Best Homemade Caribbean BBQ Sauce

Caribbean BBQ Sauce is a sweet and spicy sauce inspired by island flavors. It combines ketchup, sugar, molasses, rum, and warm spices like ginger and chili powder.

Many versions include pineapple juice or tropical fruit like guava. It pairs well with jerk BBQ sauce dishes and grilled meats. This sauce brings sweet heat and tang in one spoonful.

If you’re tired of the same store-bought bottle and want something with real character, this Caribbean BBQ Sauce is about to change your cookout game.

What I love about this homemade Caribbean BBQ sauce is how it balances brown sugar, molasses, ginger, onion, and a splash of spiced rum. It has that Caribbean warmth with a gentle kick from chili powder and cayenne.

The best part? You don’t need special equipment. Just a saucepan, fresh ingredients, and about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Caribbean BBQ Sauce?

You’ll love this Caribbean BBQ Sauce because it brings sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor together in one smooth spoonful. It tastes fresh and bold compared to bottled versions like Caribbean BBQ sauce Walmart or Caribbean BBQ sauce Publix options.

I make it when I want something better than a basic 3 ingredient bbq sauce. It works on meats, wings, burgers, and grilled veggies. Once you try this homemade Caribbean BBQ sauce, you’ll see how easy it is to skip store brands.

How To Prepare Caribbean BBQ Sauce?

Recipe Overview

Caribbean BBQ Sauce is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce made with ketchup, molasses, ginger, rum, and warm spices.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Cuisine: Caribbean
• Course: Sauce / Condiment
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Yield: About 3 cups
• Servings: 24
• Calories Per Serving: 60 kcal (approx. 2 tablespoons)

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender (optional for smoother texture)
• Mason jar for storage

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 (1 inch) pieces fresh ginger root, minced
• 2 cups ketchup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup molasses
• ½ cup spiced rum, divided
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Ingredient Notes

1. Onion: Finely mince it so the sauce cooks down smoothly.

2. Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger gives that true caribbean style bbq sauce flavor.

3. Spiced Rum: Adds warmth and depth. If you want a Caribbean rum BBQ sauce recipe feel, don’t skip it.

4. Molasses: Brings richness and color.

5. Hoisin Sauce: Gives a sweet and savory balance.

6. Cayenne: Adjust if you prefer a spicy Caribbean BBQ sauce.

How to Make Caribbean BBQ Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for about 1 minute. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing at this stage.

Step 2: Build the Base

Add ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, and half of the spiced rum. Stir well. Let it simmer gently.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Mix in hoisin sauce, tomato paste, sherry vinegar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Simmer

Let the sauce cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring now and then. It will thicken and darken.

Step 5: Finish with Rum

Pour in the remaining rum and simmer 2–3 more minutes. Taste and adjust the spice if needed.

Step 6: Blend (Optional)

If you want a smoother gourmet caribbean bbq sauce texture, blend carefully.

Let it cool before transferring to a mason jar.

Nutrition

• Calories: 60
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugar: 11g
• Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg

Tips and Variations

✅Pineapple Twist: Add ¼ cup pineapple juice for a Caribbean pineapple bbq sauce feel.

✅Guava Flavor: Stir in guava paste for Caribbean guava bbq sauce.

✅Extra Heat: Add more cayenne for a spicy Caribbean BBQ sauce.

✅No Rum Version: Skip rum for an alcohol-free homemade Caribbean BBQ sauce.

✅Storage: Store in the fridge up to 2 weeks in a sealed mason jar.

▶ If you’re searching for Caribbean BBQ sauce near me, try making this instead. It tastes fresher than many Caribbean BBQ sauce bottle options.

Serving Suggestions

1. Brush over grilled chicken or ribs

2. Toss with sorrel BBQ wings

3. Spread on a chicken sandwich

4. Glaze shrimp skewers

5. Use as a dip for grilled meats

▶ It even works as a base for Caribbean jerk bbq sauce recipes.

Storing Tips

1. Cool completely before storing.

2. Keep in an airtight mason jar.

3. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

4. Freeze up to 3 months.

Recipe Notes

• Finely mince the onion and ginger for a better texture.
• Simmer gently to avoid burning sugar.
• Taste before final simmer and adjust sweetness.
• Sauce thickens more as it cools.

Can I Make This Caribbean BBQ Sauce Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make this Caribbean BBQ Sauce a few days before you plan to use it. In fact, I find the flavor gets even better after resting in the fridge overnight. The spices, ginger, and rum settle together and create a deeper taste.

Let the sauce cool fully before pouring it into a mason jar. Store it tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

How Can I Adjust The Sweetness Or Spice Level?

This Caribbean BBQ Sauce is easy to adjust based on your taste. If you want it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar or molasses and simmer for a few minutes.

If you prefer more heat, add cayenne pepper gradually. Taste as you go, so you don’t overpower the balance. A splash of pineapple juice can add natural sweetness. Small changes make a big difference in the final flavor.

What Meats Pair Best With This Caribbean BBQ Sauce?

This Caribbean BBQ Sauce works beautifully with grilled chicken, ribs, and shrimp. I love brushing it over chicken during the last few minutes of grilling. It adds bold flavor to pulled pork and even burgers.

You can toss wings in it for a sweet-and-spicy finish. It even makes a great glaze for baked salmon. The sauce sticks well and gives meats a rich, glossy coating.

More Testy BBQ Sauce Recipes

▶3-Ingredient Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe

▶Bachan Japanese BBQ Sauce Recipes

▶Perfect Wojapi BBQ Sauce Recipe

▶Easy Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce

FAQ Section

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been relying on bottled sauces like gourmet warehouse Caribbean BBQ sauce review favorites, give this homemade Caribbean BBQ Sauce a try. I love how it turns simple grilled meats into something bold and satisfying.

Make a batch, pour it into a mason jar, and keep it ready for your next cookout. Let me know how you use it — I’d love to hear your twist on this caribbean bbq sauce recipe!