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BBQing With The Nolands Baking Up Love

Dinner

Noshing With the Nolands » Dinner

Copycat T.G.I. Friday’s Jack Daniels Grill Glaze

By Tara Noland on November 27, 2012 | Updated August 28, 2024

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Oh yum, now this is a treat for you, Copycat T.G.I. Friday’s Jack Daniels Grill Glaze!! This glaze is thick and syrupy and perfect on ribs, chicken, shrimp, or steak just like T. G. I. Friday’s does!! I got this recipe from our friend Eddie next door. He was kind enough to make this for us a few times and then share the recipe with me so I can share it with you all.

The original recipe though is from Top Secret Restaurant Recipes 3 by Todd Wilbur, which I have now found out. Please visit Todd Wilbur’s Top Secret Recipes to see all of his delicious recipes. 

And if you are on the hunt for great ribs check out our BBQ Slow Cooker Ribs, they are fantastic!!

Grill glaze in a jar

Helpful Items for This Recipe

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Sauce Pan

Mason Jars

How Do You Make JD Glaze?

Overhead shot of ingredients for Copycat TGI Fridays Grill Glaze

Lots of simple ingredients make up this amazing Jack Daniel’s sauce. 

  • Head of Garlic
  • Olive Oil
  • Water
  • Pineapple Juice
  • Teriyaki Sauce
  • Soy Sauce
  • Brown Sugar
  • Lemon Juice
  • White Onion
  • Jack Daniels Whiskey
  • Crushed Pineapple
  • Cayenne Pepper

Firstly you need to prepare the garlic. Preheat oven to 325F. Cut the top of the garlic head off, about 1/2″. Cut the root end so that the garlic will sit flat. Remove the papery skin of the outer layers of skin from the garlic but leave enough so the cloves stay together.

Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil, place on a small casserole dish or baking pan. Bake it for 1 hour. Let it cool until you can handle then squeeze the sides and outcomes the garlic cloves. Then press it into a paste and set it aside.

Next to a medium pot over medium-high heat start to add the ingredients. Water, pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar go in. Bring the mixture to a boil stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to a simmer.

The roast garlic is next to be whisked in followed by the onion, crushed pineapple, Jack Daniels, lemon juice and the cayenne pepper. 

Grill glaze ingredients in a pot with a whisk

Let the sauce come up to a boil and then reduce so that the mixture is just simmering for 40-50 min. or until the sauce has reduced by half. It should be thick and syrupy and coat the back of a wooden spoon.

Which Jack Daniels Sauce is Used at TGi Fridays?

Copycat TGI Fridays Grill Glaze with a wooden spoon coming out of a jar

This one is very similar to the one you will find at any of the many TGI Fridays across America. 

For us up here in Canada where we don’t have this restaurant chain but love the goodness of their sauce, you can now make it at home!

Barbecuing can be year-round even in our cold climate especially if you do the ribs as we do.

Ribs on the BBQ being glazed

We like to cook the ribs slowly in the oven, 300F for 3 hours on a rack above a water bath covered tightly with foil. Here is the recipe on our BBQing With The Nolands site. 

Ribs on the BBQ being basted with grill glaze

We cook them until they are almost falling off the bone (I still like a good bite to my ribs) then seasoned and slathered in sauce and finished on the BBQ. Delicious!! I find this glaze is best with ribs but you can also try it with chicken, turkey, salmon, steak, burgers, pork, or whatever you like.

BBQ ribs slathered in grill glaze

Try this wonderful glaze next time you are looking for something different than BBQ sauce. You will love it!!

Overhead shot of ribs cut up with grill glaze

Get your BBQ out and enjoy the wonderful flavors again! Enjoy!!

TGI Fridays Jack Daniels Sauce

Old phott of ribs and the grill glaze

Here is our original photo was taken from so many years ago. I have now updated all the pictures for you!!

Pin it HERE!

This Jack Daniels Grill Glaze is made famous from TGI Fridays restaurants and our copycat version can now be easily made at home!! #TGIFridays #grillglaze #BBQ

Pin it HERE!

This Jack Daniels Grill Glaze is made famous from TGI Fridays restaurants and our copycat version can now be easily made at home!! #TGIFridays #grillglaze #BBQ

Copycat T.G.I. Friday’s Jack Daniels Grill Glaze

Tara Noland
A sweet and succulent glaze for ribs, chicken, shrimp and steak
4.51 from 55 votes
Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs
Course BBQ
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 170 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 head of garlic
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp. minced white onion
  • 1 Tbsp. Jack Daniels Whiskey
  • 1 Tbsp. crushed pineapple
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325F. Slice a 1/2″ off the top of the garlic head. Cut the root end to sit flat. Take off some of the outer layers of skin but leave enough to hold the head together. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Bake it for 1 hour. Let it cool enough to handle then squeeze out the garlic paste and set aside.
  • Add the water, pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce and brown sugar to a medium pan over medium high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Whisk in the garlic and then the remaining ingredients to the pan. Let simmer for 40-50 min. or until sauce is reduced by half. It should be thick and syrupy and coat the back of a wooden spoon.

Equipment

Ball Jar, Set of 2 389579 Pint Regular Mouth Mason, Pack Of 2, Clear
Ball Jar, Set of 2 389579 Pint Regular Mouth Mason, Pack Of 2, Clear
Bialetti Impact, 07557, textured nonstick surface, oil distribution,2 quart sauce pan, gray
Bialetti Impact, 07557, textured nonstick surface, oil distribution,2 quart sauce pan, gray

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 1gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 467mgSugar: 35g
Nutrition calculation is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Recipe from Todd Wilbur’s Secret Recipes.  
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posted in: BBQ, Dinner, Popular Posts

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Melissa Anderson says

    December 2, 2021

    Wanted to make in bulk put in pint jars for Christmas gifts. can this be canned ,boil bath any way to keep it longer than 3 days please any help ir suggestions I be so greatful..

