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!
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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!Â
Here’s What You Need
Equipment
Here is some of the equipment I used to prepare this recipe:
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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, and leave the seeds in for more heat. You can throw the chopped jalapeno raw or sauté it with a touch of vegetable oil before adding it to the wet ingredients.
Combine the Ingredients and Simmer
Add all the wet ingredients along with the jalapeno (if using) to a saucepan. Place the saucepan 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.
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?
Hints and Tips
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 has 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.
Actually anything. I particularly like it on pork and chicken, it’s also great on burgers, sausage, and grilled and broiled fish.
Brown some ground beef, or finely chop leftover beef roast or pork tenderloin. Throw it in a saucepan and add some of this Homemade Cajun BBQ Sauce and warm through. Serve it on a bun with onions and pickles and enjoy!
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.Â
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 headroom for expansion. Defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, or serve it cold or at room temperature.Â
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 grilling 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 cookout going? Don't forget these other great sides from Sweet Daddy D:
Check out these other great recipes from Sweet Daddy D:
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Yeah You Right!
Recipe
Cajun BBQ Sauce
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
Nutrition
Yeah You Right!
Bob Waits
What is the difference in Louisiana cane vinegar and cider vinegar
Sweet Daddy D
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.
Sweet Daddy D
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.
Grady
You have what is in sauce but how much of each ingredients you need to make the sauce
Sweet Daddy D
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.