It’s grilling season and nothing completes a backyard feast like a good barbecue sauce. Equal parts, smoky, sweet and spicy this bbq sauce has an unexpected secret ingredient – coffee! Your morning cup of joe adds a layer of richness that will take your barbecue to the next level. This luscious Coffee BBQ Sauce comes together in minutes and is sure to elevate your next cookout.
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While it seems unlikely coffee is one of the best ingredients whenever you’re making barbecue. Whether you’re making a barbecue sauce or a bbq rub the acids in coffee help tenderize meat and bring a nutty, earthy flavor.
Ingredients for Coffee BBQ Sauce
Don’t let the longer list of ingredients put you off. Chances are you’ve got most, if not all, of these ingredients in your pantry (Check out my Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce!). While it’s optional I really think adding in a bit of espresso powder adds an extra depth of flavor. You can find this espresso powder in most large grocery stores ( you can also use it to make my Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies or Espresso Chocolate Mousse).
- ketchup
- brown sugar
- brewed coffee
- Worcestershire sauce
- yellow mustard
- apple cider vinegar
- smoked paprika
- ground cumin
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- espresso powder (optional)
- kosher salt
- black pepper
How to Use Coffee BBQ Sauce
You can use this coffee bbq sauce anywhere you would typically use bbq sauce. With the richness from the coffee I think this sauce goes well with beef dishes like skirt steak, smoked tritip or brisket. Here are a few other suggestions for this tasty homemade bbq sauce.
- Grilled or smoked chicken (delicious on my smoked chicken wings!)
- Pulled pork or baby back ribs
- As a sauce for BBQ chicken pizza
- Stir into baked beans
- As a dipping sauce for chicken strips or nuggets
- Makes a delicious topping for a burger
How to Make Coffee BBQ Sauce
Making barbecue sauce from scratch is far easier than you may think. Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to medium low or just warm enough that the sauce is just simmering, stirring on occasion. Cook for 15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Transfer to a glass container or squeeze bottle and serve as desired.
If you like this recipe be sure to take a look at some of my other posts!
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Coffee BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp espresso powder optional
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium low or just warm enough that the sauce is just simmering, stirring on occasion. Cook for 15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Transfer to a glass container or squeeze bottle and serve as desired.
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Shelby says
You had me at coffee hehe this is such a fun flavor and great switch up from the norm!
Natalie says
Well, I never thought coffee could go so well in a bbq sauce, thanks!
Kalin says
Yum!! I’ve had coffee bbq sauce from the store but haven’t made it myself. This seems so simple and sounds incredible
Giangi Townsend says
I was looking for a new BBQ sauce recipe and yours is perfect. We all love it and so easy to make. Thank you
Katie says
Fantastic BBQ sauce recipe! The coffee gives it the perfect kick!
nancy says
never knew coffee would be so lovely in a bbq! thanks
Katie says
Love this coffee BBQ Sauce! Perfect flavor and easy to make!
Nancy says
Yummy smoky and sweet bbq sauce. We used it at our bbq last night and the ribs tasted amazing!!
james bowles says
Made a double batch, only thing I added was a half teaspoon of liquid smoke
Brianna says
nothing wrong with a little extra smoke 🙂