Utilizing barbecue sauce and beer is essential for any outdoor cook. Whether it is adding it to chicken, pork, or something special, having some high-quality homemade BBQ sauce and good beer is all that you need to crush meat on the smoker or lather those baby back ribs. Here is why you should try my new Ultimate Guinness BBQ Sauce recipe.
Post Sponsored by Guinness.
Beer and barbecue are a match made in heaven, and this Guinness BBQ Sauce is no exception. The Guinness adds a malty, sweet flavor to the meat, while barbecue sauce adds a smoky, tangy flavor. Those two flavor combos combine to create a finger lickin flavorful profile for your favorite protein.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Take your barbecue skills up a notch with this easy Guinness BBQ Sauce recipe. It’s an easy barbecue sauce that’s packed with rich, smoky flavors that come from the addition of Guinness stout. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and spicy, so it’s the perfect condiment for ribs, chicken, or burgers on the grill.
Trust me, once you try this homemade Guinness barbecue sauce recipe, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought stuff again! If you’re a Guinness fan, then this sauce will become your new best friend.
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Guinness BBQ Sauce Ingredients
The Base
- Tomatoes pureed: These provide the base of the sauce, giving it a rich flavor and smooth texture. Opt for ripe, fresh tomatoes if you can, but canned tomatoes work just as well and are super convenient.
- Tomato Paste: This adds depth and richness to the sauce, further intensifying the tomato flavor. It also helps thicken the sauce. Look for a good quality tomato paste without any added sugars or preservatives.
- White Sugar: Sugar balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and adds sweetness to the sauce. You can also use brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor.
- White Vinegar: Vinegar provides a brightness to the sauce. It also acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of the sauce. Stick to plain white vinegar for this recipe because it’s the most neutral tasting.
- Honey: Honey adds sweetness and a subtle floral flavor to the sauce, complementing the other ingredients. It also helps thicken the sauce and gives it a glossy finish. Use natural, unprocessed honey for the best results.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This savory condiment adds complexity and depth to the sauce with its unique blend of ingredients like anchovies, garlic, and vinegar. It also provides an umami flavor and a hint of tanginess. Look for a high-quality Worcestershire sauce without any artificial additives.
The Flavor
- Guinness Draught: The star Guinness BBQ Sauce ingredient! Guinness adds richness, depth, and a distinct malty flavor to the sauce. It’s also what sets this BBQ sauce apart and gives it that unique Irish twist. Use Guinness Draught for its smooth texture and roasted barley notes.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds flavor and aroma to the sauce without the need for fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder contributes flavor and depth to the sauce.
- Orange zest and juice: This adds brightness and a citrusy note to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients. The sweetness of orange provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stout and tanginess of the BBQ. Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best flavor.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, furthermore giving the sauce its desired consistency. It helps bind the ingredients together and prevents the sauce from being too runny. Mix it with a splash of water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper
How to Make BBQ Sauce with Guinness Stout Beer
Add all ingredients into a medium saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat and bring to a low rolling boil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, pull off, let the sauce cool and use as needed. Refrigerate the rest for up to 1 week.
Tips
- If you like your BBQ sauce a little thinner, then leave out the cornstarch slurry (or use less of it).
- Make a double batch so you have plenty for your favorite recipes.
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How to Store Leftovers & Reheat
Store in glass bottles or a storage jar for up to 1 week. If you don’t use it all, add it to a freezer bag and freeze for 1-2 months.
Reheat on the stove top over medium heat.
How to Use Guinness Sauce
The best way to use the Ultimate Guinness BBQ Sauce is combining it with the right protein. I like to add it onto some smoked chicken right after it is done cooking. Smoked chicken wings, legs, or whole are a great protein for showing off the malty, sweet flavor. Throw the chicken back on the grill to caramelize over the fire for a smoky BBQ crust.
Another fun way to use sauce is on pork ribs. Add it at the end of the ribs recipe to liven up the flavor, and you are in hog heaven. It is a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce that truly enhances any meat. This recipe also makes the perfect dipping sauce for fries, meatballs, chicken tenders, pigs in a blanket, smoked pork burnt ends, or anything else you like!
Guinness BBQ Sauce Recipe FAQs
Yep, you can definitely switch it up! While Guinness gives it that unique flavor, feel free to try out different beers to match your taste buds. Stout or porter can keep that rich vibe, while a lighter beer can tone it down a bit.
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but since Guinness has barley, it’s not totally gluten-free. If you need it to be, swap out the Guinness for a gluten-free beer.
Adjust the sugar or honey to your liking. More for a sweeter sauce, less for a tangier one. Alternatively, add some chili powder or hot sauce if you want to bring the heat. Start slow and taste as you go.
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Ultimate Guinness BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Tomatoes purred
- 8 oz can of Tomato Paste
- ¼ cup of White Sugar
- 2 tbsp of White Vinegar
- 2 tbsp of Honey
- 1 tbsp of Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Can of Guinness Draught
- 1.5 tbsp of Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp of Onion Powder
- ½ of an Orange zested & juiced
- 1 tbsp of Cornstarch + splash of water mixed
- Salt & Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a skillet over medium-low heat and bring to a boil. Cook for 8-10 minutes stirring occasionally. Pull off, let cool and use as needed. Refrigerate the rest for up to 1 week.
I personally love this sauce on these Guinness BBQ Ribs. They cook low and slow and fall off the bone with so much flavor.