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Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce

Skip the sugary store-bought sauces and make this easy homemade BBQ sauce instead! It has the same sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor you love—just with less sugar and simple, real-food ingredients.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 33 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon olive or coconut oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup yellow onion chopped small
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 Tablespoons maple syrup*
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons molasses
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon tamari or coconut aminos
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • Dash of cinnamon

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add oil to a medium sized saucepan and heat over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and sauté until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Make sure to stir the mixture frequently and watch the garlic because it can burn easily.
  2. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, tamari and mustard into the pan. Stir to combine.
  3. Add in seasonings and spices: salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, ground pepper and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
  4. Allow mixture to come to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Just be careful because if the heat is too high, the mixture will start to boil and splatter.
  5. Use right away or let cool and refrigerate for later use.

Notes

  • To lower the sugar content, use powdered or liquid stevia or monkfruit instead of maple syrup. Start with a little (like 1/8 teaspoon) taste and add more until the sweetness level suits your needs.
  • Storing: Let the BBQ sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or glass jar. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezing: Just pour into a freezer-safe jar or silicone cube tray, freeze, and thaw individual portions as needed.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2 Tablespoons Calories 33kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 7g (2%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Cholesterol 1mg (0%) Sodium 292mg (12%) Potassium 126mg (4%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 5g (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2cups

Amount Per Serving

Calories 33

% Daily Value*

Serving 2 Tablespoons
Calories 33kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 7g 2%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Cholesterol 1mg 0%
Sodium 292mg 12%
Potassium 126mg 3%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 5g 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.