Red-Eye Barbecue Sauce

Total Time:Prep: 30 min. Cook: 1 hour

By Taste Of Home Editorial Team

Recipe by Evan Haut

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Updated on Jun. 27, 2023

I made this recipe for an assignment in culinary school—my first time making barbecue sauce. I have to say, it was the best barbecue sauce I had in a long time! The hint of coffee livens up the sweet barbecue sauce perfectly. —Evan Haut, Canton, Ohio


Test Kitchen Tip
  • Harissa is a blend of chilies, garlic and spices from North Africa and the Middle East; look for it in the international foods section.
  • TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

    Red-Eye Barbecue Sauce

    Contest Winner
    Yield:4 cups
    Prep:30 min
    Cook:1 hour

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup butter
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 shallot, finely chopped
    • 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
    • 12 plum tomatoes, peeled, chopped and drained
    • 1/2 cup cider vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons instant coffee granules
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon harissa chili paste
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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    Directions

    1. In a Dutch oven, heat butter over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot; cook and stir until softened, 5-7 minutes. Add brown sugar. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, 15-17 minutes.
    2. Add remaining ingredients; simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Puree sauce using an immersion blender or cool slightly and puree in batches in a blender. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer. Return to pan; cook and stir until liquid is reduced by a third, 30-40 minutes.
    3. Refrigerate, covered, until serving. Serve with grilled meats.
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