Uncle Shels Badlands Bushwaker Sauce is a robust, international-style condiment that balances sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. It features a homemade infused oil of orange, habanero, and chipotle, providing a deep aromatic base. The sauce combines tomato, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and bourbon for a rich, tangy profile, while a freshly ground spice blend of peppercorns, cumin, fennel, and dried chilies adds texture and heat. This sauce is perfect as a table condiment for grilled meats or smoked dishes. It offers a complex flavor experience that melds beautifully after steeping, making it an excellent addition to your barbecue repertoire.
Uncle Shels Badlands Bushwaker Sauce
Description
Uncle Shels Badlands Bushwaker Sauce is a robust, international-style condiment that balances sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. It features a homemade infused oil of orange, habanero, and chipotle, providing a deep aromatic base. The sauce combines tomato, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and bourbon for a rich, tangy profile, while a freshly ground spice blend of peppercorns, cumin, fennel, and dried chilies adds texture and heat. This sauce is perfect as a table condiment for grilled meats or smoked dishes.Ingredients
Directions
-
Prepare the Orange-habanero-chipotle oil by combining 3-4 dried chipotle peppers, 1 dried habanero, and 2-3 tablespoons of minced dried orange peel in a spice mill. Grind the dry ingredients until fine.
-
Combine the ground spice mix with 2 cups of canola oil in a clean glass jar with a non-reactive lid. Let the mixture sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 days, shaking the jar 2-3 times per day.
-
Filter the infused oil through a paper coffee filter into a clean glass jar. Store in the fridge for up to 6 months.
-
In a spice grinder, combine 1 teaspoon white peppercorns, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1/8 teaspoon fennel seeds, 4 small dried chipotles, 1 stemmed ancho pepper, 20 chilpectin or wild piquin pods, and 1 clove garlic. Grind until medium-fine and somewhat grainy.
-
Add 1/4 teaspoon ground dried habanero and 2 teaspoons Hungarian paprika to the ground spice mixture and blend together.
-
Heat 1 tablespoon of the Orange-habanero-chipotle oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
-
Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
-
Add 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
-
Stir in 32 oz tomato sauce, ensuring it mixes well with the aromatics.
-
Add 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1/4 cup liquid smoke, 2 teaspoons honey, and 3 tablespoons bourbon. Stir well after adding each ingredient.
-
Stir the prepared spice mixture into the sauce 1 teaspoon at a time, tasting to achieve your desired heat and flavor level (typically 4-5 teaspoons).
-
If desired, add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat and stir.
-
Let the sauce heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Turn off the heat and add 2 teaspoons lemon or lime juice.
-
Let the sauce steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- 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
This sauce is best served as a hot table sauce. While it can be brushed onto meat or chicken about 15 minutes before removing from the grill, it is not intended as a primary marinade or cooking sauce due to its sugar content which may burn.
When filtering the infused oil, be patient as it may take some time to pass through the paper coffee filter completely.
The spice blend can be adjusted to taste. Start with less if you prefer milder heat, especially when using wild piquin or habanero peppers.
