This flavor-packed Homemade Dark Cherry BBQ sauce combines the natural sweetness of cherries and maple syrup with the welcoming warmth of the ginger, cinnamon, and rosemary.
For best results, prepare this recipe one or two days in advance. Although it can be enjoyed immediately, this sauce really comes into its own when the flavors are given time to fully develop.
Homemade Dark Cherry BBQ Sauce in the Instant Pot
A good BBQ sauce can make or break a dish. My personal favorite comes from a local BBQ joint. I’ve never been able to recreate it, but this recipe for homemade bbq sauce is pretty tasty, too. Slather it on ribs, pork, chicken and more.
This homemade dark cherry bbq sauce is phenomenal on our Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs! You should also try it on Instant Pot Pulled Pork, too. It’ll be amazing on sandwiches with a slide of creamy cole slaw. Speaking of which, I should get on that cole slaw, stat!
Dark Cherry BBQ Sauce
This flavor-packed homemade Dark Cherry BBQ sauce combines the natural sweetness of cherries and maple syrup with the welcoming warmth of the ginger, cinnamon, and rosemary.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium shallot finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
- 2 1/2 fresh or frozen dark cherries pitted
- 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies with liquid
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp fresh ginger finely minced
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 2 tsp liquid smoke
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Add olive oil to Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function on the high temperature setting. Add shallot and garlic and sauté until soft and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
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Turn Instant Pot off and add remaining ingredients, including the liquid from the tomatoes and the liquid smoke, if using. Stir to combine and season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
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Add lid and lock into place. Make sure the valve is set to the “Sealing” position and set the “Manual” setting to high for 10 minutes. After a brief pause, the Instant Pot will automatically start building pressure.
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When finished cooking, do a quick release (QR) of the pressure according to the manufacturer’s suggestions before unlocking and removing the lid.
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Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days.
Recipe Notes
For a thicker sauce, return to the Instant Pot and bring to a low boil using the “Sauté” function set to high. Heat, stirring frequently, until the excess liquid is reduced and the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
