Homemade Paleo BBQ sauce is delicious and very simple to make! This recipe is perfect for chicken, beef, or pork. Get ready to ramp up the flavor of your favorite summer grilling recipes!
Did you know…barbecue sauce is so easy to make?
Doesn’t it make you happy when you find out how easy it is to make something from scratch?
I must admit that I used to purchase barbecue sauce. It is just one of those things that I thought was easier for me to grab from the store than to make it at home. But then one day we were out of sauce, and I decided to try to make my own homemade barbecue sauce. It’s surprising how easy it is to whip up, and how amazingly tasty it is when you make it yourself!
And now that we have food allergies in our family, it makes much more sense for me to make my own BBQ sauce. I can double check each individual ingredient to make sure that its safe for my family’s specific allergies.
Is BBQ sauce okay for those on a Paleo diet?
This BBQ sauce uses honey as a sweetener, which is Paleo-approved, and if you use Blackstrap molasses, this recipe should be fine!
I like barbecue sauce to be a little sweet and a little spicy, so that’s how I made this version. I used honey for the sweetness, but you could use maple syrup if you prefer. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper to this sauce.
What brands of spices are safe for allergies?
You should contact the various spice companies to see about your specific dietary needs. You may want to check out the brands McCormick or Spicely.
What can I use in place of tomatoes in this Paleo barbecue sauce?
Try using red pepper puree instead of tomato paste if you prefer. If that won’t work for you, you can try a barbecue spice rub rather than sauce.
This homemade barbecue sauce is thick and rich, sweet and spicy, and is perfect for brushing on chicken, ribs, or anything else you can think of to grill!
How long can I store homemade barbecue sauce in the refrigerator?
This barbecue sauce should stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce.
A thick and rich Paleo barbecue sauce with the flavors of honey and molasses.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- 3 ½ Tablespoons honey maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon molasses use Blackstrap molasses if Paleo
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
-
Mix all spices in a small bowl and set aside.
-
In a small sauce pan, combine the tomato paste, water, honey, molasses, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well. Add the spices and stir until incorporated.
-
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
-
Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
If you would prefer a thinner sauce, add an additional 2-3 Tablespoons of water.
-
Makes about one pint. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Recipe Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you are on the Paleo diet, use Blackstrap molasses. It has a stronger flavor, so you may want to use slightly less.
Have you ever made homemade barbecue sauce before? What about other condiments?
This post was written in June 2015. It has been updated.
A. Barrington
Gave it the taste test before simmering. Fantastic! Its just like store-bought. Color is nice as well. :)
Kelly Roenicke
Yay! So glad you like it!
Darryl
I prefer this to any store-bought BBQ sauce. Try it, not only is it fun it is a great conversation piece.
Ed Matthew
You forgot to eliminate the salt and use 3 Anchovies, a bit of A-1 steak sauce, a bit of lemon juice, some Tamarind paste, brown sugar, use Hunts Ketchup only, drained can of mild Tomatoes and Chilies, and a small chipotle chili pepper seeded, large onion chopped , no tomato paste, apple cider and apple cider vinegar. I think I got it all. Maybe a dab of hickory liquid smoke. No need for cinnamon as some people are allergic to it as well as fish. If you use these two ingredients please tell your family and guests. God Bless
Semper Fi. 1966-
Kristine
Excellent!
Maggie
This turned out amazing! I just did 1 tsp of cumin (1/2 tsp less than called for) and eliminated molasses since I didn’t have any. It was amazing. Thank you for posting!
Christy
I have never made barbeque sauce. Wow! This was so good! I am focusing on eating clean with no added sugar. This sauce was a hit with the family! We had it with grilled chops tonight. I used smoked paprika. This is a keeper for sure. I’m thinking of making it up for gifts. The color and consistency of the sauce is beautiful!
Kelly Roenicke
I’m so happy you loved it! Thanks for letting me know!
Alice
Terrific if chili is halved – Made this recipe in Australia exactly as specified and it was sooo hot that it was nearly inedible (and we’re hot chilli lovers!!). I used standard Masterfoods brand chilli powder and cayenne and used level Australian measuring spoons and cups. As the taste was there despite the intense heat I decided to make another batch identical, but without the chilli and cayenne, then combine with the first batch. The result was perfect – very tasty, still spicy, barbecue sauce. So, if using Aussie measures, halve the chilli and cayenne and it might be useful to know that 1/3 cup tomato paste was about 100g. One batch made 300ml. Thanks Kelly for a great recipe :)
Kelly Roenicke
So glad you liked it! Thank you for your notes!
Yuri
Do you think leaving out the molasses will make a big difference?
Katie
Delicious recipe!
Louanne Richards
This is sooo good. I use it on ribs, meatballs and anything else that I’m looking for that BBQ taste. Hubby loves it.
Kelly Roenicke
So happy to hear that! :)
Krista Duncan
Can you freeze this?!
Kelly
I haven’t tried it but I don’t see why not!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely
I have never made my own BBQ sauce before. Now you have me craving it!
Julia
Homemade Q sauce is the best!! Love this recipe – I have all the ingredients already, so I can whip it out and grill all the saucy foods this weekend!
Kelly
I am new to making my own sauce but loving it!
whiskandshout
Yum! I had no idea what was in BBQ sauce before, and I love that this is refined sugar-free :)
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
This sauce looks fantastic, Kelly! I’ve never thought to make my own before. Sounds delicious!