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Home » Recipes » Sauces and Spice Mixes

Homemade Plum BBQ Sauce

Published: Apr 29, 2023 · Modified: Jul 14, 2023 by Debra Clark · 63 Comments

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Plum BBQ Sauce is the star of this meal. Sweet and just a little spicy it's tangy, tasty, easy to make and perfect with pork, chicken, fish or seafood!

If you love a great sauce on your bbq, be sure to try the Alabama white sauce recipe next, it's perfect for dunking!

Plumb BBQ Sauce in cast iron skillet on grill with kabobs
Veggie Kabob with Plumb BBQ Sauce

Plumb BBQ Sauce

Are you planning a cookout this week?. I know we've been doing a ton of grilling!

If you are too, I have the perfect easy and deliciously tasty sauce for you to mop all over your grilling goodies, Plumb BBQ Sauce!

I find when I'm working with food, I will cook what's in season (that's good!) but then because I'm focusing on that one ingredient, I present several recipes using that ingredient.

Bad? Not sure - you guys tell me! If you get tired of something, don't be afraid to let me know ok? I think earlier this season I must have posted 4 recipes using corn, then strawberries, etc.

Now I've moved onto sweet bell peppers. You know the ones you buy at the store in a bag and there's 12-15 in a bag? It's kinda hard to use them all up, but I hate throwing food away.

Here's what I always say....it can go to waist...but not to waste! 😀  I've put the bell peppers in salads, made sweet pickled peppers and I'm working on an amazing appetizer too. Yum!!

BBQ Sauce in skillet on grill with spoon.
This sauce is super easy to make and you can cook it on the grill.

Plum BBQ Sauce Recipe

Along with those peppers came a pile of plums. They were plump and so sweet. I got a large bag of them at the farmers market and decided to make sauce with them.

You'll love this recipe - it's not your ordinary sauce! AND it's 100 times better than what you get in a bottle.

Using ordinary ingredients that you have on hand, this comes together in a snap! No need to heat up the house either, you can cook it right on the grill.

Ingredients

  • plums
  • catsup
  • brown sugar
  • apple cider vinegar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • salt
  • pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • garlic powder
Veggie Kabobs
Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

I wanted to make kabobs with just peppers....but there wasn't quite enough so I added some zucchini and red onion, but of course use your favorite vegetables.

The true star of this blog is the Plum BBQ Sauce. Sweet and just a little spicy it's perfect for an easy kabob!

Plum BBQ Sauce in skillet with spoon.
What's your favorite kabob?

Plum Barbecue Sauce

Do I need to peel the plums?

Not at all, peeling the plums is not necessary. Just remove the pits and give the plums a rough chop.

I don't have plums, can I substitute another fruit?

Absolutely! Actually, you can use almost any fruit! I would recommend peaches, nectarines or apricots. Strawberries or even blackberries would also be delicious!

If you do substitute another fruit like peaches, nectarines or apricots I wouldn't worry about peeling those either.

What is barbeque sauce made of?

Many barbecue sauces are tomato based and get their tangy from vinegar and spices

Is BBQ sauce unhealthy?

Because many are loaded with sugar and preservatives they sure can be. Making your own sauce helps you control the ingredients.

Instructions

  1. Clean the plum, slice in half remove the pit. 
  2. Give them a rough chop.
  3. Add the plums and remaining ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. 
  4. Pour into a small skillet or pan and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes stirring frequently to avoid burning.

It is so delicious and super simple! All of the ingredients went into the blender and it was processed until smooth and then poured it into a small cast iron skillet and it cooked and reduced right on the grill.

While the kabobs grilled, I basted them with the sauce. The sauce bubbled away cooked and reduced. I kept stirring it while it was bubbly and hot. (Of course if you don't want to use the grill you can certainly reduce the sauce on the stove top, it would only take about 10 minutes.)

Serve with

  • Tri Tip - slather it on at the end - so tasty!
  • Lamb Chops would be perfect!
  • Shrimp Kabobs - sweet shrimp and this sweet, tangy sauce? YUM!
  • Chicken Kabobs - delicious!

Side Dishes to pair with this meal!

If you're grilling up a protein, I'd recommend some Corn on the Cob and a great pasta salad, like my Bow Tie Pasta Salt, Macaroni Pasta Salad or Southern Style Ham Pasta Salad - wouldn't that be delicious?

For dessert consider serving Grandma Darnell's Blueberry Cobbler or my Mom's recipe for Rhubarb Pie - YUM!!!

More great spice mixes and sauces

  • Chicken Seasoning Blend - this is THE perfect spice mix for chicken. It's perfect for your bbq!
  • Smashburger Sauce Recipe - this makes every burger better!
  • Huli Huli Sauce - so good on chicken, shrimp or pork, this tangy, slightly spicy sauce is such a hit.
  • Montreal Steak Seasoning - I think this is the most versatile spice blend. Make your own, it's a TON better.
Easy Plumb BBQ Sauce
What can be easier than Veggie Kabobs with Plumb BBQ Sauce you make right on the grill. Simple and so flavorful!

