Bourbon Peach Bbq Sauce Recipe
Make Bourbon Peach Bbq Sauce Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Sauce Base
Bourbon & Flavoring
Aromatics & Heat
Finishing & Adjustments
Method
Prepare Fruit and Aromatics
- 1
Peel and chop peaches
Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Score an X on the bottom of each peach. Blanch peaches for 30–45 seconds until skins loosen, then transfer to an ice bath. Peel, pit, and chop to yield about 2 cups of chopped peaches.
- 2
Cook aromatics
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion and sauté 4–6 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.
Build and Simmer Sauce
- 3
Combine base ingredients
Add the 2 cups chopped peaches to the saucepan with the aromatics. Stir in 1 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey).
- 4
Add seasoning and bourbon
Stir in 1 tablespoon bourbon, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 3 teaspoons kosher salt. Mix thoroughly.
- 5
Simmer to meld flavors
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 18–25 minutes until the peaches are very soft and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Blend, Finish and Adjust
- 6
Blend until smooth (or leave chunky)
Carefully transfer the hot mixture to a blender (work in batches if needed) or use an immersion blender in the pot. Blend until smooth for a velvety sauce or pulse briefly to retain some peach pieces. If sauce is too thick, stir in up to 2 tablespoons water or peach juice to reach desired consistency.
- 7
Final seasoning and rest
Return sauce to the saucepan and simmer 2–3 more minutes to meld. Taste and adjust: add up to 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice to brighten, more salt or a touch more brown sugar or maple syrup if sweeter flavor is desired. If you want stronger bourbon aroma, stir in an extra teaspoon of bourbon off the heat (optional) and let rest 5 minutes to meld.
- 8
Store
Let sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sterilized jar. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently before using. Bring to room temperature before basting to avoid burning alcohol during cooking.