Orange Maple Barbecue Sauce

Infuse your barbecue creations with a tantalizing twist by whipping up this homemade Orange Maple Barbecue Sauce! Bursting with fresh orange juice and zesty orange peel, this sauce pairs the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup with the tangy kick of apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. A blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders adds a robust, smoky depth, while a hint of cayenne pepper delivers optional heat for spice lovers. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile sauce is perfectly thickened to glaze grilled meats, elevate roasted vegetables, or serve as a crowd-pleasing dip. Whether you’re firing up the grill or meal-prepping marinades, this fruity, smoky barbecue sauce is sure to take your dishes to the next level!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 0.5 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup ketchup
• 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar.

Step 2

Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk the ingredients together until fully combined.

Step 3

Add the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to incorporate all the spices.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Step 5

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a touch of maple syrup for additional sweetness.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. For a smoother texture, you can blend it using an immersion blender or standard blender if desired.

Step 7

Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Step 8

Use the Orange Maple Barbecue Sauce as a glaze for grilled meats, a dip for roasted vegetables, or a marinade for your favorite dishes!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	717.2 grams (717.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	840

Total Fat 7.70g	10%
Saturated Fat 0.20g	1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2878mg	125%
Total Carbohydrate 196.30g	71%
Dietary Fiber 4.00g	14%
Total Sugars 169.20g
Protein 3.70g	7%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 60mg	5%
Iron 2mg	11%
Potassium 684mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 8.0%

Protein: 1.7%

Carbs: 90.3%