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Ginger-Mustard Barbecue Sauce

5.0

(1)

Photo of Ginger Ale Mustard Barbeque Sauce with Grilled Pork Spareribs
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Christopher Barsch

This barbecue sauce recipe combines bright ginger and sharp Dijon mustard; it's perfect for slathering on chicken thighs, a head of cauliflower, or pork spareribs. Ginger ale, honey, and granulated sugar create a trifecta of sweetness that is balanced by the spike of garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. One of the best attributes of this sauce—which is easily made with pantry ingredients—is its palpable zing that never dissipates, but rather remains impressively deep and complex.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    25 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes about 1½ cups

Ingredients

1 12-oz. bottle or can of ginger ale (such as Seagram's)
¼ cup yellow mustard
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 2" piece ginger, peeled, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
½ cup grated sweet onion
3 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
½ tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Preparation

  1. Whisk ginger ale, yellow mustard, and Dijon mustard in a medium saucepan to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; reduce heat to low and gently simmer 3 minutes. Whisk in ginger, garlic, onion, honey, sugar, salt, vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors have come together and sauce is very fragrant, 15–20 minutes. Let cool before using.

    Do ahead: Sauce can be made 2 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container; cover and chill.

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