The ultimate Whole30 compliant BBQ sauce that’s made from scratch super quick & easy in the blender, then simmered to finger lickin’ perfection.  Slather it on chops or ribs, spread a layer on your grass-fed burgers, or use it as a dip for potato wedges.  
 
 

I often set out to create a recipe that’s a Whole30 compliant or “Paleo-fied” version of the real deal that I love.  For example:  chocolate chip cookies.  I know that a squeaky clean Paleo version is not going to be the same as a break-apart Nestle cookie dough I could buy at the store (and love).  But knowing exactly which ingredients are going into my cookies, and being able to create a healthy version that I don’t have to feel guilty about?  It’s worth the trade off.
 
 
And while I love those kinds of recipes that basically “dupe” my non-healthy favs…  the ultimate satisfaction comes when the healthy version turns out better than the original.  Now you’re probably thinking:  “Paleo cookies better than the real deal?  Probably not gonna happen…”  And you’re most likely right.
 
But when it comes to savory dishes & sauces- healthy can so often turn out even better than the usual.
 
 
Take this BBQ sauce.
 
I’m not always a huge sauce/dressing fan- but I know what I like when it comes to my BBQ sauce, because it’s one condiment that I love.  My favorite?  Slightly sweet, a little underlying heat, and a little smokey.  Not too thin & runny, but not thick and tomato-paste-ish either.  I want it to be that in between texture that can be spread over chicken or ribs with a brush, but also perfect for dipping some potato wedges or slathering on a burger.
 
Are you hungry yet?!
 
 
So after quite a few half-hearted attempts at making my own sauce, and then a day spent obsessing & perfecting those old scribbled down recipes… IT’S HERE.  A Whole30 compliant BBQ sauce with that perfect sweet heat, a pinch of acidity, and a touch of smokey flavor that literally beats any store bought sauce I’ve tried.  It’s sweetened with a few dates & a little orange juice, and has all the flavor you’ll ever need.
 
I hope you give this finger-lickin’, yet squeaky clean, sauce a shot– and then come back to let me know what you think!  It’s the start of football season, so perfect timing to give it a try (if you ask me!)
 
 

 

Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Whole30 BBQ Sauce | PALEO

Servings: 15 oz
Calories: 37kcal

Ingredients

  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 4 pitted Medjool dates (soaked in warm water then drained)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp smoke paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  • Place all of the ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth.
  • Pour the sauce into a medium saucepan, and bring to a soft boil.  Reduce to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and the flavors to combine.
  • Allow the sauce to cool, then store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Notes

  • If you are not making this on a Whole30 and don’t have dates on hand, substitute 1/4 cup of maple syrup or coconut sugar.
  • This should store well in the fridge for about 1 week.

Nutrition

Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 401mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Iron: 1mg
Filed   dips sauces, Whole 30