This Paleo BBQ Sauce is easy to make and sweetened with Medjool dates. Vegan, gluten-free, and no added sugars.
This post is sponsored in partnership with Natural Delights Medjool Dates. All opinions expressed, as always, are my own. I only partner with brands who I trust and can recommend personally. Thank you for supporting Fit Mitten Kitchen!
BBQ SAUCE.
Something I turned my nose up at when I was a kid. Between ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce… I claimed I hated all condiments. It wasn’t until probably my early 20s I gave BBQ sauce a fair chance. And even then I was a little particular. Alright I guess I am still a little particular… Which is why I wanted to try my hand at a paleo BBQ sauce with simple ingredients – no funny fillers or additives, or high fructose corn syrup.
From my experience, trying to buy a solid “healthier” store-bought BBQ sauce can be tricky. You think you’re picking up a bottle with a “clean” list of ingredients–because the label is all cool-looking so naturally you assume the ingredients list is good to go–then you spot an ingredient like high fructose corn syrup being the first thing on the list and just put the bottle right back on the shelf. Just another reason Mr. FMK does not go grocery shopping with me 😉
Now, I am not one to get all caught up in every.single.label anymore. But I like to keep an eye out for sneaky ingredients in my packaged foods. And BBQ sauce can be really sneaky! Especially if you don’t have access to more health-conscious brands.
SO we make our own paleo BBQ sauce at home! And you guys, it is so much easier than you would think! And you really don’t need that many ingredients. Most of the flavor comes from the spices. Some ingredients may be new to your pantry –coconut aminos or raw apple cider vinegar– but other than that its tomato based and sweetened with Medjool dates. Oh, did I mention it is vegan and also Whole30 compliant? Yes ma’am/sir.Â
PALEO BBQ SAUCE
WHAT YOU NEED
Medjool Dates
tomato paste
tomato sauceÂ
coconut aminos
balsamic vinegar
apple cider vinegar
stoneground or dijon mustard
minced garlic
chili powder
onion powder
paprika powder
salt
black pepper
cayenne
We’re using Natural Delights Medjool Dates in this recipe because they are truly the biggest and juiciest dates out there. They make the perfect natural sweetener for this BBQ sauce. Medjool dates are easily one of my favorite foods. My 13 year old self would definitely not agree. But fast forward 15 years and the adult me is ALL about the Medjool dates. They are just so versatile! Sweet or savory–you name it. They are perfect and I am obsessed and I want you to get on the Medjool date train too 😀
All you have to do is combine all of the ingredients into a food processor or high-speed blender until smooth.
Transfer the sauce into a pot and allow it to simmer for 20 minutes to intensify the flavor.
Let cool and transfer paleo bbq sauce to a jar.
That’s it!
This Paleo BBQ Sauce is great for pulled pork, grilled chicken, on burgers and for dipping sweet potato fries in 😀
Let me know if you give it a try!
Paleo BBQ Sauce [ Vegan, Whole30 ]
Ingredients
- 8 Medjool Dates, pitted, soaked & drained
- 6oz tomato paste
- 15oz canned tomato sauce (1 3/4 cups)
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 TBS stoneground or dijon mustard
- 1 TBS chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne (more or less depending on spice factor)
Instructions
1. In high speed blender or food processor, add all ingredients–making sure Medjool dates have been pitted, soaked and drained–and blend until smooth.
2. Transfer mixture to medium pot and allow to simmer for 20 minutes – BBQ sauce will become more flavorful and thicken slightly after simmering.
3. Remove from heat and allow BBQ sauce to cool in pot for 20 minutes.
4. Transfer cooled sauce to 16oz jar– Option to strain BBQ sauce through fine mesh strainer for a smoother sauce, patting sauce with spoon or back of measuring cup to strain.
5. Store BBQ sauce in fridge – use within two weeks.
Enjoy on your favorite burger, use for pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even great for dipping sweet taters!
Making this recipe? I would love to see it!
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Dang! That looks and sounds amazing. I never buy store-bought BBQ sauce but this sounds awesome for all the summer BBQ’ing. Going camping this week – might need to whip up a quick batch! Dates are like top 5 fave foods for sure, so I’ve always got some ready to go. 😉
Yes I hope you do! I have it in the crockpot for a BBQ recipe right now 🙂
This BBQ sauce sounds awesome! Using dates is one of my favorite tricks to sweeten foods without adding refined sugar.
It is a lovely trick!!
I used to love barbecue sauce, actually! I would have it on ribs, salads, chicken, with fries, you name it! Definitely got sick of it after a while, but I recently rekindled my love for it! Now, I enjoy it most on cauliflower pizza crusts and tofu!
Anyhow, this Paleo take looks to die for! I can’t even believe it’s sweetened with dates!
Yeah BBQ sauce can be really versatile! I’ve recently enjoyed putting it on salads myself 🙂
This BBQ sauce! Love that you used Medjool dates to sweeten it. I bet this tastes ahhmazing!!
Thanks Taylor! The Medjool dates are the best <3
This recipe makes me so happy. I the condiment queen so I’m so glad you finally came to the realization of how amazing they are! My hubby and I are obsessed with BBQ sauce during grilling season but so many of the sauces contain high fructose corn syrup which we try to stay away from. We will be trying this one!!!
Dates are a true wonder from Mother Nature! They have the ability to be so versatile and always delicious. I can’t wait to try this recipe, always looking to reduce added sugars!
I agree Emily – nothing wrong with looking to reduce some added sugar in our diets 🙂
I never would have thought to use dates to sweeten BBQ sauce. Love that idea!
Thanks Katherine! They really are super versatile.
Ooh wow all the spices in this must make it an AMAZING BBQ sauce. BBQ sauce is definitely my favorite condiment. For a long time I didn’t like mustard or mayo or relish, but I like them now. 🙂
It’s funny how taste buds change and grow up 😉
I have all these ingredients and LOVE LOVE LOVE homemade BBQ sauce. I wanted to make a date sweetened sauce over my whole30 but never got around to it. Now I have to try this recipe! I still don’t like mayo (never have never will – bleh)
Oh yay I hope you try it out Sam! My husband approved – when he had it on a pretzel bun 😀 lol He didn’t want to bother with the lettuce wraps apparently 😉
This looks incredible! Even though I am a pescatarian, I had actually love the flavor of barbecue sauce. So cool how you made this one healthier.
Oh a BBQ glazed salmon would be really good!
This sounds amazing! I love BBQ sauce and this one sounds like it’s got great flavor, and I love that you used dates to sweeten it.
Thanks Sarah! I am definitely Medjool date obsessed 🙂
I was so the opposite as a kid – I loved barbecue sauce on anything! I still love it and enjoy making my own, but have never done a date sweetened one. This is genius!
I was such a picky kid so it’s no surprise I didn’t like it then 🙂 But dates are definitely the best for this recipe!
I would have never thought to use dates in BBQ sauce, but definitely need to give it a try now! Sounds absolutely delicious!
Yes they really do make the best sweetener!
So happy you have found a way to make paleo BBQ sauce! BBQ sauce is my favorite and I have been missing it a ton. Will definitely try this out soon!
Let me know if you try it out!