A sweet and spicy sauce brings a fresh twist to your favorite grilled dishes, combining ripe strawberries with a smoky kick. It's easy to make and perfect for adding a burst of flavor to burgers, chicken, or ribs.
Prep Time10 min
Cook Time35 min
Total Time45 min
Difficulty
Medium
Tips For Perfect Results
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness.
Simmer the sauce gently to allow the flavors to meld without burning the sugar.
Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili depending on your preference.
Ingredients
0/10
What Makes This Recipe Unique
This sauce combines the sweetness of strawberries with a spicy kick, creating a unique flavor that brightens up any grilled dish. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a balance of fruity and smoky tastes in their meals.
Step 1
Whisk together the strawberry preserves, tomato puree, vinegar, sugar, chili powder, red pepper flakes, cumin, cayenne, and black pepper in a medium pot. Give everything a good whisk to smooth out any lumps.
Step 2
Place the pot over medium-low heat and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. Keep it there, stirring often, so it thickens nicely and becomes glossy—this should take about 30 minutes. Be careful not to let it stick or burn on the bottom.
Step 3
Taste the sauce and add kosher salt to your liking. Once it’s seasoned just right, take the pot off the heat and let the sauce cool down.
Step 4
When it’s cool, pour it into a quart-sized container with a tight-fitting lid, and you’re all set!
193
people cooked this recipe
ByMichael Davis
Michael enjoys creating straightforward meals that are easy to prepare at home.
Serving Recommendations
This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork ribs, or even as a dip for crispy fries. It can also be brushed onto burgers or used as a glaze for roasted vegetables to add a flavorful twist.
How To Save Leftovers
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small portions and thaw as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry preserves?
Fresh strawberries can be used, but you’ll need to cook and blend them with sugar to create a similar consistency before adding other ingredients.
How spicy is this sauce?
It has a noticeable heat from cayenne, chili powder, and red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice levels to your preference.
How long does this sauce keep in the refrigerator?
Stored in a sealed container, it should last up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of pomegranate-infused red wine vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
Is it necessary to simmer the sauce for 30 minutes?
Yes, simmering thickens the sauce and blends the flavors, giving it a glossy finish.
Can I freeze the sauce for later use?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What dishes pair well with this sauce?
It’s great on grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.
Can I make this sauce less sweet?
You can reduce the brown sugar amount or choose a less sweet strawberry preserve to adjust sweetness.
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