Easy Barbacoa Sauce Recipe – Smoky, Tangy & Perfect for Any Dish
I have to say, the moment I tried making barbacoa sauce at home, it felt like a revelation in my kitchen. The tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors with the rich, smoky essence of Mexican chilies completely elevated my go-to dishes.
From grilled meats to roasted veggies, this sauce gives everything a flavorful Tex-Mex twist. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything in sight. Get the full step-by-step guide in our Barbacoa Beef Recipe.
Ingredients for Barbacoa Sauce Recipe
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons organic cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 2 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce)
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon mixed dried hot peppers (chipotle, ancho, mulato, guajillo, árbol)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional for thickening)
Note: This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Variations to Try
Barbacoa sauce is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily adapt it based on your needs and preferences:
- For a sugar-free version, swap cane sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia or a maple syrup alternative.
- Add extra chipotle peppers or cayenne for a spicier kick.
- Use coconut aminos instead of tamari to keep it gluten-free.
- Incorporate a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
- Blend roasted red peppers into the sauce for a smokier flavor.
For more easy weeknight meals, visit our dinner recipes section.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Small Saucepan: For simmering all the ingredients together.
- Blender: To create a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Whisk: Ensures the dry and liquid ingredients mix evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps keep ingredient quantities precise.
- Strainer (optional): To remove any chunks, if desired.
How to Make Barbacoa Sauce Recipe?
Making barbacoa sauce is a straightforward process that packs tremendous flavor. You’ll love how easily this sauce comes together in just a few steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Chilies
Start by rehydrating the dried hot peppers in hot water for about 5 minutes. Once softened, chop them into smaller pieces and set them aside. These chilies will add the signature smoky and slightly spicy touch to the sauce.
Step 2: Simmer the Base Ingredients
Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add water, tomato paste, cider vinegar, cane sugar, molasses, and tamari. Whisk the ingredients until the sugar dissolves and everything is evenly combined. Simmer the mixture gently for a minute or two to develop the base flavors.
Step 3: Add Spices and Peppers
Stir in the chopped peppers, ground mustard, granulated garlic, onion powder, and salt. Continue to whisk the mixture so the spices evenly distribute throughout the sauce. Simmer the sauce on low heat for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
Pour the simmered mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunky texture, skip this step and leave the sauce as is. Optional tip: for extra thickness, add xanthan gum while blending!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once blended to your liking, transfer the sauce to a glass jar or bowl. Allow it to cool slightly before using. The sauce is now ready to drizzle, dip, or toss into your favorite dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This barbacoa sauce has everything to make mealtime magic.
- Rich, authentic Tex-Mex flavors that are irresistibly smoky and tangy.
- Quick and simple to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Easily customizable for various dietary needs.
- Pairs beautifully with so many dishes beyond barbecue.
- Stores well, making it ideal for meal preps and future cravings.
How to Serve Barbacoa Sauce Recipe?
Barbacoa sauce is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Slather it over slow-cooked beef or pork for a classic pairing, or drizzle it on tacos for a spicy twist.
Use it as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables or brush it onto grilled chicken thighs for an instant flavor boost. Don’t forget to garnish it with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and brightness. Serve it warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving of barbacoa sauce:
- Calories: 40
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 1g
Make Ahead and Storage
Barbacoa sauce is a perfect make-ahead condiment that stays fresh for a long time. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight jar or container and refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. Rewarm it briefly on the stove or microwave before serving to bring back its vibrant flavors.
Planning to store it longer? This sauce is freezer-friendly! Pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and blend slightly if the texture separates during freezing.
Tips for Making the Recipe
From personal experience, here are a few tips to make the most out of your barbacoa sauce:
- Toast the dried peppers for 1–2 minutes before soaking to unlock more depth in flavor.
- For a smooth sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve after blending.
- If you like bolder tanginess, increase the amount of cider vinegar slightly.
- Always taste-test and adjust the seasoning as per your preference. Add more salt, sugar, or heat!
- Don’t skip the blending step if you’re looking for restaurant-quality smoothness.
Find the complete ingredients list in this Barbacoa Tacos Recipe.
What can I use instead of dried chilies?
If you can’t find dried chilies, use canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. They bring a similar smoky heat and are easily available in most grocery stores. You can also experiment with smoked paprika or chili powder as substitutes!
Barbacoa sauce is a recipe you’ll return to time and time again, thanks to its simplicity and bold, versatile flavor. Gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and elevate any dish into something truly special!
Barbacoa Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by rehydrating the dried hot peppers in hot water for about 5 minutes. Once softened, chop them into smaller pieces and set them aside. These chilies will add the signature smoky and slightly spicy touch to the sauce.
- Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add water, tomato paste, cider vinegar, cane sugar, molasses, and tamari. Whisk the ingredients until the sugar dissolves and everything is evenly combined. Simmer the mixture gently for a minute or two to develop the base flavors.
- Stir in the chopped peppers, ground mustard, granulated garlic, onion powder, and salt. Continue to whisk the mixture so the spices evenly distribute throughout the sauce. Simmer the sauce on low heat for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Pour the simmered mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunky texture, skip this step and leave the sauce as is. Optional tip: for extra thickness, add xanthan gum while blending!
- Once blended to your liking, transfer the sauce to a glass jar or bowl. Allow it to cool slightly before using. The sauce is now ready to drizzle, dip, or toss into your favorite dishes.