This recipe is a long time coming… like at least 3 years in the making. I have always wanted to make BBQ sauce but have never gotten around to actually doing it. Most conventional BBQ sauces are full of unhealthy and toxic ingredients: high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), MSG and for sure loads of sugar. So the best way to have a refined sugar-free BBQ sauce is to avoid the store bought stuff and make your own. It’s easier than you think. It takes about 10 minutes to throw together and then more time just to simmer away.
This is a primal BBQ sauce, meaning it has butter! (Yummy, fatty, healing butter). Butter in BBQ sauce, oh yeah! Throw in tomatoes, some spices and simmer and you have a quart of BBQ sauce to use on whatever you want. Perfect!
Ingredients
3 cloves garlic, peeled and whole
1/4 cup onion
26 ounces tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
2 Tablespoons organic yellow mustard
3 Tablespoons raw honey*
3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder (more or less for your spice level)
* If you want a sugar-free BBQ sauce, omit the raw honey or replace it with 1 teaspoon of Stevita stevia
Directions
- In a blender or food processor add the garlic cloves, quarter of an onion and tomato sauce. Blend until everything is completely mixed together, about 30 seconds
- Pour the tomato mixture into a medium saucepan and turn the heat to medium. Add the butter and stir with a wooden spoon until melted
- Add the mustard, raw honey, apple cider vinegar and spices and mix until everything is combined. Put the cover on and bring to a light boil
- Once the sauce starts to bubble, turn the heat to low and simmer for 30-45 minutes (longer for a thicker sauce)
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for 7 days and use on top of baked chicken or in any dish calling for BBQ sauce
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Jeanne mraz says
Can I substitute ghee for the butter called for in the sauce? My husband is sensitive to dairy. Thanks! –Jeanne
Meghan Birt says
Absolutely Jeanne! It will work out great too, you could also use coconut oil, but I like the flavor of butter or ghee better.
Donna says
I made this today. It was the first BBQ sauce I have ever liked, and I not just liked it, I LOVED it!!!
Meghan Birt says
Hey Donna. WOW, thank you SO MUCH!! I’m so glad you found a BBQ sauce that you love. Thanks for making it!
James says
Where did you use the apple cider vinegar? You say we need it and then didnt say when to add it?
Meghan Birt says
Thanks for catching that James. I changed it now, you add it with the mustard and raw honey. I hope you enjoyed the recipe. And I apologize for the delayed response. I have been on maternity leave and am now catching up to comments.
Becky says
How much does it yield at the end of the process? Can the recipe be doubled/tripled with no problem?
Meghan Birt says
It can definitely be doubled or tripled. And I can’t quite remember the exact amount it yields, but I believe it’s around 2 cups :)