This Tex-Mex inspired chili-brown sugar BBQ sauce is great on beef, chicken, pork, and some meat substitutes. The lime juice and cumin blend beautifully with the tomato and chili sauce, while the sweetness of the brown sugar creates a mouthwatering taste experience. Give this sauce a try at your next cookout.
Please note that the chili sauce called for in this recipe is the same chili sauce used in shrimp cocktail sauce. You can find chili sauce in the ketchup aisle at most grocery stores. Do not use Asian-style chili sauce for this recipe. While it is deliciously spicy, it will change the intended flavor profile of this BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
- Tomato sauce
- Dark brown sugar
- Heinz chili sauce
- Fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
- Chili powder
- Cumin (powdered cumin)
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder (use granulated garlic as a substitute)
- Salt
How to make chili-brown sugar BBQ sauce
- Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Simmer over for 8-10 minutes over medium low heat, stirring often. Turn the heat to low if necessary.
- Once ingredients have blended well and brown sugar has dissolved, remove pan from heat and cool for 5 minutes before using.
- If making ahead of time, place sauce into a well sealed jar or air tight container and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reheat BBQ sauce before using.
How to use it:
Apply the chili-brown sugar BBQ sauce to ribs and chicken during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking time. We recommend applying it in layers. brush on a thin amount, and repeat the process three times in 5 minute intervals. Stop applying sauce during the 10-15 minutes of cooking time. This will give the BBQ sauce a chance to caramelize.
You use this sauce as a condiment for pulled pork or chopped brisket sandwiches. We also recommend using it on burgers or smoked meatballs.
Chili and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Heinz chili sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Simmer over for 8-10 minutes over medium low heat, stirring often. Turn the heat to low if necessary.
- Once ingredients have blended well and brown sugar has dissolved, remove pan from heat and cool for 5 minutes before using.
- If making ahead of time, place sauce into a well sealed jar or air tight container and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reheat sauce before using.