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      December 2, 2021

      Hi Melissa, I have never done this so I can’t recommend it, sorry.

      Reply
  2. Lisa says

    March 13, 2021

    Love the recipe with one switch to 2/4 cup coca cola instead of water

    Reply
  3. Jessica says

    January 29, 2021

    This is my 3rd time making this today. I cannot for the life of me get it to thicken. The cornstarch gives it too much of a cornstarch taste for me. My final attempt was the same result as the first. I’m not sure if you altitude is a factor but I’d love some input. It tastes great even as a juice🤪

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      January 29, 2021

      Wow, I am so sorry you are having issues with this. We never have had issues. It is a glaze so it won’t be super thick but still should be syrupy. Maybe reduce the water to start with by half and continue to boil until it thickens, even if it does take longer. Altitude shouldn’t affect it.

      Reply
    • Deidra S. says

      October 23, 2024

      I found that you have to let it simmer longer than it calls for and it will eventually thicken

      Reply
  4. Kelsey says

    March 31, 2020

    How long does this keep for in the fridge in an airtight container??

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 31, 2020

      I would say a few days like 3 but it freezes well. We never have any leftovers.

      Reply
  5. Vivian Hernandez says

    October 14, 2019

    I made a double batch of the jack daniel sauce and its not thick i left it simmering over an hour how can i thicken it thank you

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      October 14, 2019

      Mix a Tbsp. of cornstarch with a Tbsp. of water or at that ratio if you want more. Add it to the sauce while whisking and simmering until you get it to the thickness that you want.

      Reply
      • Daniel says

        June 23, 2021

        Use powdered arrowroot to remove floury aftertaste

        Reply
  6. Kelly says

    July 10, 2018

    I loveeeeeee this, i made wings and it was a hit.

    Reply
  7. Andy says

    February 12, 2017

    Just got done making this. It smells great I am hoping that it taste great on the ribs.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      February 13, 2017

      That is a great glaze, enjoy!!

      Reply
  8. Jessica says

    June 19, 2016

    This sauce is exactly like TGIF’s. I ended up needing to add a teaspoon of corn starch mixed with a teaspoon of water to get the consistency right. After it cooled for 10 mins it was perfect. Thank you so much for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      June 19, 2016

      You are so welcome, enjoy!

      Reply
      • Edna says

        July 13, 2016

        is this the same sauce they serve with the flatiron steak? I thought it had maybe cherries or cranberries in it but not pineapple. I want to duplicate it but can’t get close unless this is it……help!

        Reply
        • Tara Noland says

          July 14, 2016

          Either way you will be happy with this Edna, give it a try!!

          Reply
    • Shelley Carter says

      February 6, 2020

      I thought it was thin at first, but need to cook it for an hour.

      Reply
      • Peggy says

        June 15, 2021

        I’ve made this twice and it never thickens. Not sure what I’m doing wrong. I even added cornstarch. Help! I love the flavor of the sauce!

        Reply
        • Tara Noland says

          June 16, 2021

          It should thicken with cornstarch or being reduced longer it will thicken.

          Reply
  9. George says

    January 6, 2014

    Total fail for me. Just could not get it to thicken. Then by the time it did, it nearly evaporated.

    Reply
    • Noshing with the Nolands says

      January 6, 2014

      Oh no George, not sure what went wrong. Next time if it is not thick enough when reduce by half, mix a little corn starch with water. Slow added it whisking, while simmering, until the desired thickness. This recipe has been made tons and tons of times.

      Reply
    • William A Gillen says

      May 29, 2023

      No disrespect to the poster but instead of simmer low boil for to thickened work perfect lick tgif🤩🤩

      Reply
  10. Lisa says

    September 12, 2013

    I made a double batch of this last night. I would recommend using half the cayenne pepper if your a wimp like me. Otherwise its delicious….

    Reply
    • Noshing with the Nolands says

      September 12, 2013

      I am so glad you made it, thanks for taking the time to comment too! Appreciate it!!

      Reply
  11. keith malcuit says

    December 17, 2012

    I use to work at TGIF and you’re right, it is a great sauce. Hint, if you want to really blow them away, mix equal part of the sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s really, really delicious!

    Reply
    • Noshing with the Nolands says

      December 17, 2012

      Thanks Keith, that is a great idea!!

      Reply
  12. Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says

    December 3, 2012

    5 stars
    Thanks for sharing this on Manic Monday!!! Pinned it 🙂

    Reply
  13. Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says

    December 3, 2012

    5 stars
    Thanks for sharing this on Manic Monday!!! Pinned it 🙂

    Reply
  14. Ken says

    November 28, 2012

    I think you could also add another shot of Jack right at the end to “enhance” the flavor a bit if you feel like it.

    Reply
  15. Colleen says

    November 27, 2012

    My advice is double or even triple this recipe because it freezes like a dream and you’ll want it every time you bbq. Best thing since sliced bread.

    Reply
    • Noshing with the Nolands says

      November 28, 2012

      You are right Colleen you have to make lots!!!

      Reply
  16. carolinaheartstrings says

    November 27, 2012

    Love love love this glaze. Cannot wait to use your recipe. Looks so delicious.

    Reply
    • Noshing with the Nolands says

      November 27, 2012

      It is so good on ribs!! Thanks for coming over!!

      Reply
  17. Christine says

    November 27, 2012

    Oh YUM!!! I’m going to show this recipe to my hubby… I bet he’ll bag me to make some!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality!!

    Reply
    • Noshing with the Nolands says

      November 27, 2012

      Thanks Christine for coming over!!

      Reply

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