This robust “Badlands Bushwaker” sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fiery heat. The foundation is built on a rich tomato base sweetened with brown sugar and cider vinegar, then elevated with a splash of bourbon and fresh lemon juice. The star of the show is a custom spice blend featuring toasted whole spices, dried chilies, and a unique orange-habanero-chipotle infused oil. This sauce offers a deep, smoky flavor profile with a noticeable but manageable kick, making it ideal for brushing onto grilled meats in the final minutes of cooking or serving as a bold table condiment. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld into a cohesive, glossy sauce that adds character to any barbecue spread.
Uncle Shel Badlands Bushwaker Sauce
Description
This robust "Badlands Bushwaker" sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fiery heat. The foundation is built on a rich tomato base sweetened with brown sugar and cider vinegar, then elevated with a splash of bourbon and fresh lemon juice. The star of the show is a custom spice blend featuring toasted whole spices, dried chilies, and a unique orange-habanero-chipotle infused oil. This sauce offers a deep, smoky flavor profile with a noticeable but manageable kick, making it ideal for brushing onto grilled meats in the final minutes of cooking or serving as a bold table condiment.Ingredients
Directions
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Heat the orange-habanero-chipotle oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
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Add the chopped onion and saut&# 195;© until translucent.
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Add the minced garlic and reduce heat to medium, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in the tomato sauce and mix well to combine with the onion and garlic.
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Add the brown sugar, cider vinegar (both amounts), liquid smoke, honey, and lemon/lime juice one at a time, stirring after each addition until dissolved.
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In a spice grinder, combine the white peppercorns, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, dried chipotles, ancho chili, piquin pods, and whole garlic clove.
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Grind the spices until you achieve a medium-fine, somewhat grainy texture.
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Transfer the ground spice mix to a small bowl and stir in the ground habanero and paprika.
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Gradually add the spice mixture to the sauce, one teaspoon at a time, stirring well and tasting until you reach your desired heat and flavor level.
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Stir in the cayenne pepper (if using) and mix thoroughly.
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Pour in the bourbon and stir well.
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Simmer the sauce on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld.
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Remove from heat and let the sauce steep for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.0g0%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.0mg0%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.4g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.1g1%
- Sugars 0.3g
- Protein 0.0g0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
**Orange-Habanero-Chipotle Oil Preparation:** To make the infused oil, combine 3-4 dried chipotle peppers, 1 dried habanero, and 2-3 tablespoons minced dried orange peel with 2 cups of canola oil in a clean glass jar with a non-reactive lid. Let sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 days, shaking 2-3 times daily. Filter through a paper coffee filter into a clean jar. Store in the fridge for up to 6 months.
**Usage:** This is primarily a table sauce or a finishing glaze. If using as a glaze, brush lightly onto meat or chicken about 15 minutes before removing from the grill to prevent burning.
**Storage:** Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
**Heat Level:** The heat can be adjusted by varying the amount of spice blend added. Start with less if you prefer a milder sauce.
