This Whole30 BBQ sauce is smoky and sweet, just like a BBQ sauce should be! It’s made with dates, coconut aminos, and smoked paprika, making it paleo and Whole30 compliant. A great condiment to keep in the fridge to pair with chicken, pork, shrimp, or steak for a quick dinner!
Why This Whole30 BBQ Sauce Is So Good!
- This homemade BBQ sauce doesn’t require hours of cooking, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
- It’s paleo, whole30 and vegan and doesn’t contain any refined sugar.
- You can make it ahead of time for an easy and quick way to add flavor to your meals.
How To Make Whole30 BBQ Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, heat the ghee or coconut oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes or until translucent.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to blender carefully (it will be very hot!). Blend on high speed until smooth. Season with salt.
How long does homemade BBQ sauce keep?
Once the sauce has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep for up to two weeks in the fridge. The whole30 BBQ sauce also freezes well in a freezer safe container or ziplock bag. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
How do you use this sauce?
This whole30 BBQ sauce is a great way of adding flavor to beef, pork, fish and chicken. Spread the sauce onto your meat and oven bake or grill for a delicious and easy meal. It’s great to mix with shredded pork or chicken for tacos and burgers, or you could simply use it as a dip for your fries.
For More Delicious Whole30 recipes:
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Whole30 BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil use coconut oil for vegan
- 1 cup Vidalia or yellow onion diced
- 1/2 cup dates chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika plus more if you prefer a smokier flavor
- 1 6- ounce can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 1 cup water or chicken stock
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the ghee or coconut oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes or until translucent.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to blender carefully (it will be very hot!). Blend on high speed until smooth. Season with salt.
Notes
Nutrition
Cheryl Malik is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind the healthy, flavorful, family friendly recipes at 40 Aprons. She’s been a blogger for 10+ years and is known for her delicious recipes and detailed recipe instructions. Cheryl is a mom of three who lives in Memphis, TN.
Amber says
Amazing! Thank you so much for this!
Anna Claire | 40 Aprons Team says
Glad you enjoyed it, Amber!
Alexis says
Doing the whole 30 now and this sauce was amazing! Totally has that sweet flavor in a BBQ sauce that I love. Thank you for posting!
Anna Claire | 40 Aprons Team says
Yay! Glad it hit the spot!
Kendra Schwitter says
This is a keeper, Whole30 or not. Thank you so much!
Anna Claire | 40 Aprons Team says
We agree! Glad you’ve enjoyed it. 🙂
Carol says
Hello, approximately, how many dates equals 1/2 cup? Thanks!
Anna Claire | 40 Aprons Team says
Approximately 4 pitted, chopped dates, but you may have to adjust based on their size.
bee says
i have not made this yet. i don’t have any dates. is it okay to leave it out? i know that’s what adds the sweetness but it’s the only ingredient i don’t have and cant go back to the store before dinner
Cheryl Malik says
It should be fine without! Hope that worked for you.
Emily Welsh says
The sauce was tasty but way too heavy on the soy sauce flavor. Next time I’ll use a fourth of the amount requested, and add crushed red pepper.
Cheryl Malik says
Hope that works better for you next time! Appreciate the review.
Heidi says
Can you use tomato sauce to replace the tomato paste? I don’t have any and really want to make this.
Savannah | 40 Aprons Team says
You can try tomato sauce! It may not be as rich in flavor as the tomato paste, though. 🙂
Claudia says
Best BBQ recipe I’ve tried and healthier than the store bought! Thank you for sharing it.
Kimberly says
Approximately how many dates is 1/2 cup?
Lynn says
I looked on line for a barbecue sauce without sugar and found this. It is cooking on my stove right now. I’ve tasted it several times and WOW this is amazing. I’m doing the whole30 program and this allows me to enjoy a little barbecue sauce with recipes. Even when I’m not on whole30 I’d make this all the time for my family. Thank you…This is a keeper!
Cheryl Malik says
Wow, Lynn, thank you for the compliments! I’m so glad you’re loving this recipe 🙂 🙂
Anne says
Wow! So impressed! I’ll be honest and was hesitant to make this from the ingredients list. I’ve never had a date and they make me nervous. Let me tell you, this sauce is delicious! I can’t believe how good it came out! It’s not sticky sweet like sweet baby rays but it’s sweet enough and has great flavor but not spicy either. I even think my picky kids will eat it!! Great job- thank you!!
Amelia Camurati says
Thanks for the love Anne!
Kayla says
Making this today (stay tuned) but I’m wondering, could I make a big batch and can it? Just using a hot water bath?
Carrie Fisher says
Great recipe- thank you! I forgot to put it into the fridge last night, wonder if it has enough vinegar to keep or if I should toss it out. It’s so good!
Alice says
When making ribs with this sauce, do you put the sauce on the ribs before putting them in the oven or after?
Cheryl Malik says
I always put the sauce on after!