Sweet and Tangy Peach Grilling Sauce Recipe (4 Servings)

Perfect for grilled chicken, pork chops, or as a dipping sauce

Key Takeaways:

• Ready in 30 minutes using fresh or preserved peaches
• Makes 2 cups of sauce – perfect for 4 servings
• Stays fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator
• Works with both grilled meats and vegetable sides

Why Make Homemade Peach Grilling Sauce?

Nothing beats the flavor of homemade peach grilling sauce. Store-bought versions often lack the bright, fresh taste of real peaches. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for your next cookout. If you enjoy making your own sauces, check out my complete guide to BBQ and grilling sauces for more inspiration.

Nutrition Information (Per 1/2 Cup Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120
Sugar	22g
Sodium	280mg
Carbohydrates	28g
Protein	1g
Fat	0g

Equipment & Ingredients

Kitchen Tools

• Medium saucepan (3-quart size recommended)
• Measuring cups (both dry and liquid measures)
• Measuring spoons
• Large whisk
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Blender or food processor
• Sharp paring knife
• Cutting board
• Vegetable peeler
• Storage jar with lid (2-cup capacity)
• Small bowls for pre-measured ingredients
• Timer

Ingredients

Item	Amount
Ripe peaches, peeled and chopped	3 medium (about 1.5 pounds)
Ketchup	1 cup
Brown sugar	1/4 cup
Apple cider vinegar	2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce	1 tablespoon
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Chili flakes	1/4 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon

Substitutions

• Use peach preserves (3/4 cup) instead of fresh peaches
• Replace brown sugar with honey
• Swap apple cider vinegar with distilled vinegar
• For spicier sauce, add 1 minced jalapeño

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners

Before You Start (10 minutes)

1. Read Through Recipe
   • Read entire recipe twice
   • Check you have all ingredients
   • Ensure all tools are clean and ready
   • Clear counter space for working
2. Set Up Work Station
   • Place cutting board on stable surface
   • Set out all measuring tools
   • Get saucepan ready on counter
   • Place small bowls for pre-measured ingredients

Preparation Phase (15 minutes)

1. Prepare Peaches
   • Wash peaches under cool running water
   • Pat dry with clean kitchen towel
   • Using vegetable peeler:
     • Start at stem end
     • Peel in downward strips
     • Rotate peach as you go
     • Peel should come off in long strips
   • If peach is too soft for peeler:
     • Score X on bottom of peach
     • Boil water in separate pot
     • Dip peach for 30 seconds
     • Transfer to ice water
     • Skin will slip off easily
2. Chop Peaches
   • Cut peach in half around pit
   • Twist halves in opposite directions
   • Remove pit
   • Place halves cut-side down
   • Cut into 1-inch strips
   • Cut strips into 1-inch cubes
   • Should yield about 2 cups chopped
3. Measure Ingredients
   • Use proper measuring tools:
     • Dry measuring cups for sugar
     • Liquid measuring cup for ketchup
     • Measuring spoons for spices
   • Place each ingredient in separate small bowl
   • Double-check measurements

Cooking Process (25 minutes)

1. Start Cooking (5 minutes)
   • Place saucepan on stove
   • Turn heat to medium
   • Add chopped peaches
   • Add ketchup
   • Add brown sugar
   • Stir gently with wooden spoon until combined
2. Add Seasonings (5 minutes)
   • Keep heat at medium
   • Add garlic powder
   • Add onion powder
   • Add chili flakes
   • Add salt
   • Add Worcestershire sauce
   • Add apple cider vinegar
   • Stir after each addition
   • Mix thoroughly with whisk
3. Cook Sauce (15-20 minutes)
   • Watch for bubbles forming
   • When bubbles appear, reduce heat to low
   • Simmer means small bubbles, not rapid boiling
   • Stir every 3-4 minutes
   • Look for sauce to thicken slightly
   • Test thickness by:
     • Dip wooden spoon in sauce
     • Draw finger across back of spoon
     • Line should hold without sauce running
4. Final Steps (10 minutes)
   • Turn off heat
   • Remove pan from burner
   • Let cool 5 minutes
   • Transfer to blender:
     • Work in batches if needed
     • Fill blender only halfway
     • Remove center cap for steam
     • Cover with kitchen towel
   • Blend until smooth:
     • Start on low speed
     • Gradually increase to high
     • Blend 30-45 seconds
   • Check consistency:
     • Should be like thick ketchup
     • If too thick, add 1 tablespoon water
     • If too thin, return to pan and simmer
5. Storage Preparation
   • Let sauce cool completely
   • Pour into clean storage jar
   • Leave 1/2 inch space at top
   • Wipe jar rim clean
   • Seal tightly with lid
   • Label with date

Troubleshooting

• Sauce too thick: Add 1-2 tablespoons water or orange juice, stir well
• Sauce too thin: Return to heat, simmer additional 5-10 minutes
• Too sweet: Add 1 teaspoon vinegar at a time, taste between additions
• Too tangy: Mix in 1 tablespoon brown sugar, heat until dissolved
• Lumpy after blending: Blend again for 30 seconds on high speed

Variations

1. Spicy Peach
   • Add 1 minced jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat)
   • Include 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2. Smoky Peach
   • Include 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
   • Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3. Bourbon Peach
   • Add 2 tablespoons bourbon
   • Increase cooking time by 5 minutes
4. Asian-Style
   • Include 1 tablespoon soy sauce
   • Add 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
   • Mix in 1 teaspoon sesame oil

This sauce pairs perfectly with my grilled butterflied whole chicken recipe for a complete summer meal.

Storage & Reheating

• Store in airtight container
• Keeps in refrigerator for 2 weeks
• Freeze for up to 3 months:
  • Use freezer-safe container
  • Leave 1-inch headspace
  • Label with date
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator
• Reheat safely:
  • Microwave: 30-second intervals, stir between
  • Stovetop: Low heat, stir frequently
  • Never reheat more than once

Safety Notes & Tips

• Always wash hands before starting
• Wash peaches thoroughly to remove any residue
• Use clean, sterilized jars for storage:
  • Wash in hot, soapy water
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Dry completely
• Keep refrigerated after opening
• Check for signs of spoilage:
  • Unusual odor
  • Mold
  • Fermentation bubbles
  • Color changes
• Don’t double-dip when using as serving sauce
• Let cool completely before storing
• Use separate spoons for tasting and stirring

Beginner’s Tips:

• Prep all ingredients before turning on heat
• Set timer for each step
• Use thermometer to monitor heat
• If sauce spatters, lower heat
• Keep close eye on sauce while simmering
• Clean as you go to avoid mess

Remember: This sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t over-reduce while cooking. For best results, use ripe but firm peaches.