Plant-Based Barbecue Sauce is a healthy alternative to store-bought. It only has a few ingredients and takes a few minutes to make.
I'm keeping it short and sweet today. After all, there's only so much I can write about barbecue sauce.
You can do some fun things with barbecue sauce.
When I was a kid, I used to eat it on broccoli. Weird, I know. But I promise there are other, less strange things you can do.
You could coat vegetables and grill them. Such a great summer recipe! Okay, I admit, that's pretty similar to pouring it on broccoli. But it's definitely more delicious.
You could also make Barbecue Jackfruit Sandwiches. That's why I made this particular batch. Stay tuned for the recipe!
I don't know about you, but if I'm going to make my own sauce instead of buying it from the store I want it to be two things.
- Healthy
- Easy
This barbecue sauce is both!
Ingredient Notes
There are only a few ingredients in this BBQ sauce, making it incredibly healthy. Many store-bought sauces have added sugar and preservatives. The more we can avoid those, the better off we are!
This barbecue sauce has only six ingredients. All whole foods. All healthy.
- Diced Tomatoes: Normally barbecue sauces have ketchup, but there is often added sugar in ketchup, so we'll stick with the whole food and build flavor with spices. AND to make it even easier, just buy canned tomatoes and you don't even have to chop them.
- Date Syrup or Maple Syrup: It does help to have a little sweetness, so we'll use a healthy, plant-based sweetener. I prefer date syrup because it is made from fruit, but if you can't find date syrup or don't have any on hand, maple syrup is a relatively healthy option.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar adds a tang that barbecue sauce needs. You can also use white vinegar.
- Mustard: Mustard also adds a necessary tang. I prefer Dijon mustard!
- Liquid Smoke: Liquid smoke isn't vital to this recipe but let me tell you it makes it SO MUCH BETTER. It adds that smoky flavor that takes the barbecue sauce from good to great!
- Paprika: This sweet spice perfectly complements the date syrup.
- Cayenne: A hint of spice completes the sauce. If you prefer your barbecue sauce to be entirely sweet, you can omit the cayenne.
And that's it! Just a few good-for-you ingredients.
So maybe I have you convinced that this sauce is healthier than a store-bought sauce. But honestly who is going to make their own sauce if it's a huge hassle? Not me.
The good news is that this sauce can cook in as little as 10 minutes. If you want, you can let it cook down for longer, but in 10 minutes is all you really need.
Seriously. 10 minutes for an easy healthy sauce. There's no excuse not to make it.
How to make Plant-Based Barbecue Sauce
Step 1. Add all ingredients to a food processor. Process until smooth.
Step 2. Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.
Step 3. Reduce the heat to low, cover and let simmer for 10-30 minutes. The sauce will thicken. You can let it cook until it reaches your desired consistency.
Storage
The sauce will keep in the fridge for several weeks.
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for giving us the resources and time to make healthy versions of our favorite store-bought items. Amen.
Tried this recipe?
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📖 Recipe
Plant-Based Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Canned Diced Tomatoes
- 2 Tablespoons Date Syrup or Maple Syrup
- 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- ⅛ Teaspoon Cayenne
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor. Process until smooth.
- Transfer to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover and let simmer for 10-30 minutes. The sauce will thicken. Enjoy with your favorite barbecue recipe!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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