Seafood BBQ Basting Sauce Recipe
Description
This delightful Seafood BBQ Basting Sauce is a perfect companion for your next barbecue session. It is an excellent choice for basting prawns or fish, adding a delectable Asian-inspired flavor that enhances the natural taste of the seafood. This versatile sauce has also been successfully used on chicken, making it a multipurpose addition to your grilling repertoire. The recipe yields enough sauce to generously baste kebobs for 8 servings or an equivalent number of fish portions, depending on the size of your servings.
Recipe Details
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Recipe Category: Sauces
- Keywords: Asian, < 15 Mins, Easy
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons sherry wine
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon English mustard
- 2 tablespoons Chinese mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 210.4 kcal
- Fat: 15.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.8 g
- Cholesterol: 30.5 mg
- Sodium: 504.6 mg
- Carbohydrates: 14.1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Sugar: 12.5 g
- Protein: 1.1 g
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the butter, sherry wine, soy sauce, cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, English mustard, Chinese mustard, and honey.
- Heat and Melt: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture until the butter has melted completely and the mixture becomes bubbly, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk Smooth: Once the mixture is heated through and bubbly, remove it from the heat. Whisk the sauce until smooth.
- Cool and Set Aside: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, set it aside until you are ready to use it for basting.
Culinary Tips for Seafood BBQ Basting Sauce
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Ingredient Substitutions:
- If you don’t have sherry wine, you can substitute it with a dry white wine or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a similar acidic profile.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free, or use tamari as a substitute.
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Storage:
- This basting sauce can be prepared ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- If the sauce solidifies due to the butter content, gently reheat it over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
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Application:
- Use a basting brush to apply the sauce evenly over your seafood or chicken while grilling.
- For best results, baste your food several times during cooking to build up a rich, flavorful glaze.
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Flavor Enhancements:
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while heating.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving can add a bright, tangy finish to your grilled seafood.
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Pairing Suggestions:
- This sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus.
- Serve your basting-sauce-coated seafood with a side of jasmine rice or a fresh Asian-inspired salad for a complete meal.
User Reviews and Feedback
With an aggregated rating of 5 stars from 2 reviews, this Seafood BBQ Basting Sauce has been well-received by those who have tried it. Users have praised its versatility and the balance of flavors, noting that it adds a gourmet touch to their grilled dishes with minimal effort.
Culinary Context and Inspiration
This Seafood BBQ Basting Sauce draws inspiration from Asian cuisine, incorporating ingredients such as soy sauce, fresh ginger, and a blend of mustards to create a sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet with a hint of spice. The use of brown sugar and honey adds a caramelized glaze to the seafood, while the sherry wine and cider vinegar contribute a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the butter.
Cooking and Grilling Insights
Grilling seafood can be a delicate process, as overcooking can easily lead to dry, rubbery results. This basting sauce helps maintain moisture in the seafood while imparting layers of flavor. Here are some additional tips for grilling seafood:
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Preheat the Grill:
- Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the seafood. A hot grill will help sear the outside quickly, locking in moisture.
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Oil the Grill Grates:
- To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a high smoke point oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, before placing the seafood on the grill.
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Cook Time:
- Seafood cooks quickly. For prawns, grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. For fish fillets, grill for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
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Basting Technique:
- Begin basting the seafood halfway through the cooking process. Baste generously and frequently to build up the flavor and glaze.
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Resting Time:
- Allow the grilled seafood to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.
Conclusion
This Seafood BBQ Basting Sauce is a quick and easy recipe that promises to elevate your grilling game. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking to add a new favorite to your weeknight dinner rotation, this sauce delivers a burst of Asian-inspired flavors that complement a variety of proteins. Its ease of preparation and impressive taste make it a must-try for any home cook.
As you experiment with this sauce, feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Share your culinary creations and feedback, and let this versatile sauce become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the delicious results of your grilling adventures with this standout basting sauce!