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.
PALEO BBQ SAUCE
WHAT YOU NEED
Medjool Dates
tomato paste
tomato sauce
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!
How to Make…
Paleo BBQ Sauce [ Vegan, Whole30 ]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Scale:
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!
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 2 TBSp
- Calories: 63
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 408mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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Sarah says
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.
Ashley says
Thanks Sarah! I am definitely Medjool date obsessed 🙂
Alisa Fleming says
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!
Ashley says
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!
Jessica @Small Bites by Jessica says
I would have never thought to use dates in BBQ sauce, but definitely need to give it a try now! Sounds absolutely delicious!
Ashley says
Yes they really do make the best sweetener!
Zoe says
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!
Ashley says
Let me know if you try it out!
saraiya says
hi Ashley,
this recipe sounds amazing. I live in India and don’t know where to find coconut amino. is there any substitute for it? pls pls … tempting to make this tomorrow for the crowd ..
thank you
Ashley says
Saraiya! You can sub soy sauce or tamari if not worried about keeping it paleo.
Diana says
What would you use to thin it a bit?
Ashley says
Probably just a little water!