HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE
on Aug 07, 2024, Updated Sep 15, 2024
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Tangy, sweet, and the perfect addition to any grilled meat, this homemade BBQ sauce is made from wholesome ingredients.
This Homemade BBQ Sauce has all the traditional smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors you’d find in a store-bought version but is much healthier for you. The problem with most store-bought barbecue sauce is that it’s loaded with sugar and other unnecessary ingredients.
Personally, I like to know what is going in my food, so I try to avoid these additives whenever possible.
This paleo version is delicious on everything from chicken to ribs to pork chops to salmon. It’s pretty customizable, so adjust the seasonings to your liking. Whether you like it a bit tangier or a touch sweeter, it’s quick and simple to make and will elevate your next BBQ gathering.
Give it a whirl and let me know what you end up using it for!
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Ingredients for Paleo Barbecue Sauce
With just a few staple pantry ingredients on hand, you can whip up this delicious sauce in no time. Here’s what you will need:
- Ketchup: The base of the sauce is ketchup. When looking for a clean ketchup, take a peek at the ingredient label. Try to avoid anything with high fructose corn syrup or natural flavors. Instead, opt for an organic brand that has everything you want and nothing that you don’t! @primalkitchenfoods is a great brand and is available in many grocery stores.
- Coconut Sugar: This natural sweetener is a better option than traditional white or brown sugar. It’s minimally processed, meaning it retains some of its actual nutrients. I use it in most of my baked goods, including my Best Healthier Classic Banana Bread, as well as in sauces like my One Pan Saucy Skirt Steak Stir Fry. I find that ¼ cup is all you need, but adjust to your taste preferences.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient adds just the right amount of tang to the sauce. It also helps thin the sauce out, making it more spreadable on all your favorite meats!
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce provides savory notes. It has a distinct umami flavor, so a little goes a long way in most recipes, including this one.
- Yellow Mustard: Stick with plain ol’ yellow mustard here for the most classic flavor. Dijon or honey mustard will impact the overall taste of the sauce.
- Spices: A blend of smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder round out this homemade sauce. The combo of these spices is what flavors the sauce, turning it from a predominantly ketchup mixture to BBQ sauce!
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Pin ItHow to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce
Add the ketchup, coconut sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to a large jar or measuring cup. Whisk together until combined.
Recipe Tip
If you’re using the sauce immediately, making the sauce in a measuring cup makes it easier to pour.
TRY THIS WITH:
HOMEMADE BBQ SAUCE
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large measuring cup or bowl, add the ketchup, coconut sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until combined.
- Use immediately or store in the fridge for later use. The sauce should keep for up to a week. Enjoy!
