Watermelon Barbecue Sauce
Dive into summer flavor with this irresistible Watermelon Barbecue Sauce, a sweet and tangy twist on classic BBQ condiments. Featuring fresh watermelon juice as the star ingredient, this unique sauce blends fruity sweetness with a smoky kick from smoked paprika, balanced by the deep savory notes of soy and Worcestershire sauce. Enhanced with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a touch of heat from cayenne pepper, this homemade BBQ sauce bursts with bold, refreshing flavors that elevate grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even summer burgers to gourmet status. Easy to make in under 35 minutes and perfect for backyard cookouts, this vibrant sauce is your go-to for adding seasonal zest to any meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh watermelon (cubed)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Place the cubed watermelon in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove pulp and seeds. You should have about 2 cups of watermelon juice.
In a medium saucepan, combine the watermelon juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool. Taste and adjust salt, sweetness, or heat levels if necessary.
Once cooled, transfer the barbecue sauce to an airtight container or jar.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Serve with grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
774 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.1 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2978 mg | 129% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 190.8 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 165.0 g | ||
| Protein | 4.9 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 127 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 937 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
