Paleo BBQ Sauce
Paleo BBQ Sauce is a flavorful, naturally sweet, and tangy sauce made with wholesome, unprocessed ingredients. It’s free from refined sugar, gluten, and dairy, aligning perfectly with a paleo lifestyle. This sauce brings a smoky depth and rich taste to dishes while keeping your meals clean and healthy.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or spatula
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Airtight jar or glass container for storage
- Spoon for tasting/adjusting flavors
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato paste no added sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup raw honey
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, coconut sugar, and water. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, sea salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well so the spices evenly blend into the sauce.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to low. Allow it to cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors deepen.
- Taste your sauce. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more honey for extra tang, and mix in a splash of vinegar. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, please remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
If you’d like a smokier or more herb-forward version, you can also add:
- ½ tsp onion powder (for depth)
- ½ tsp mustard powder (for tangy bite)