As the summer sun shines brightly and peach season reaches its peak, it’s the perfect time to think about incorporating juicy peaches with your succulent meats. The natural sweetness and vibrant flavors of peaches can bring a delightful twist to your favorite meat dishes.
If you’re looking for a recipe, we’re sharing our Spicy Peach Bourbon BBQ Chicken Wings! If heat isn;t your thing, don’t worry, you can leave it out.
Meats That Pair Well with Peach Flavours
Peaches have a versatile flavour that complements a wide range of meats. Whether you prefer grilled, roasted, or slow-cooked preparations, peaches can add a touch of sweetness and tang to elevate your meat dishes. Here are some meats that pair splendidly with peach flavors:
- Chicken: The mild and tender flavor of chicken is beautifully enhanced by the delicate sweetness of peaches. From wings to drumsticks, incorporating peach elements can add a fresh sweetness to your dish.
- Pork: The rich and slightly sweet characteristics of pork make it an ideal canvas for peach-infused creations. Whether you’re grilling pork chops, slow-cooking ribs, or preparing pulled pork, the addition of peaches can provide a delightful balance of flavors.
- Duck: The succulent and savory nature of duck meat pairs remarkably well with the subtle sweetness of peaches. The combination of the two creates a unique blend of flavors that is both sophisticated and comforting.
- Lamb: The bold and robust flavors of lamb are beautifully balanced by the delicate sweetness of peaches. Whether you’re preparing a grilled lamb chop or a slow-roasted leg of lamb, incorporating peach flavors can add a touch of elegance to your dish.
- Salmon: While traditionally associated with fruits like citrus, salmon can also be complemented by the sweet and tangy essence of peaches. The combination of the slightly smoky salmon and the juicy peaches creates a remarkable flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Peach Flavors with Meats
Now that we know which meats harmonize well with peaches, let’s explore some creative ways to incorporate these delightful flavors into your favorite meat dishes:
- Marinades and Glazes: Whip up a marinade or glaze by combining fresh peach purée or peach preserves with a blend of complementary ingredients like honey, ginger, garlic, and a touch of heat from chili flakes or hot sauce. Let your meats marinate for a few hours or brush them with the glaze while grilling or roasting for a burst of peach-infused goodness.
- Salsas and Chutneys: Prepare a vibrant salsa or chutney using diced peaches, red onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar or honey. These condiments can be spooned over grilled meats or served on the side to add a refreshing and fruity touch to your dish.
- Stuffings and Fillings: For a more adventurous culinary experience, try stuffing your meats with a peach-based filling. Combine diced peaches with herbs, spices, and even a bit of cheese, and stuff the mixture into chicken breasts, pork tenderloins, or even roasted vegetables for a delightful surprise in every bite.
- Peach Barbecue Sauce: Nothing says summer like a tangy and flavorful barbecue sauce. Create your own by simmering a mixture of puréed peaches, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your preference, and brush the sauce onto your grilled meats during the final minutes of cooking. Or give the recipe below a try! The combination of smoky flavors and fruity sweetness will elevate your barbecue game to a whole new level.
- Peach Rubs and Seasonings: Infuse your meats with peach flavors by creating a homemade peach rub or seasoning blend. Combine dried peach powder or finely ground dehydrated peaches with spices like cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Rub the mixture onto your meats before grilling, roasting, or searing to add a unique depth of flavor that perfectly balances sweet and savory.
Creating Your Own Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce
While you can find pre-made peach-infused BBQ sauces on the market, there’s something special about crafting your own homemade version. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a peach bourbon BBQ sauce that will delight your guests!
Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Spicy Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings tips removed, drums and flats separated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
BBQ Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- ¾ cup peach preserves
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional or add more as desired
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or smoker to 400˚F (indirect heat)
- Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and pat them dry with a paper towel. Toss the wings with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin powder, salt and pepper. Sprinkle the rub over the wings, coating them evenly.
- Grill the wings for 20-30 minutes until done to your liking or the internal temperature reaches 170-175˚F, flipping them half-way through cooking. For crispy wings, move them to direct heat, turning occasionally, in the last few minutes of cooking.
Prepare the BBQ Sauce (can be prepared days in advance)
- Meanwhile, prepare the BBQ Sauce: Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the peach preserves, ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and ground cinnamon. Lower heat and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently until thickened, about 20-30 minutes.
- In a large clean bowl, toss the wings with the BBQ sauce and serve.
