Frontier Trail BBQ Essence
Delve into the rich heritage of the West Texas trail with this Frontier Trail BBQ Essence, inspired by recipes from the 1870s. Perfected on the dusty trails alongside legendary chuck wagons, this sauce embodies a blend of sweet and spicy flavors with notes of fruit and spices. From enhancing hearty meats to adding a robust touch to poultry, this versatile sauce connects you to history with every mouthful.
4
Servings
113
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (small, finely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced or substitute with 2 tablespoons garlic powder)
sesame oil
1/4 cup (infused with star anise)
star anise
1 (steeped)
tomato paste
12 oz (canned)
apricot jam or wild west Texas plum jelly
1/2 cup (ready to use)
honey
1/4 cup (optional for sweetness)
cider or red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (measured)
lime juice
1 oz (freshly squeezed)
salt and pepper
dash (to taste)
sage
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (measured)
jalapeno pepper
1 (optional, chopped for heat)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, warm the sesame oil over low heat and steep the star anise for 5-10 minutes. Ensure not to fry the star anise, then remove it from the oil.
2
Increase to medium-high heat, add the finely chopped onion, and sauté until translucent.
3
Introduce the garlic or garlic powder, cooking until aromatic.
4
Mix in the tomato paste and vinegar, cooking for 2 minutes before lowering the heat to achieve a gentle simmer.
5
Stir continuously, incorporating the apricot jam or wild plum jelly. Keep stirring for even distribution.
6
Season with sage, salt, and pepper to your preference.
7
Add the desired amount of chili powder and the optional jalapeno for additional heat.
8
Sweeten with honey if you prefer a sweeter profile, then stir in the lime juice.
9
Let the sauce simmer, continuing to stir until reduced to your preferred consistency.
10
For a smooth texture, use a blender or immersion hand mixer to puree the mixture. Strain through a fine sieve if a commercial-style smooth finish is desired.
11
This sauce is exceptional for glazing wild fowl, pork, turkey, or chicken. The plum variation pairs well with beef, deer, or buffalo.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
17g
Carbs
1.75g
Protein
1g
Fiber
13.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Frontier Trail BBQ Essence?
This recipe is inspired by the rich heritage of the West Texas trail and recipes dating back to the 1870s, originally perfected alongside chuck wagons.
What flavor profile does this BBQ sauce have?
The sauce embodies a blend of sweet and spicy flavors with distinct notes of fruit and spices.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as taking less than 30 minutes to prepare.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of Frontier Trail BBQ Essence?
Each serving contains approximately 113 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate and sugar content?
Each serving contains 17g of carbohydrates and 13.5g of sugar.
How much protein and fiber is in the sauce?
The sauce provides 1.75g of protein and 1g of fiber per serving.
What kind of oil should I use to steep the star anise?
You should use 1/4 cup of sesame oil for steeping the star anise.
How do I prepare the star anise infusion?
Warm the sesame oil over low heat and steep one star anise for 5-10 minutes, ensuring it does not fry, then remove it from the oil.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can substitute 3 minced garlic cloves with 2 tablespoons of garlic powder.
What type of tomato base is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 12 oz can of tomato paste.
What fruit ingredients can be used for the sweet notes?
You can use 1/2 cup of apricot jam or wild West Texas plum jelly.
Which meats pair best with the plum jelly variation?
The plum variation is specifically noted to pair well with beef, deer, or buffalo.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
You can use 1/4 cup of either cider vinegar or red wine vinegar.
How do I add heat to the sauce?
You can add 1 tablespoon of chili powder and an optional chopped jalapeno pepper for additional heat.
What is the purpose of adding honey?
1/4 cup of honey is optional and used if you prefer a sweeter profile for the sauce.
When should the lime juice be added?
Stir in 1 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice after sweetening the sauce with honey.
How is the onion prepared for this sauce?
One small onion should be finely chopped and sautéed until translucent.
What herb is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried sage.
How do I achieve a commercial-style smooth finish?
Use a blender or immersion hand mixer to puree the mixture, then strain it through a fine sieve.
Is salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, a dash of salt and pepper is added to taste.
How long should the tomato paste and vinegar cook together?
They should be cooked for 2 minutes before lowering the heat to a gentle simmer.
What poultry is this sauce exceptional for glazing?
It is exceptional for glazing wild fowl, pork, turkey, or chicken.
How do I reach the preferred consistency for the sauce?
Let the sauce simmer while continuing to stir until it reduces to your desired thickness.
What should I do after adding the garlic?
Cook the garlic until it becomes aromatic before introducing the tomato paste and vinegar.
Should the jam or jelly be stirred in constantly?
Yes, stir continuously while incorporating the jam or jelly to ensure even distribution.
Is the jalapeno pepper mandatory?
No, the jalapeno pepper is optional and only used if you want extra heat.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include bbq sauce, west texas, chuck wagon, heritage recipe, sweet and spicy, and glaze.
Can I use an immersion blender for this recipe?
Yes, an immersion hand mixer can be used to puree the mixture for a smooth texture.