Grilled Pork Sausage with Spicy Jalapeño Barbecue Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled pork sausage served with a smoky, spicy jalapeño barbecue sauce for a flavorful twist. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 30 minutes blends links (about 2 lbs) pork sausages, olive oil, seeded and chopped jalapeño peppers into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush 6 pork sausages with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Place sausages on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until evenly browned and cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 2 chopped jalapeño peppers, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small saucepan.
  4. Step 4: Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove sausages from grill and serve hot, drizzled generously with the spicy jalapeño barbecue sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pork Sausage with Spicy Jalapeño Barbecue Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Pork Sausage with Spicy Jalapeño Barbecue Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pork Sausage with Spicy Jalapeño Barbecue Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Pork Sausage with Spicy Jalapeño Barbecue Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Pork Sausage with Spicy Jalapeño Barbecue Sauce?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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