This tangy and lightly sweet Homemade Barbecue Sauce is easy to make with a short list of wholesome ingredients. Whether you use it as a marinade for chicken, a topping for pizza or a dip for fries, you can always count on serving up a seriously drool-worthy dish. Gluten-free, low carb, keto, paleo, vegan and Whole30 compliant.
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Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
Everyone loves a good Southern barbecue sauce. No matter how you use the condiment, it never fails to add flavor and flair to your snack, appetizer or meal. It has a nice thick texture and a tangy-sweet taste that makes it more versatile than you know!
It can act as a marinade, a baste, a dip, a topping and much more. Since this condiment stays fresh in the fridge for a whole week, you have plenty of time to experiment with it! If one thing is for certain, it’s that you will never choose store-bought BBQ sauce again.
Why Make Barbecue Sauce at Home?
Not only is making your own healthy BBQ sauce incredibly quick and easy, but it’s also nice to be able to control exactly what goes into your sauce. Many options at the store are high in sugar, and bottled sauces rely on preservatives that aren’t necessary when you prepare them from scratch. Besides, this recipe will make the best barbecue sauce you’ve ever tasted. It’s a win-win!
What You’ll Need
This classic sauce uses kitchen staples that you’ll likely have on hand. Let’s get to know each one and its purpose.
- Tomato Sauce: Use 2 six-ounce cans of your favorite brand.
- Coconut Aminos: This gluten-free and low-sodium sauce is the ultimate soy sauce substitute.
- Vinegar: This recipe uses both balsamic and apple cider vinegars to give you the best flavor and an extra boost of nutrition.
- Dijon Mustard: For a little extra tanginess to supplement the vinegars.
- Sea Salt: You can use Himalayan pink salt if preferred.
- Garlic & Onion Powders: These add garlicky sweetness as well as some savory notes.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground.
- Smoked Paprika: To add a lovely kick of heat.
How to Make Homemade Barbecue Sauce
In less than 30 minutes, this classic keto bbq sauce will be done and ready to go. Everything about it is extremely simple!
- Combine Ingredients: Combine all of the ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Bring to Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer until it’s thickened, about 20 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste your sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Let Cool: Allow the sauce to cool completely before serving or storing it.
Tips for Success
You really can’t go wrong with this recipe. Check out these helpful tips and suggestions for making BBQ sauce at home.
- Make Sure the Sauce is Simmering: Once the sauce comes to a boil, immediately reduce the heat to low. You can tell it’s simmering when the bubbles get smaller and less frequent. Only a few little bubbles should pop on the surface at a time.
- Adjust the Flavor: After your sauce is done simmering, I suggest giving it a taste – just be careful not to burn your mouth. At this point, you can add more of any seasoning if desired. You could even throw in some cayenne pepper for an extra kick of spice!
- Let it Cool: Barbecue sauce is not meant to be served warm. Letting it cool down to room temperature allows it to finish thickening. It also helps the flavors intensify.
Serving Suggestions
There are endless possibilities when it comes to serving homemade BBQ sauce. The ideas below are sure to get your mouth watering!
- Make Barbecue Chicken: These BBQ Chicken Foil Packets are full of zucchini, bell peppers, onions and more. I love a good dish that gives you a main course and some sides all in one. And this meal can be cooked on the grill or in the oven!
- Dip Zucchini Chips Into it: My 20-minute Zucchini Chips are seriously addicting. They’re even more irresistible when you pair them with this homemade barbecue sauce!
- Use it as a Meat Marinade: Steak, pork chops, chicken, shrimp—it all tastes amazing when it’s marinated, basted or even just topped with this BBQ sauce.
- Add it to Burgers: Every sandwich needs at least one condiment, and this tangy-sweet sauce is the perfect choice for just about any kind. I’m especially fond of drizzling it over my Burgers in a Bowl!
How to Store Homemade BBQ Sauce
This Whole30 barbecue sauce should be stored in a sealed jar or another type of airtight container. Keep it in the fridge at all times when you’re not serving it. It will stay good for up to 1 week.
Can I Freeze This?
Yes, you can! This condiment lasts for up to 3 months in the freezer. Keep it in a freezer-safe container with some extra space inside to allow for expansion during the freezing process. Thaw out frozen BBQ sauce overnight in the fridge before serving it.
More Healthy Condiments to Try
Want more easy homemade condiments to serve with your favorite appetizers, snacks and main courses? Behold the easy recipes below!
This tangy and lightly sweet Homemade BBQ Sauce is easy to make with a short list of wholesome ingredients. Whether you use it as a marinade for chicken, a topping for pizza or a dip for fries, you can always count on serving up a seriously drool-worthy dish. Gluten-free, low carb, keto, paleo, vegan and Whole30 compliant.
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (2 six-ounce cans)
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat then reduce heat to a simmer. Let simmer until thickened, 20 minutes, stirring regularly.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Allow to cool.
Serve or refrigerate in a sealed jar or container.
- To Store: Refrigerate in a sealed jar or airtight container for up to 1 week
- To Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container with extra space inside to allow for expansion. Enjoy within 3 months after thawing overnight in the fridge.
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