Healthy BBQ Sauce

Say goodbye to store bought BBQ sauce because after trying this healthy homemade version, you’ll never go back! Healthy BBQ Sauce is made from simple ingredients and is ready in just 15 minutes. This paleo sauce is sure to become a dinner time staple.

The ultimate homemade BBQ sauce

If you’re anything like me and obsessed with all types of sauces, then you’re going to love this healthy BBQ sauce. After all, food is just a vehicle for the sauce! Just kidding… kind of.

This sauce can be put on anything under the sun especially my Healthy BBQ Chicken Thighs. I even found myself dipping my celery in it the other night when we made homemade wings! Talk about tasty.

This recipe uses just 12 ingredients, many of which are spices. The end result is a sauce that’s rich and flavorful and so very savory. To make it, all you have to do is mix everything on the stove!

It’s completely paleo, dairy-free, and made with easy ingredients. You can bottle it up and store it in the fridge so you have it on demand whenever a meal calls for it! And yes, it’s great for marinating too.

Ingredients in healthy BBQ sauce

Many of these ingredients are probably right in your spice cabinet! When all is said and done, you’re gonna be hooked at the first bite.

• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Molasses
• Tamari (or soy sauce if gluten is OK)
• Smoked paprika
• Ground mustard
• Salt
• Pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Tools used in this recipe for BBQ sauce

To make homemade BBQ sauce, all you’ll need is a medium sized saucepan and a stirring utensil. For measuring the ingredients, you’ll need the following sizes: 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, and 1/2 cup.

How to make BBQ sauce

This whole recipe makes about two cups of sauce, which is a great amount and enough to keep extras stored in the fridge.

To start the cooking process, heat a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, honey, molasses, and vinegar.

Next, add the tamari and the rest of the spices. Let everything simmer for 15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Once finished, pour into jars and let completely cool at room temperature before storing.

This sauce will last in the refrigerator for up to one month.

A healthier sauce option

As I got older and started to be more intentional about the foods I consume, I got really into ingredients and learning what should and shouldn’t make its way onto our plates.

I realized that there was a reason I loved BBQ sauce so much… the sugar! Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce has always been my favorite, but I knew there had to be a way to achieve the same savory flavor without using so much sugar.

The answer was in a classic tomato paste, tomato sauce, honey, and molasses combo. Together, these ingredients (along with 8 others) make a delicious sauce that rivals the “real” thing. By keeping the ingredients as natural as possible, we’re able to achieve a healthier result that doesn’t even compare to processed brands.

Now, I’ll probably never buy store-bought BBQ sauce again!

Servin’ up homemade BBQ sauce

Once you’ve created your sauce, how should you use it? Well, the options really are endless.

You can use it to marinate chicken and enjoy it with side veggies or atop a BBQ chicken salad with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, cheese, and sauerkraut.

You can also use it to marinate steak or to dip your favorite veggies (and yes, that includes french fries!). Here are three yummy ways to use your sauce.

• Easy BBQ Baked Tempeh
• Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
• Crispy Baked Chili Lime Sweet Potato Fries

More sauce (and dip!) recipes

In the mood to try some more homemade sauces? Here are some fun ideas! I’m also sharing two of my favorite dips. All of these recipes are perfect for enjoying at summer BBQs!

• Tahini Sauce
• Creamy Vegan Walnut Tomato Sauce
• Creamy Vegan Buffalo Sauce
• Healthy Seven Layer Dip
• Easy Avocado Feta Dip