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Pomegranate bbq sauce in a clear jar with a spoon sticking out and limes, pomegranate seeds, and flowers around it.
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Tangy Pomegranate BBQ Sauce From Scratch

This slightly sweet, made-from-scratch, tangy pomegranate BBQ sauce is the answer to all your BBQ prayers. Make it in 30 minutes or less and add flavor to nearly any protein or salad until the last drop of sauce is gone!
Course Main Course, Sauce
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 3 cups
Calories 226kcal
Cost $10

Equipment

  • Saucepan or high sided skillet

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pomegranate juice 100% juice (see notes)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard
  • fresh lime juice from half a lime
  • a few dashes of cayenne pepper optional, based on taste

Instructions

  • Whisk all of the ingredients, besides the lime juice and cayenne, together in a saucepan or high sided skillet. The more surface area (the larger the pan or skillet), the faster the sauce will reduce.
  • Cook the sauce over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Reduce the heat to medium low and allow it to simmer until it thickens, about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir constantly so the sauce on the bottom doesn’t burn.
  • When the sauce is thick and can coat the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat and add in the juice of half a lime. If using, add in a few dashes of cayenne and stir everything to combine.
  • Brush the sauce on your favorite protein, like these Fall Off the Bone BBQ Baby Back Ribs, and place sauce-side down on a BBQ grill to caramelize. Use any extra sauce for dipping or for additional recipes throughout the week.
  • Keep this sauce in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 7 days. Get creative and see how many different meals you can make with this one sauce!

Notes

  1. Make sure the pomegranate juice is 100% juice. That means the ingredients on the bottle should only list “pomegranate juice” and not sugar, corn syrup, or anything else. I like to use the Pom Wonderful brand and I found it in the refrigerated section in the produce aisle of my grocery store. 
  2. You can use all smoked paprika instead of combining it with regular paprika if you’d like an extra smoky BBQ sauce.
  3. The cayenne is optional based on your spice preference. If you like a little spicy heat, add a dash or two of cayenne pepper when the sauce is done reducing.

Nutrition

Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 704mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 47g | Vitamin A: 605IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg