Should I use fresh or canned pineapple in this barbecue sauce recipe?

Either one works, just be sure if using fresh pineapple that you blend or chop it finely so it resembles a crushed pineapple texture.

Can I make this tangy sauce spicier?

The optional red pepper flakes add a hint of spice to this tangy barbecue sauce. For a spicier experience, add your favorite hot sauce, cayenne pepper or hot paprika.

What can I serve with this homemade barbecue sauce?

For pescatarians, grilled salmon, shrimp or tuna offer a perfect combination for this fresh and tangy barbecue sauce. For non-pescatarians, chicken wings, chicken thighs, boneless pork chops, beef brisket, pork steaks, chicken breasts or your favorite burgers would all offer a lovely excuse to break out your next level BBQ sauce. This is the perfect sauce to keep on hand throughout grilling season. And if you own an indoor grill pan, that season lasts all year round!

Asian BBQ Sauce variation:

One variation I make with this sauce is to add 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger (minced) and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the BBQ mixture. These additional ingredients add a delicious, fresh Asian flavor the sauce.

Troubleshooting the Sauce:

This pineapple bbq sauce recipe is nearly indestructible, but I wanted to include some options for making adjustments. If your sauce is thicker than you'd like to see, add a few more tablespoons of pineapple juice and let the sauce come back up to a simmer. If the sauce is too thin, make an additional cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon pineapple juice) add to the saucepan and bring up to a simmer.

How to store this leftover pineapple BBQ sauce?

To store, transfer to airtight container or mason jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat, then brush on your favorite protein.

Pineapple Barbecue Sauce Recipe with Salmon Skewers

Ingredients

Scale

For the sauce:

1 cup pineapple juice, divided

1 cup crushed pineapple

3/4 cup ketchup

1/3 cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire

1 tablespoon dehydrated onion

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

For BBQ salmon skewers:

1 pound salmon fillets, cut into 1 ounce squares

16-20 pineapple chunks

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

To make the pineapple barbecue sauce, remove 2 tablespoons of the pineapple juice and set aside. Then combine the rest of the pineapple juice along with crushed pineapple, ketchup, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dehydrated onion, ground mustard, black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using) in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until thickened and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Now, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir to combine. Then add to the simmering barbecue sauce. Stir to combine and allow to cook for another minutes. Remove from heat.
For the salmon skewers, alternate a square of salmon and a pineapple chunk on skewers. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle salmon pieces with salt and pepper. Heat grill or grill pan over medium high heat.
Add skewers to pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with pineapple BBQ sauce as you turn the skewer.
Remove, top with additional sauce, and serve.

Notes

Salmon can be substituted by any other seafood or meat.

Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 20
Category: sauce
Method: stovetop
Cuisine: American, southern