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    Home » Sauces

    Simple Cajun BBQ Sauce

    Published: Jul 19, 2021 · By: Sweet Daddy D · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

    231 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Homemade BBQ Sauce is such a game changer, it shouldn’t be this easy. Sweet Daddy D’s Cajun BBQ Sauce uses the sweetness and tang of Cane Syrup to balance the flavors of ketchup and mustard. Add a savory Herb and Spice Blend and you have something special. The kick from Creole seasoning and the optional jalapeno and cayenne will land you on the other side of the bayou! And worry not, there’s no-angst here!

    bbq sauce being ladled over grilled chicken
    Sweet Daddy D's Cajun BBQ Sauce

    This post is not sponsored, but you will find affiliate links on this page. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The price you pay as a consumer does not change, but I may make a small commission based on your purchase.

    If you want to just skip to the recipe, click the "Jump To Recipe" button above or the Recipe link below and you’ll go right there without having to scroll through my article. 

    Jump to:
    • Can this be Cajun?
    • Here’s What You Need
    • Here’s What You Do
    • Hints and Tips
    • Recipe
    • Comments or Questions?

    Can this be Cajun?

    Maybe not, but smoking and grilling meats of all varieties is well represented in Cajun cuisine. If your inner-Cajun is crying out for some BBQ, you don’t want to throw on just any sauce. Keeping the vibe calls for a smoky sauce that has a little spice for the tongue. These are the flavors that link the old and the new and keep you thinking of what to grill next! 

    Here’s What You Need

    wet ingredients for bbq sauce
    dry ingredients for bbq sauce
    advertisement for LBP Creole Seasoning

    Equipment

    Here is some of the equipment I used to prepare this recipe:

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The price you pay as a consumer does not change, but I may make a small commission based on your purchase. These items from Amazon will help you with this recipe:

    Glass prep Bowls, Cambro Prep Bowls, Glass Measuring Cups, Measuring Cups, Saucepan, Whisk.

    Here’s What You Do

    First...you have a beer. This is the type of recipe you make for a cookout or a family gathering. It’s fun, so making it should be fun. Pop the cap off a beer and sit down to read the recipe all the way through. Make sure you have all the ingredients and you know what you are going to do with them. 

    Mise en place

    Talk about simple! Measure each of the wet ingredients into their own prep bowls or right into the saucepan. Next, measure the dry ingredients into separate prep bowls or into one prep bowl for all. If you are using the jalapeno, chop it very finely. Remove the seeds for less heat, leave the seeds in for more heat and . You can throw the chopped jalapeno raw or sauté it with a touch of vegetable oil before adding it to the wet ingredients.

    ingredienst for bbq sauce in prep bowls
    Dry ingredients and wet ingredients

    Combine the Ingredients and Simmer

    Add all the wet ingredients along with the jalapeno (if using) to a saucepan. Place the sauce pan over medium high heat and bring it to a simmer. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Continue to whisk until all the dry ingredients are blended completely into the sauce.

    simmering sauce in a small Dutch oven
    Combine all ingredients and simmer about 20 minutes

    When you reach a high simmer, lower the heat and simmer low, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. That's it, you’re done. Is this simple and no-angst or what?

    bbq sauce in a clay serving bowl with ladle
    Cajun BBQ Sauce

    Hints and Tips

    What if I don't have cane syrup?

    No worries, there are some good substitutes that should be readily available. Try molasses, dark brown sugar, corn syrup, honey or maple syrup. Each one of these have different sweetness levels and flavor profiles, so I'd suggest starting with a little less than a cup, then adding more after tasting until you get it just the way you want.

    What does this BBQ Sauce go on?

    Actually anything. I particularly like it on pork and chicken, it’s also great on burgers, sausage, and grilled and broiled fish.

    How can I use leftover BBQ Sauce?

    Brown some ground beef, or finely chop leftover beef roast or pork tenderloin. Throw it in a sauce pan and add some of this Homemade Cajun BBQ Sauce and warm through. Serve it on a bun with onions and pickles and enjoy!

    How do I store leftovers?

    This BBQ Sauce can be kept in the fridge for about 2 weeks if tightly sealed in an airtight container. You can reheat it on the stove or serve it cold or at room temperature. 

    You can also freeze this sauce for up to six months. Again, it must be sealed tightly in an airtight container. Make sure to leave some head room for expansion. Defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, or serve it cold or at room temperature. 

    What's the best way to add this to grilled food?

