Quick Smoky Coffee BBQ Sauce – Perfect for Grilling and Dipping
Bring a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor to your grilled dishes with this easy-to-make barbecue sauce infused with coffee and chipotle heat. Ideal for chicken, pork ribs, or hamburgers, it doubles as a marinade or a dipping sauce. Pairs exceptionally well with roasted sweet potatoes for a full flavor experience.
🕒 Prep Time & Portions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Makes: About 400 g of sauce
- Calories: Approx. 320 cal for the entire batch
📝 Ingredients
- 1 can (400 g) tomatoes
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp Tabasco Chipotle sauce (or substitute with chipotle hot sauce)
- 30 g sugar
- 40 ml apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- ½ tsp instant coffee powder
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp oil (olive or neutral oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the onion:
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté just until softened (about 2-3 minutes). - Add tomato paste:
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to meld flavors. - Add blended tomatoes and seasonings:
Blend the canned tomatoes into a smooth puree. Add to the pan along with smoked paprika, Tabasco Chipotle sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently over low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. - Strain the sauce:
Pass the sauce through a fine sieve or food mill to remove any solids for a silky finish. Return to the pan. - Add final flavorings:
Stir in sugar, instant coffee, and cinnamon. Continue simmering for 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. Taste and adjust salt or vinegar as needed. - Storage:
Cool the sauce and store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to two weeks.
💡 Tips & Variations
- For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of Tabasco Chipotle or omit the coffee.
- Add a splash of whiskey or bourbon for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Use fresh chipotle peppers in adobo sauce if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- If you don’t have instant coffee, finely ground espresso or strong brewed coffee can work, but add less liquid accordingly.
- Great as a glaze for grilled vegetables or as a condiment for sandwiches and burgers.
🧾 Final Thoughts
This quick smoky coffee BBQ sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to any grilling session. The unique combination of smoked paprika, chipotle heat, and the subtle bitterness of coffee creates a complex yet balanced sauce that elevates simple meats and sides alike. Easy to prepare and store, it’s perfect for both everyday meals and special cookouts.