February 9, 2023

Whole30 BBQ Sauce

Getting the perfect Whole30 BBQ sauce can be a challenge, especially when trying to find a store-bought option free of added sugars. But with this easy and budget-friendly recipe, you can make your own delicious sauce right at home. This easy condiment is made with canned tomato paste, seasoned with simple spices, and sweetened with a combination of apple juice and dates.

To prepare the bbq sauce, simply whisk all of the ingredients together and let simmer for 10 minutes to fully integrate the flavors. After the simmering process, blend the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more water.

One of the great things about this Whole30 BBQ Sauce is it’s fully customizable to your personal taste preferences. If you’d like your sauce to be sweeter, add another date. If you want to add a bit more heat, increase the amount of chipotle sauce. And if you’re a fan of smoky flavors, add in a bit of liquid smoke for an extra punch.

Liquid smoke is a great way to add smoky flavor to dishes without the use of actual wood smoke. (Find it in the salad dressing or seasoning aisle of your grocery store.)

This Whole30 BBQ sauce is perfect for dipping sweet potato fries, tossing with chicken wings, or dressing up your burger bowls. With how simple and delicious it is, we’re confident that you’ll be making this sauce again and again.

Whole30 BBQ Sauce

Recipe author: Autumn Michaelis
Made By Whole30Made By Whole30

Whole30 BBQ Sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 1 (6) oz can tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup 100% apple juice
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1.5 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 4 dates

Optional

  • 1 tsp liquid smoke

Instructions

  • WHISK all ingredients except the dates in a small pot over low heat.
  • ADD dates and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
  • BLEND sauce until nice and smooth. Add additional water 1-2 tablespoons at a time, if desired for a thinner sauce.
  • STORE in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Autumn Michaelis wearing an apron and holding a bowl of fresh salad smiling at the camera.

Autumn Michaelis

Autumn Michaelis is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, with a B.S. in Exercise Science from BYU. Though exercise was her first love in the health world, nutrition has become her passion. She created the blog Wholefoodfor7, sharing easy and budget-friendly Whole30, Paleo, and gluten-free + dairy-free recipes for families. In August 2022, Autumn released the newest Whole30 Endorsed cookbook, Whole Food for Your Family. She is mom to 5 boys (yes 5!) and when not in the kitchen can be found adventuring, hiking, and tearing up the dance floor.