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Paleo Barbecue Sauce

Easy paleo bbq sauce requires no cooking and contains just a few wholesome ingredients and no sugar. Drop the ingredients into a bowl, whisk for 2 minutes and it’s ready!

Paleo BBQ Sauce

This super easy paleo bbq sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients and no sugar. It requires no cooking and it tastes just as good as sugar-laden store-bought barbecue sauce.

How to use paleo bbq sauce

This paleo bbq sauce is excellent for brushing on meats, then slow cooking or grilling. This caramelizes the sugars in the sauce and brings out its natural sweetness. Without cooking, it’s a bit acidic. So I wouldn’t use it as a dipping sauce. I use it most often for oven baked ribs and for pulled chicken.

Last night, for example, I used it with my pulled chicken recipe and it was amazing: very flavorful, with just the right balance of tangy and sweet.

Why is this better than store-bought bbq sauce?

Obviously, you can simply buy barbecue sauce, and I believe that these days paleo options are available. But I actually like making this homemade paleo bbq sauce. It’s easy and delicious and as clean as can be in terms of ingredients. Tomato paste and balsamic vinegar are both very healthy.

Is this a low carb recipe?

If you’re trying to eat low carb, this paleo bbq sauce recipe will prove challenging. With the tomatoes, balsamic and maple it’s definitely not low carb. You could try using a low carb alternative instead of the maple syrup (I sometimes use stevia), and use the sauce sparingly. I do have an excellent alternative that’s low carn AND paleo – North Carolina BBQ sauce.

I need a no-tomato paleo bbq sauce

See my comment above – try this very tasty North Carolina BBQ sauce! It has a very different flavor profile than this tomato-based recipe, but it’s just as good.

How long can I store paleo BBQ sauce?

I usually make it, then use it right away in a recipe. If you need to store it, I suggest keeping it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir it before using.

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Paleo Barbecue Sauce

Easy paleo bbq sauce requires no cooking and contains just a few wholesome ingredients and no sugar. Drop the ingredients into a bowl, whisk for 2 minutes and it's ready!
Prep Time10 mins
Total Time10 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: barbecue
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 36kcal

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 (7 oz jar) tomato paste (3/4 cup)
  • 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon celtic sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or a low carb alternative

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Place the tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika and maple syrup in a medium bowl. 
  • Use a hand whisk to whisk everything together until well-blended.
  • Use in your favorite recipe. This recipe makes about 1.5 cups of paleo bbq sauce. 

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NOTES

Nutrition for the low carb version: Calories 26; fat 0g; carbs 5g; sugars 4g; sodium 190mg; fiber 1g; protein 1g.
NUTRITION INFO Nutrition info is calculated using the SparkPeople.com recipe calculator. Carb count excludes sugar alcohols. These numbers are approximate. Please feel free to make your own calculations.
Nutrition Facts
Paleo Barbecue Sauce
Amount Per Serving (2 tablespoons)
Calories 36
% Daily Value*
Sodium 190mg 8%
Total Carbohydrates 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 7g
Protein 1g 2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Paleo BBQ Sauce

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