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Mango-Habanero BBQ Sauce Recipe

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3.8 from 5 reviews

This Mango-Habanero BBQ Sauce combines the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes with the fiery heat of habanero peppers, balanced by tangy apple cider vinegar and a medley of spices. Perfect for adding a spicy-sweet kick to grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dipping sauce, this recipe simmers gently to meld flavors and finishes with a smooth texture for easy serving.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Base and Aromatics

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 habanero peppers, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped

Main Sauce Components

  • 2 cups chopped mango (can use 3 cups for stronger mango flavor)
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey

Spices and Sweeteners

  • 2 tablespoons spicy chili flakes
  • 1 tablespoon ground mustard
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and diced habanero peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped mango, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, chili flakes, ground mustard, smoked paprika, ground ginger, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir thoroughly to mix all the ingredients evenly.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  5. Blend to Smooth: Transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to process it until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add up to ½ cup of water, blending until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Serve or Store: Use the sauce immediately for the freshest flavor, or let it sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to deepen further. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Use gloves when handling habanero peppers to avoid skin irritation.
  • Adjust the number of habanero peppers to control the heat level of the sauce.
  • The sweetness of mango can be varied according to preference by adding more chopped mango.
  • For a smokier flavor, consider adding a small amount of liquid smoke.
  • This sauce can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for longer storage.