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Flavorful Fresh Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe for Grilled Pork Ribs

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A tangy, sweet, and smoky cherry bourbon BBQ sauce that brings a fresh and bold flavor to grilled pork ribs. Made with fresh cherries and bourbon, this sauce is perfect for cookouts and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved (Bing cherries recommended)
  • 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace)
  • 1 cup ketchup (quality brand with natural ingredients)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cherries: Wash, pit, and halve about 2 cups of fresh sweet cherries (5-7 minutes). Frozen pre-pitted cherries can be used as a shortcut.
  2. Simmer the base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Reduce the sauce: Lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries soften and sauce thickens with a glossy sheen.
  5. Blend the sauce: Remove from heat and puree the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer in batches to a blender until smooth.
  6. Optional straining: For a silky texture, press the sauce through a fine mesh strainer to remove cherry skins and bits.
  7. Final simmer: Return sauce to pan and simmer for another 5 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness as needed.
  8. Cool and serve: Let sauce cool slightly before brushing onto grilled pork ribs. Thin with water or extra bourbon if too thick.

Notes

Use fresh ripe cherries for best flavor; frozen unsweetened cherries can be used if thawed and drained. Simmer gently to avoid burning sugars. Blend for a smooth finish. Adjust sweetness with brown sugar as needed. Sauce thickens when chilled; warm gently before use. Substitute bourbon with smoky whiskey, dark rum, or non-alcoholic options like cherry/apple juice with vanilla extract. For gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry bourbon BBQ sauce, grilled pork ribs sauce, fresh cherry BBQ sauce, bourbon BBQ sauce, homemade BBQ sauce, grilling sauce, cherry BBQ glaze

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/flavorful-fresh-cherry-bourbon-bbq-sauce-recipe-for-grilled-pork-ribs/