Whole30 BBQ Sauce

Sugar free barbecue sauce in a glass jar next to a basting brush coated in the sauce, a plate of BBQ grilled chicken and dates strewn along the table.

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This easy Whole30 BBQ Sauce takes just minutes to make, yet you still get all the deep, complex flavor of the "regular" version. Plus it's sweetened naturally with just dates, so it's refined sugar-free as well as gluten-free and dairy-free.

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Soaking time for dates15

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 171kcal

Author: Don Baiocchi

Ingredients

⅓ cup pitted dates
⅓ cup very warm water
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce (or two 8 oz. cans)
¼ 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
½ teaspoon ground chipotle powder (or 1 teaspoon chipotle flakes), optional but recommended
¼ cup ghee or coconut oil (for completely dairy-free)

Instructions

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. Recipe yields 2 cups.

Notes

Nutrition note: One serving is 1/2 cup.

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.

Make ahead

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

Freezer instructions

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.

Nutrition