See it just bubbling away? Awesome flavor from the sweet plums with just a hint of spice. It's over the top delicious!

Plumb bbq sauce in cast iron skillet on grill.
5 from 28 votes

Homemade Plum BBQ Sauce

Plum BBQ Sauce is the star of this meal. Sweet and just a little spicy it's perfect for your favorite kabob!
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Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Vegetarian and Vegan
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2
Calories: 230kcal
Author: Deb Clark

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped plums 2-3 plums depending upon the size
  • ⅓ cup catsup
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce vegan
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Veggies of choice for the kabob

Instructions

  • There is no need to peel the plums. Add all of the ingredients to your blender or food processor. Process until smooth.
  •  If reducing on the grill, pour into a small cast iron skillet and reduce the sauce. You'll need to stir it frequently so it doesn't burn. If reducing on the stove, place in a small sauce pan over medium heat and reduce stirring frequently. This takes about 10 minutes, either on the grill or stovetop. 
  • Choose your veggies and prepare the skewers. After cleaning the vegetables, thread them onto the skewer, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 
  • Grill about 3 minutes each side, mop with sauce, flip & repeat until the vegetables are cooked.

Notes

Pollo tropical cilantro garlic sauce makes a great dip for the veggie kabobs!

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 989mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 565IU | Vitamin C: 9.5mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 0.7mg

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    8.1K shares

    About Debra Clark

    Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Comments

      5 from 28 votes (18 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Tanya Griffiths says

      August 28, 2025 at 1:30 pm

      Since I used this receipe I only do this receipe it’s the bomb baby , everyone is amazed it’s from plums but darn is it good!!:):) Thanks for receipe

      Reply
      • Debra Clark says

        August 28, 2025 at 6:13 pm

        That's awesome Tanya, thanks for sharing! I'm glad you're enjoying the recipe!!!

        Reply
    2. Susan says

      July 27, 2025 at 5:00 pm

      5 stars
      Very tasty. I add 1/3 cup honey and its great.

      Reply
      • Debra Clark says

        July 28, 2025 at 7:43 am

        Oooh, what a wonderful addition Susan, I'm going to try that asap, I have some plums in the fridge right now. Thank you for sharing!!

        Reply
    3. Toni Storie says

      July 15, 2025 at 9:49 am

      5 stars
      It was so delicious, with just the right amount of heat! I'm going to can some so that I can have it when my plums are out of season!

      Reply
      • Debra Clark says

        July 15, 2025 at 4:25 pm

        That's awesome Toni, thank you for sharing!! I have frozen it, but never canned it. I'd love to hear how that turns out for you!!

        Reply
    4. Trish Vanbocquestal says

      September 01, 2024 at 8:51 am

      Is it 1 cup chopped plums then add to food processor
      Or 1 cup pureed plums

      Reply
      • Debra Clark says

        September 01, 2024 at 9:07 am

        It's one cup chopped plums. Enjoy the recipe Trish!

        Reply
    5. Tania says

      September 22, 2023 at 9:57 am

      Can you use frozen plums

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        September 26, 2023 at 6:15 pm

        I've never used frozen plums. If you do try it with frozen, thaw them first and drain the excess water.

        Reply
    6. Niccole Van Peursem says

      June 03, 2023 at 2:52 pm

      I was so excited to make this but my store didn't have any plums. I used 2C frozen dark cherries and 2C fresh peaches. It turned out amazing, even my 4yo thought so. We'll be making it again when I see plums but also with the cherry/peach combo.

      Reply
    7. kerry Sorci says

      June 29, 2022 at 3:23 pm

      I was wondering how long this bbq sauce would store in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        June 29, 2022 at 7:05 pm

        Hey Kerry! This BBQ Sauce is amazing, it will last 3-4 days in the refrigerated, enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Marna Sharpe says

      July 30, 2021 at 11:35 am

      5 stars
      Can I water bath can this??

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        July 31, 2021 at 10:51 am

        I'm glad you enjoy this recipe Marna! I have not canned this sauce, however I've frozen it and it freezes great. I hope that helps!

        Reply
        • Tabitha Andree says

          September 08, 2021 at 3:02 pm

          5 stars
          Used this to recreate a wrap I had in Maui. I see you said you've frozen this. How long is it freezer safe for?

          Reply
          • Bowl Me Over says

            September 08, 2021 at 3:03 pm

            Hey Tabitha - glad you enjoyed the recipe! You can freeze it for up to three months.

            Reply
    9. Pamela says

      July 02, 2021 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      I made this in my high powered blender using the soup function that cooked it down. So easy and very tasty.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        July 02, 2021 at 11:59 am

        Oh that's so smart! I'll have to do that with my Blendtec - what a great idea!!!

        Reply
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