West African Barbecue Sauce

Bold, smoky, and infused with rich, nutty undertones, this West African Barbecue Sauce brings an irresistible fusion of flavors to your grilling repertoire. Made with creamy peanut butter, tangy tomato paste, and a vibrant medley of spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne, this easy-to-prepare sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Fresh aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onion elevate the flavor profile, while a touch of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar adds depth and complexity. Whether used as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce, this unique recipe promises to transform any dish into a West African-inspired masterpiece. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate homemade condiment for barbecues and beyond!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 5

Add the peanut butter, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Stir well to create a thick paste.

Step 6

Mix in the dark brown sugar, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 8

Allow the sauce to cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, sugar, or vinegar if needed.

Step 10

Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving or storing.

Step 11

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(631.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	895.6

Total Fat 60.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2728.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 83.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.1g	0%
Total Sugars 52.8g
Protein 23.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 206.2mg	0%
Iron 7.8mg	0%
Potassium 1836.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.0%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 34.3%