Whole30 BBQ Sauce

This Whole30 BBQ Sauce is fast, easy and goes with just about anything!

It’s tangy, smoky and spicy, with a touch of sweetness from dates. But you can customize it however you want.

And this barbecue sauce is also gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free.

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Why this recipe works

Store-bought barbecue sauces can be delicious, but they can also be packed with sugar, corn syrup and other unhealthy (and unnecessary) ingredients.

So if you’re doing a round of the Whole30 program (more info on that here) or just trying to consume less sugar or eat healthier in general, those sugar-packed sauces won’t work for you.

So I created this Whole30 barbecue sauce that has all the complex, smoky flavor of the “regular” version but with Whole30 compliant ingredients.

So out goes the sugar, corn syrup, molasses, brown sugar, and all the other types of sugars that most recipes include. Instead we’re creating an easy date paste for just a touch of subtle sweetness.

And instead of butter (also commonly found in a lot of recipes and store-bought sauces), this recipes calls for ghee (Whole30 friendly but technically not 100% dairy-free) or coconut oil (Whole30 friendly and dairy-free).

You’ll still need other typical ingredients, such as tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar and spices, most of which you can keep stocked in your pantry. Then you’ll be able to whip up this sauce whenever you want it!

With just a few swaps, you can make this BBQ sauce Whole30 friendly and healthier in general.

 

What you need

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup pitted dates
• 1/3 cup very warm water
• 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce (or two 8 oz. cans)
• 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• 4 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle powder (or 1 teaspoon chipotle flakes), optional but recommended
• 1/4 cup ghee or coconut oil

Equipment:

• a blender (<– I’ve been using this model for years – it’s half the price of a Vitamix and almost as powerful)
• a medium saucepan
• measuring spoons
• a measuring glass
• measuring cups
• a heat-proof spatula (the kind for stirring, not flipping)
• a quart jar or container for storage

How to make Whole30 BBQ Sauce

Add the dates and water to a blender, making sure the dates are completely submerged. Let this sit for 15 minutes to soften the dates.

Blend the dates and water until completely combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the jar if necessary.

Add the tomato sauce, vinegar, coconut aminos, tomato paste, chili powder, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and chipotle powder, if using. Blend until smooth and combined. 

Pour into a small saucepan and add the ghee or coconut oil. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until the ghee/coconut oil melts and combines with the sauce.

Remove from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary, and use immediately.

 

FAQ

Can I make substitutions?

You can use lemon or lime juice instead of apple cider vinegar.

You can use 2 teaspoons kosher salt instead of 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt

You can use 2 large, peeled garlic cloves instead of garlic powder. Add the cloves to the blender with the spices.

You can use palm shortening instead of the ghee or coconut oil.

 

Can I make this Whole30 BBQ Sauce ahead of time?

Yep. It will last in the fridge for up to a month. Re-heat in a saucepan over low heat.

 

Can I freeze this Whole30 BBQ Sauce?

Yep. Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container or baggie and freeze for up to 6 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Re-heat in a saucepan over low heat.

 

Other recipes you might like:

1. Paleo BBQ Sauce
2. Oven BBQ Pork Chops
3. Baked BBQ Chicken
4. Tequila Pineapple BBQ Sauce

 

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