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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 Recipe 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 long does it keep in the fridge?
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.
More Delicious Whole30 recipes
Whole30 BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ghee see Notes
- 1 cup diced onion yellow onion or Vidalia onion
- ½ cup chopped dates
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika plus more to taste
- 1 6-ounce can compliant tomato paste see Notes
- ½ 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.
- Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.
- Tomato Paste: Be sure your tomato paste doesn’t contain any added sugars or other unnecessary, non-compliant ingredients.
- Make it Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of ghee.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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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
It should be fine without! Hope that worked for you.
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.
Hope that works better for you next time! Appreciate the review.
Can you use tomato sauce to replace the tomato paste? I don’t have any and really want to make this.
You can try tomato sauce! It may not be as rich in flavor as the tomato paste, though. 🙂
Best BBQ recipe I’ve tried and healthier than the store bought! Thank you for sharing it.
Approximately how many dates is 1/2 cup?
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!
Wow, Lynn, thank you for the compliments! I’m so glad you’re loving this recipe 🙂 🙂
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!!
Thanks for the love Anne!
Making this today (stay tuned) but I’m wondering, could I make a big batch and can it? Just using a hot water bath?
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!
When making ribs with this sauce, do you put the sauce on the ribs before putting them in the oven or after?
I always put the sauce on after!