It's barbecue season! (Which, let's be honest, should be all year!)
I've tried countless rubs (keep your dirty comments to yourself), experimented with different woods (shut up), and even dabbled in various marinades. But, creating a new barbecue sauce has always been on my mind. And surrounded by our Buff Boy coffee, my brain got to work.
The idea might sound a little out there, but trust me, the results are phenomenal. The coffee doesn't overpower the classic barbecue flavors; instead, it adds a subtle depth and complexity that will leave your mouth begging for more -- as with all Buff Boy concoctions! This time, it’s a smoky elixir with a hint of bitterness balanced by sweetness and spice.
Here's my recipe for a coffee-infused barbecue sauce that uses our Buff roasts.
Ingredients:
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons Buff Boy Brewing coffee, finely ground
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend it. Alternatively, you can strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the coffee grounds. I personally prefer leaving the fine grounds in for added texture and a slightly more intense coffee flavor.
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips and Variations:
Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chipotle powder for extra heat.
Sweeten it up: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter sauce.
Smoky flavor: Increase the amount of smoked paprika for a more pronounced smoky flavor.
Beer pairing: This sauce pairs perfectly with a dark beer, like a stout or porter.
This coffee-infused barbecue sauce is incredibly versatile. It's fantastic on ribs, chicken, pulled pork or even grilled vegetables. I've even used it as a dipping sauce for fries! (I'm thinking as a pizza sauce next.)