy combos to try:
- Orange zest, cinnamon, cumin and molasses
- Pureed mango, ginger and honey
- Pineapple juice, lime zest and brown sugar
- Apple butter, maple and chili powder
- Peach preserves, bourbon and nutmeg
- Strawberry puree, balsamic and black pepper
Bring on the sweet by blending in your favorite fruits or adding honey, brown sugar or maple syrup. Contrast rich sweetness with spices like cinnamon, pepper and chili powder. The blend of sugary and spicy makes every bite pop.
Smoky Flavor Infusions
Nothing says barbecue like smoky flavor. Some easy ways to impart irresistible smokiness include:
- Smoked paprika – A little goes a long way of this potent, smoldering spice.
- Bacon grease – Sauteeing onions or garlic in rendered bacon fat infuses smoky essence.
- Chipotle chilies in adobo – These smoked jalapenos pack a one-two punch of smoke and heat.
- Roasted tomatoes – Blister cherry or roma tomatoes under the broiler for natural smokiness.
- Lapsang souchong tea – Simmer black tea leaves from this smoked Chinese tea to infuse.
- Liquid smoke – This controversial ingredient adds instant smokehouse spirit. Use sparingly.
- Smoked sea salt – A pricey but peaty salt that dissolves beautifully.
Go subtle with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or get intense smoky flavor from chipotles in adobo. The range of options lets you customize precisely.
Secret Savory Umami Boosters
Ever eaten something that tastes inexplicably meaty or mouthwatering? You have umami to thank – the lesser known 5th taste sense often described as savory. For extra oomph in your sauce, try incorporating these umami-rich ingredients:
- Worchestershire Sauce – Packed with savory fermented fish flavor.
- Soy Sauce – Salty soy-based splash adds moreish umami. Go for low-sodium if you can.
- Fish Sauce – This Thai staple made from fermented anchovies punches up umami.
- Marmite / Vegemite – Love it or hate it, this sticky yeast extract oozes umami.
- Roasted Mushrooms – High heat concentrates shrooms’ naturally earthy flavor.
- Nutritional Yeast – This flaky seasoning tastes cheesy and nutty.
- Tomato Paste – Concentrated tomatoes mean concentrated savoriness.
Harnessing umami’s mysterious fullness can take your sauce from flat to extraordinary.
Mix and Match Flavor Ideas
With all these possibilities, how do you choose? Try picking 2-3 elements from each category for a custom spice blend:
- Sweet – molasses, honey, brown sugar, fruit puree
- Savory – smoked paprika, sauteed onion/garlic, Worcestershire
- Sour – vinegar, citrus, mustard
- Heat – chili powder, cayenne, ginger
- Herbs & Spices – basil, cumin, cinnamon, oregano
Then taste and tweak ratios as needed. The combinations are endless!
Here are a few spice medley ideas to ignite inspiration:
- Molasses + Worcestershire + Cayenne
- Honey + Lime + Smoked Paprika
- Peach Puree + Fish Sauce + Cayenne
- Brown Sugar + Tomato Paste + Chipotles in Adobo
- Balsamic Vinegar + Marmite + Chili Powder
Let your imagination run wild dreaming up flavor profiles to make your barbecue habit even tastier.
Equipment to Have on Hand
Having the right tools can make spicing up sauce a cinch:
- Whisk – Essential for mixing and emulsifying.
- Small sauce pot – For warming and melding flavors.
- Immersion blender – Blitz a smooth puree texture.
- Fine mesh strainer – Remove any chunky bits.
- Spice grinder – No stale pre-ground spices allowed! Freshly grind them yourself.
- Assorted glass jars – For shaking up spice blends and storing your creation.
- Squeeze bottles – Helpful for drizzling sauce neatly on meat.
- Oven mitts – Because transporting hot sauce = burnt fingers.
Think beyond the common barbecue brush – having the right gear helps sauce experimentation run smoothly.
Inspiring Sauce Recipes to Spice Things Up
If you’re sauce adventure needs a nudge, try these flavorful recipes on for size:
Sweet & Tangy Orange Chili Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and whisk well.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Once bubbling, reduce heat and let simmer 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
The orange and lemon create a tangy citrus base, while molasses and honey add sweetness. Smoked paprika and cayenne provide a slow, lingering heat. Perfect for brushing on pork ribs or chicken wings straight off the grill.
Chipotle Peach BBQ Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 ripe peach, pureed
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Whisk together all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and cool.
