Homemade Date BBQ Sauce
Homemade Date BBQ Sauce is a naturally sweet and smoky condiment crafted from real dates for a rich, caramel-like depth. It delivers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and mildly spicy flavors, making it a wholesome, flavorful alternative to store-bought barbecue sauces.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Stirring spoon or spatula
- An airtight jar for storing the sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates 10 large
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons molasses optional, for deeper flavors
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder or 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon chili powder adjust based on heat preference
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic powder and smoked paprika; stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add pitted dates, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the dates soften.
- Let it cool slightly, then blend until creamy and smooth. Add a splash of water if needed for consistency.
- Return to the pan if you want it thicker. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Cool completely, then store in a jar. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Perfect for grilled dishes or as a dip.