Brown Sugar Anise Barbecue Sauce

FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE, CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD, & GRILLED DISHES 

Mildly sweet and redolent of licorice-like ground anise, this sauce seems both familiar and mysterious at the same time. It’s terrific on barbecued beef short ribs or even a grilled burger—beef or bison.

Brown Sugar Anise Barbecue Sauce is a flavorful and distinctive sauce that brings together a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and aromatic notes. This sauce features a combination of ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, anise, and other complementary flavors to create a truly unique barbecue experience.

The sauce starts with a base of ketchup, providing a rich and tomatoey foundation. The addition of brown sugar adds sweetness and depth, while minced fresh cilantro contributes a hint of freshness and herbal brightness. The use of cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce brings a balanced tanginess to the sauce, enhancing its overall complexity.

One of the standout elements of this barbecue sauce is the ground anise, which imparts a distinct licorice-like flavor and aroma. This aromatic spice adds a unique twist to the traditional barbecue sauce profile, making it a memorable and intriguing option for your grilled or smoked dishes.

The combination of garlic, cumin, and hot pepper sauce adds layers of savory and spicy notes, rounding out the flavor profile and providing a satisfying balance. This sauce offers a touch of heat from the hot pepper sauce, which can be adjusted to your desired level of spiciness.

Whether brushed on meats during cooking or served as a dipping sauce, the Brown Sugar Anise Barbecue Sauce offers a flavor adventure that sets it apart from more common barbecue sauces. Its complexity and unique blend of ingredients make it a versatile condiment that can elevate a wide range of grilled or smoked dishes, from ribs and brisket to chicken and vegetables. This sauce is sure to add a new dimension of flavor to your barbecue creations and impress your guests with its distinctive taste.

MAKES: ABOUT 2 CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ cups ketchup
• 1 cup water
• ¾ cup cider vinegar
• ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground anise
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt or coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce or other hot pepper sauce
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium-size saucepan, mix all of the ingredients.
2. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and reduces by about one-third. This usually takes about 35 to 40 minutes.
4. Once the sauce has thickened and reduced, remove the saucepan from the heat.
5. Serve the sauce warm, either on top of the meat or alongside it.
6. Any leftover sauce can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks. Just remember to reheat it before serving to bring back its full flavors.

VARIATIONS:

• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a spicier barbecue sauce, increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust the heat level to your taste.
• Citrus Zest: Add a burst of citrus flavor by incorporating the zest of a lemon, lime, or orange. The citrusy notes will add a refreshing twist to the sauce.
• Smoky Depth: Enhance the smoky flavors of your grilled or smoked dishes by adding a touch of liquid smoke to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
• Molasses Depth: Substitute some or all of the brown sugar with molasses for a deeper and richer sweetness. Molasses can add complexity and depth to the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs to infuse the sauce with additional flavors. For instance, try adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme during the simmering process for an herbal twist.
• Fruit Twist: Introduce a fruity element by incorporating a small amount of fruit preserves or puree, such as apricot or peach. This can add a touch of sweetness and a unique fruity undertone.
• Smoky Anise: If you love smoky flavors, consider using smoked paprika or ground chipotle powder in place of or in addition to the ground anise. This will add a smoky dimension to the sauce’s profile.
• Ginger Spice: Incorporate a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for a warm and slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with the anise and other ingredients.