Whole30 Barbecue Sauce (Sugar Free Paleo)
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Whole30 Barbecue Sauce (Sugar Free Paleo) – a smoky, tomato-based sauce with no added sugar. Use on grilled meat, burgers, or as a dipping sauce!
When I read Michael Pollan’s book, In Defense of Food, I knew I wanted clean eating to be the mainstay for my family. Cutting out processed foods hasn’t been as difficult as I thought, with the exception of a few things. One of our biggest struggles has been finding clean alternatives to certain condiments like ketchup and barbecue sauce.
A major theme I took from Micheal Pollan’s book and the Whole30 plan is remembering to read labels. I’m always shocked at the amount of extra junk added to some of the simplest of foods. Pollan’s rule of thumb is anything with more than five ingredients is out! And certainly anything with high fructose corn syrup is a definite no-no. Since ketchup and barbecue sauce are famous for including high fructose corn syrup as the first or second ingredient listed, I wanted to create a homemade compliant Whole30 BBQ sauce. While it’s definitely no replica of my husband’s favorite Sweet Baby Rays, this recipe brings a deliciously different type of smoky tomato flavor and a smidge of sweetness that is super tasty.
With some sweetness from applesauce and just a touch of tang, this sauce is excellent on grilled meat, spread on burgers, or as a smoky, ketchup-like dipping sauce.
How to Make Whole30 BBQ Sauce & Ideas for Serving
- I like how the flavors intensify in a cooked sauce, but cooking is totally optional. Just puree everything together and refrigerate.
- For extra sweetness, add a couple tablespoons of date paste (made by pureeing dates with very hot water). Or for non-Whole30/Paleo, add honey or pure maple syrup to taste.
- Try as a dipping sauce for these Whole30 Zucchini Poppers or Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites.
- Spread on these Turkey Zucchini Burgers.
- Store in a small mason jar or your own squeeze bottle.
If you’re looking for more homemade clean condiment recipes, check out this Homemade Whole30 Mayo and Ranch Dressing.
Whole30 Barbecue Sauce (Sugar Free Paleo)
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce (unsalted)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan. Cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. For a thicker sauce, simmer longer until reaches desired consistency.
- Let cool and pour into a mason jar. Store in refrigerator.
Nutrition
This post contains affiliate links
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Read my full disclosure here