Paleo + Whole30 BBQ Sauce {Whole30,Paleo,Vegan}
A delicious smoky homemade Whole30 BBQ sauce that is perfect for ribs, pulled pork, chicken, or even veggies. This paleo BBQ sauce is Whole30 compliant, refined sugar-free, and vegan.
I have a thing for sauces. Whether it is putting homemade Cilantro Chimichurri on eveeeeerything, or drizzling some Lemon Tahini Salad Dressing over a big plate of Air Fryer Cauliflower, I just love how sauce can change the flavor profile of food!
Except for mayo. Barf.
Is BBQ Sauce Whole30 Compliant?
Many people ask “can you eat BBQ on Whole30?” and the answer is yes! Barbecue is delicious, filling, and doesn’t involve making zoodles, eating eggs, or crying just a little bit because you’re so over figuring out what to serve for dinner.
However, most store-bought BBQ sauces are loaded with sugar, corn syrup, and other sketchy ingredients. Buying paleo/Whole30 BBQ sauce can get bonkers expensive! This homemade sugar-free barbecue sauce is made with pantry staples and won’t cost you $8 a bottle.
What Ingredients Are in Whole30 BBQ Sauce?
- Tomato paste
- Pineapple
- Liquids – apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, yellow mustard, liquid smoke (optional), balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Onion & fresh garlic
- Spices – smoked paprika, black pepper, chili powder, celery seed, sea salt
I always get asked about my little magnetic spice tins. I adore them and found mine on Amazon. And yes, they come with the labels!
Need help tracking down Whole30 compliant groceries? Download my totally free Trader Joe’s Whole30 Shopping List and Whole30 Costco Shopping List. I have done all the work for you with checking ingredients and figuring out safe foods.
Happy shopping!
How to Use Healthy BBQ Sauce
Listen, I’m not telling you how to live your life (confession: that is exactly what I am doing), but it would be a damn shame to not dip some Spicy Sweet Potato Fries in this paleo barbecue sauce.
Mix equal parts bbq sauce with Whole30 mayo (ewwww) or plain Greek yogurt if you consume dairy (related: Easy Instant Pot Yogurt) to make the perfect dipping sauce for Blistered Shishito Peppers.
You can also take any leftovers from a Paleo Roasted Chicken and shred to make BBQ chicken salad or wraps.
Here’s How to Make It
*Detailed and printable recipe card available at the bottom of the post.
Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan and cook for 20 minutes. If your sauce becomes too thick, add water 2 tbsp at a time to thin. Pro tip: use a larger pan than you think you need to avoid splatter while stirring.
Yeah, these are the least appetizing photos ever. I get it! But it’s worth it for this delicious paleo BBQ sauce
Transfer to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. If the sauce is a bit too thick, slowly add additional water, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar to thin.
That’s it! No need to complicate this ish. Save your brain power for harder things. Like helping your fourth grader with their Common Core math homework.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Homemade Whole30 BBQ sauce will last for two weeks in the fridge. You can totally freeze it too!
- If you’re not paleo/Whole30, you can sub in soy sauce for the coconut aminos.
- Optional: add 1 tsp of Whole30/paleo liquid smoke per batch for an even smokier flavor. Paleo liquid smoke brands: Wright’s, Lazy Kettle, Living Nutritionals, and Cedar House. Check out this article for the rundown on the safety of liquid smoke and common alternatives. Hint: one of them is already in this recipe!
- Sub in balsamic vinegar for half of the water for a deeper and darker homemade sugar-free barbecue sauce.
- You can use 5-7 dates soaked in hot water in lieu of the pineapple.
More Recipes Like this Paleo BBQ Sauce
- Whole30 + Paleo Teriyaki Sauce {Whole30, Paleo, Vegan}
- Whole30 Mayo – Paleo Mayo {Whole30, Paleo, Keto}
- Chocolate Coconut Coffee Creamer {Paleo, Dairy-Free, Keto, Vegan}
- Garden Fresh Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce {Whole30, Paleo}
Making this recipe or others?
Post a photo on my Facebook page, share it on Instagram, or save it to Pinterest with the tag #sustainablecooks. I can't wait to see your take on it!
A smoky homemade Whole30 BBQ sauce that is perfect for ribs, pulled pork, chicken, or even veggies. This paleo BBQ sauce is Whole30 compliant and vegan.
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 3/4 cup pineapple minced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp celery seed
- 1/2 cup water
Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan and cook for 20 minutes. If your sauce becomes too thick, add water 2 tbsp at a time to thin.
Transfer to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. If the sauce is a bit too thick, slowly add additional water, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar to thin.
Homemade Whole30 BBQ sauce will last for two weeks in the fridge. You can totally freeze it too!
If you're not paleo/Whole30, you can sub in soy sauce for the coconut aminos.
Optional: add 1 tsp of Whole30/paleo liquid smoke per batch for an even smokier flavor. Paleo liquid smoke brands: Wright's, Lazy Kettle, Living Nutritionals, and Cedar House.
Sub in balsamic vinegar for half of the water for a deeper and darker homemade sugar-free barbecue sauce.
You can use 5-7 dates soaked in hot water in lieu of the pineapple.
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