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Caribbean BBQ Sauce

Caribbean BBQ Sauce

Caribbean BBQ Sauce is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce made with ketchup, molasses, ginger, and a splash of rum. It adds bold island flavor to grilled meats, wings, and sandwiches. Perfect for anyone who loves a rich homemade sauce with a warm Caribbean touch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 Servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: Caribbean
Calories: 60
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics
  1. 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
  1. Add ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, and half of the spiced rum. Stir well. Let it simmer gently.
Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters
  1. Mix in hoisin sauce, tomato paste, sherry vinegar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Simmer
  1. Let the sauce cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring now and then. It will thicken and darken.
Step 5: Finish with Rum
  1. Pour in the remaining rum and simmer 2–3 more minutes. Taste and adjust spice if needed.
Step 6: Blend (Optional)
  1. If you want a smoother gourmet caribbean bbq sauce texture, blend carefully.
  2. Let it cool before transferring to a mason jar.

Notes

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