The Best Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
This low sugar easy homemade BBQ Sauce recipe from Alison Needham is refined sugar-free, tangy, delicious – and sweetened with California Prunes!
How to make BBQ Sauce from scratch
Sure, making homemade BBQ Sauce from scratch takes a little more effort than buying a bottle from the store – but it’s totally worth it. Here’s how to make this healthier sauce:
Heat oil on the stove, and add chopped onion and garlic. Stir until golden brown.
Add bourbon to the onions and garlic, let simmer for a few minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.
See! That wasn’t too difficult!
How to use this healthier BBQ Sauce recipe
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this healthier BBQ sauce! Here are a few of our favorites:
Use it to glaze meats on the grill
Use on a pizza
Make pulled chicken or pork
Stir into baked beans
Use as a dip for fries and nuggets
How long does Homemade BBQ Sauce last?
It will keep for up to a month in the refrigerator.
Is Homemade BBQ Sauce healthy?
This recipe is naturally sweetened, Paleo-friendly, with a gluten-free option!
Use this sauce to make Pulled Chicken Sandwiches!
We love a good timesaving hack. Alison uses her Instant Pot to whip up these Pulled Chicken Sandwiches in under an hour!
Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe | Naturally Sweetened with California Prunes (Low Sugar + Paleo Friendly)
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion about 1 medium onion
- 4 medium cloves of garlic minced
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 cups prune purée
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari or coconut aminos
- 2 TBSP maple syrup
- 2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
- 1 TBSP dijon mustard
- 1 TBSP smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- 1 tsp liquid smoke optional
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and saute, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and slightly golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the bourbon, and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the paste darkens slightly. Add the prune purée, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat and cook for 30 minutes to incorporate the flavors. Stir in the liquid smoke, if using. Taste for seasoning and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
More delicious sauces + spreads starring California Prunes
Naturally-Sweetened Teriyaki Sauce
This easy homemade Teriyaki Sauce recipe uses prune pureé in place of refined sugars. Keep a batch on hand to whip up delicious meals that you can feel good about serving to your family. Need some inspo? Be sure to check out our recipe for Chicken Teriyaki Bowls!
Healthy Chocolate Spread (aka Homemade Nutella)
Our friend Sarah from The Delicious Life created this Homemade Nutella that lower in fat AND refined sugar free. We’re completely smitten.
Prune Marmalade
There are so many delicious ways to use prune marmalade. Add it to your favorite cheese board or use it as a filling for cupcakes, cakes or cookies. Use this sweet spread on top of pizzas, muffins, or bagels. It would also be a fabulous addition to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Prune Pinot Jam
Our friend Sarah‘s Prune Pinot Jam is a delicious addition to a charcuterie board. It’s also an excellent way to upgrade your toast, porridge or bruschetta!
Did you try this recipe? Maybe you’ve got a favorite recipe using California Prunes that you’d like to share with us? Snap a pic and share it on social using #caprunes.
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