Blue Moon Hickory Barbecue Sauce Recipe

I am so happy it is warming up and just dying to get to work cooking out on the grill. I decided to try a different Barbecue sauce than the typical Sweet and Zesty Garlic Barbecue Sauce we do so often. Having really no experience with beer and wanting to give and easy hickory barbecue sauce recipe a try I messaged my best friend for some help.

As always her recommendation was just perfect. She suggested a yellow bear like Blue Moon so I had my husband grab some when he hit Meijer for the $2.49 a pound Angus ground chuck.

This Blue Moon Hickory Barbecue Sauce Turned out to have an amazing flavor with just the right amount of tang. This Barbecue sauce is a bit thin but thickens well out on the grill or when cooking.

We used it with a batch of grilled chicken and to top one of our bison burgers. This barbecue sauce would go really well on a mushroom and onion burger.

What you need to make the Blue Moon Barbecue Sauce

:: 1 cup Blue Moon beer

:: 1 cup red wine vinegar

:: 9 tablespoons ketchup

:: 4 tablespoons brown sugar

:: 1 tablespoon onion powder

:: 1 tablespoon garlic powder

:: 1/2 tablespoon Smoked paprika

:: 1 teaspoon salt

:: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

:: 1 tablespoon liquid hickory smoke

Blue Moon Hickory Barbecue Sauce

:: Mix everything in a large saucepan.

:: Bring to a simmer on the stove stirring consistently for 8-10 minutes. For a slightly thicker sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes.

I love an easy homemade barbecue sauce recipe packed with flavor so we have been trying some Amazing Barbecue Sauce Recipes lately and are really enjoying trying fun new flavors.  If you are like us and want to try this recipe and no one in the house drinks beer you can use leftover beer for your garden so nothing goes to waste.

How to store Blue Moon Barbecue Sauce

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container. This sauce has the best flavor heated. When storing food cooked with this sauce keep it in an air-tight container to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Why you should try beer in your BBQ sauce in recipes like this

Beer can be a flavorful and versatile ingredient in barbecue sauce. When used in moderation, it can contribute several elements to the sauce:

Flavor Enhancement: Beer can add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the sauce. Depending on the type of beer used, it can introduce malty, hoppy, or even fruity notes.

Sweetness: Many beers, especially those with malt-forward profiles, have a natural sweetness. This can complement the sweetness from sugars or other ingredients in the barbecue sauce.

Caramelization and Maillard Reaction: When the sauce is cooked, the sugars in the beer can caramelize, creating a rich, slightly sweet, and complex flavor. This process also contributes to the sauce’s color.

Acidity: Some beers, particularly those with higher hop content, can introduce a subtle acidic tang to the sauce. This can balance out the sweetness and add brightness to the overall flavor. This Blue Moon makes a great flavor base that is not too acidic.

Moisture and Consistency: The liquid content of beer helps maintain the desired consistency of the sauce. It prevents it from becoming too thick or too dry during the cooking process.

Tenderizing and Marinating: Beer, with its natural enzymes, can be used as a marinade for meats before grilling. It can help tenderize tougher cuts and infuse them with flavor.

Deglazing and Flavor Extraction: When used in cooking, beer can be used to deglaze the pan, which means it helps loosen and incorporate flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan into the sauce. I love that alcohol cooks out leaving behind only the flavor profile.

Personalized Taste: Depending on the specific type of beer used (lager, stout, ale, etc.), you can customize the sauce to suit your personal taste preferences. Try playing with different beers to see what fun flavor combinations you can build.