    If you add the BBQ Sauce too early in the grilling process, the sugars will burn. That could be unpleasant. Brush this BBQ sauce on your chicken, ribs, hamburgers or whatever you are gilling about 10 minutes before they are ready. Be careful placing the food directly over the heat. We want the sauce to glaze without burning. For something like pulled pork, add some warmed sauce just after pulling. Place the remaining sauce in a small bowl so people can add more while eating.

    Got a cook-out going? Don't forget these other great sides from Sweet Daddy D:

    • Potato Salad with Marinated Purple Onions
    • Darn Good Baked Beans

    Check out these other great recipes from Sweet Daddy D:

    • Cajun Recipes
    • Creole Recipes
    • Gumbo, Soup and Bisque
    bbq chicken with sauce and extra sauce on the side
    Cajun BBQ Sauce on grilled chicken

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    231 shares

    Yeah You Right!

    Recipe

    ladling bbq sauce on grilled chicken

    Cajun BBQ Sauce

    Tasty and tangy sauce with a Cajun kick perfect on grilled and smoked foods.
    4.34 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: Cajun, Creole
    Keyword: BBQ Sauce
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 14 Servings
    Calories: 117kcal
    Author: Sweet Daddy D

    Here's What You Need

    • 1 cup ketchup
    • 1 cup cane syrup
    • 1 cup prepared mustard
    • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
    • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon jalapeno finely chopped (Optional-See Notes)

    Herbs and Spice Blend

    • 1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika
    • 2 tablespoons chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
    • 1 tablespoon granulated onion
    • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne optional

    Here's What You Do

    • Finely chop the jalapeno (if using); combine the Herb and Spice Blend together thoroughly.
    • Whisk all the wet ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Add the Jalapeno (if using) and the Herb ad Spice Blend, whisk to incorporate all the all ingredients.
    • Return the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
    • This can be served right away or kept in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

    Recipe Notes

    This recipe makes about 3 ½ cups of BBQ Sauce. 
    Cane syrup substitute? Try molasses, corn syrup, dark brown sugar, honey or maple sugar.  Each will offer a different sugar level and flavor profile, so start with a little and adjust for taste,
    If you want a little more kick, finely chop a jalapeno pepper. For extra spicy, leave the seeds in, for less heat, remove the seeds. You can throw them in raw or do a quick saute' to soften the peppers. A substitute for the jalapenos would be red pepper flakes. 
    If you want no heat, leave out the jalapeno and the cayenne pepper. 
    Leftover BBQ Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.
    This BBQ Sauce can be frozen. Make sure to let the sauce cool completely, then place it in an airtight container with a little headroom for expansion. This sauce will maintain its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
    To defrost, set in the fridge overnight, or submerge in cold water until defrosted.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 518mg | Potassium: 535mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 909IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 2mg

    Yeah You Right!

    « Potato Salad with Marinated Purple Onions
    Sweet and Savory Creamy Coleslaw »
    231 shares

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Bob Waits

      July 23, 2021 at 11:28 am

      What is the difference in Louisiana cane vinegar and cider vinegar

      Reply
      • Sweet Daddy D

        July 23, 2021 at 12:01 pm

        Hey Bob, the main difference is that one is made from apples and the other sugar cane. Cane vinegar is not real sweet and a little less acidic than cider vinegar. I am not very experienced with cane vinegar. Cider vinegar is used in a wider variety of dishes from marinades to salad dressings to coleslaw (among many other things) where cane vinegar is a little narrower in use. Cider vinegar can be substituted for cane vinegar, although I have not done that.

        Reply
      • Sweet Daddy D

        July 23, 2021 at 12:15 pm

        Following up, if you are thinking of using cane vinegar in the Cajun BBQ Sauce recipe, although I have not done that, I think it would be fine. I've read that cane vinegar is good in sweet and sour dished as well as meat dishes. Sounds perfect. Let me know if you try it.

        Reply
      • Grady

        May 29, 2022 at 11:07 am

        You have what is in sauce but how much of each ingredients you need to make the sauce

        Reply
        • Sweet Daddy D

          May 29, 2022 at 11:25 am

          Hey Grady, at the top of the recipe you can click on the "Jump To Recipe" button and you will go right to the recipe card with all the detailed ingredients quantities, and instructions. Alternately just scroll to the very bottom of the article and you'll find the recipe card. It also has a Print Recipe button that will print out the Recipe Card. Thanks, and enjoy.

          Reply

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    231 shares