The sweet peach puree balances the smokiness from the chipotles in adobo. Tomato sauce provides a tangy backdrop, while spices like mustard and onion powder add depth. Ideal for basting chicken, shrimp, pork, or anything you throw on the grill.
Mango Habanero Hot Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 3 habanero peppers, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Saute onion and carrots in oil 5 minutes until softened.
- Add mango and habaneros and cook 2 more minutes.
- Transfer mixture to blender. Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth.
- Return to saucepan and simmer 10 minutes, stirring often, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Allow to cool fully before using.
The tropical mango balances out the intense habanero peppers for a sauce that’s fruity yet fiery. Smoked paprika contributes a hint of smoke to round it out. Use sparingly in your bbq sauce or as a spicy condiment on the side.
Bourbon Peach Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and whisk to blend.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Allow sauce to bubble gently for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
Sweet, jammy peach is balanced by vinegary brightness. Bourbon adds a sophisticated flavor dimension while cayenne brings on gentle heat. Perfect for basting pork chops, ribs, or shrimp right on the grill.
Get Creative with Sauce Vessels
Boring you with bottled sauce? Soup it up by choosing fun vessels for serving:
- Mason Jars – Shake up custom spice blends in jars for easy storage.
- Squirt bottles – Fill old condiment bottles for precise drizzling control.
- Dip cups – Let guests control sauce intensity in individual ramekins.
- Hollowed vegetables – Try bell pepper or tomato halves for edible vessels.
- Pipettes – Use science lab droppers for sauce micro-dosing.
- Ice cube trays – Pop out sauce cubes to melt sensuously over meat.
- Pastry bags – Pipe fancy swirls and squiggles like a pro.
With endless serving methods, you can add extra flair and fun to sauced-up barbecue dishes.
Pro Tips for Enhancing Any Sauce
Ready to transform basic sauce into extraordinary? Employ these expert tips:
- Taste as you go – Adjust spices and sweetness until the flavor pops.
- Simmer slowly – Low, gentle heat melds flavors beautifully.
- Wait to add acid – Hold off on vinegar until the end to avoid bitterness.
- Rest overnight – A long rest allows flavors to intermingle fully.
- Strain for smoothness – For silky consistency, run through a fine mesh strainer.
- Refrigerate leftovers – Seals in freshness for homemade sauce’s shelf life.
- Label creations – Append dates and ingredients to recreate successes later.
Don’t be constrained by traditional barbecue flavors. Dare to dream up novel spice combos, embrace global influences, and make each batch better than the last. With the right tools and spirit of adventure, the possibilities for how to spice up bbq sauce deliciously are endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What spices go well with barbecue sauce?
Some excellent spices to spice up barbecue sauce include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper and ginger powder.
How can I add flavor to store-bought barbecue sauce?
You can easily punch up bottled barbecue sauce by adding ketchup for sweetness and acidity, vinegar for tang, pureed or chopped fruit for sweetness, herbs like oregano or thyme, spices like cinnamon or cumin, or extra flavorings like soy sauce, hot sauce or Worcestershire.
What are good add ins for barbecue sauce?
Great add-in ingredients to enrich barbecue sauce include tomato paste, molasses, honey, maple syrup, chopped onions, garlic, different vinegars like balsamic or cider, soy sauce, hot sauces, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, chopped chipotle peppers, and pureed fruits like mango, pineapple or peach.
How do you make barbecue sauce better?
To improve basic barbecue sauce: add extra spices like chili powder, paprika, garlic, onion, pepper; balance sweetness with ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, jams or fruit purees; stir in acidity with different vinegars; and enhance flavor with savory umami boosters like Worcestershire or soy sauce. Simmering the sauce gently allows flavors to blend beautifully.
How can I thicken barbecue sauce naturally?
Some ways to naturally thicken runny barbecue sauce include reducing the sauce by simmering to evaporate liquid, adding tomato paste or pureed fruits, mixing in potato starch or corn starch slurry, or whisking in peanut butter or pureed beans for density. Avoid flour which can make sauce pasty.
Conclusion
Barbecue sauce is infinitely customizable, so don’t settle for boring bottled versions. With a willingness to experiment and a pantry of spices and flavors, you can create signature sauces that perfectly match your tastes. No rules – just trust your tastebuds and have fun concocting craveable sweet, savory and spicy blends. Your grilled meats and veggies will thank you with finger-licking, lip-smacking deliciousness when you spice up that sauce.