Peel and dice the mangoes and sweet onion, mince the garlic, and grate the fresh ginger using a microplane/zester to create a paste.
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the diced onion, habanero, and garlic. Sauté until the onion are very soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, until mangoes are very soft – about 20 to 30 minutes.
Remove from heat and puree sauce with an immersion blender until completely combined. If sauce is too thick, add water or mango nectar to thin. If sauce is too thin, return to heat and simmer until thickened to your liking.
Pour sauce into a quart-size mason jar and allow to cool to room temperature. Secure the lid and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
You can use either fresh or frozen mangoes. Fresh mangoes offer a slightly brighter flavor, while frozen mangoes are a convenient option, especially when mangoes are out of season.
For added heat, do not removed the membrane from the habanero peppers. Add additional peppers for more heat, add only one for less heat.
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, mango habanero BBQ sauce can last up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.
Mango habanero BBQ sauce often tastes better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Making it ahead of time is a great way to save time when preparing meals.
The most challenging part about making this sauce might be handling the habanero peppers due to their heat. It’s important to wear gloves and avoid touching your face while working with them.