Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce.
Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce is a delicious way to elevate your meals while sticking to a healthy lifestyle. This sauce combines the rich flavors of honey and molasses, making it perfect for grilling or as a dipping sauce. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking to enhance your weeknight dinner, this versatile sauce will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: You can whip up this sauce in just 35 minutes with minimal effort.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of honey and molasses gives it a unique sweetness that pairs well with any dish.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for meats, vegetables, or even as a marinade, this sauce fits into various meal plans.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with all-natural ingredients, it’s suitable for those following a Paleo diet.
- Store Well: You can make a pint and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring you always have some on hand.

Tools and Preparation
To make Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce, you’ll need some essential tools that make the process easy and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Small bowl
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Stirring spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Small bowl: Ideal for mixing spices without making a mess.
- Small saucepan: Perfect size for cooking the sauce evenly.
- Measuring cups: Ensure accurate ingredient amounts for the best flavor.
- Measuring spoons: Help maintain consistency in spice measurements.
Ingredients
A thick and rich Paleo barbecue sauce with the flavors of honey and molasses.
For the Sauce
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 1/2 Tablespoons honey (maple syrup)
- 1 Tablespoon molasses (use Blackstrap molasses if Paleo)
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
How to Make Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce
Step 1: Mix the Spices
Start by mixing all spices in a small bowl and set aside. This allows them to blend well before adding them to the sauce.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine the tomato paste, water, honey, molasses, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well until everything is mixed thoroughly.
Step 3: Add Spices
Add the spice mixture from Step 1 into the saucepan. Stir until fully incorporated into the sauce base.
Step 4: Cook the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency
If you prefer a thinner sauce, add an additional 2–3 tablespoons of water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Store Your Sauce
Once cooked, let it cool slightly before storing. This recipe makes about one pint of BBQ sauce. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce!
How to Serve Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce.
Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce is a versatile condiment that can elevate many dishes. Its rich flavor profile makes it perfect for grilling, dipping, and more. Here are some delicious ways to serve this sauce.
Grilled Meats
- Chicken: Brush the sauce on grilled chicken for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Ribs: Slather on pork ribs during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky glaze.
- Beef: Use it as a marinade or a finishing sauce for grilled steaks.
Roasted Vegetables
- Cauliflower: Drizzle over roasted cauliflower for an unexpected twist on a classic side dish.
- Sweet Potatoes: Toss cubed sweet potatoes in BBQ sauce before roasting them for extra flavor.
Dipping Sauce
- Veggies: Serve with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for a healthy snack.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Pair with baked sweet potato fries for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Sandwiches and Wraps
- Pulled Pork: Use the sauce in pulled pork sandwiches for added moisture and taste.
- Wraps: Spread it on wraps filled with grilled chicken or veggies for an extra kick.
How to Perfect Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce.
Creating the perfect Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce is all about balance and technique. Follow these tips to enhance your sauce-making skills.
- Balance flavors: Adjust sweetness and acidity by adding more honey or apple cider vinegar according to your taste.
- Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices or add your favorites to customize the flavor profile.
- Cook longer: Letting the sauce simmer longer can deepen its flavors; just remember to stir occasionally.
- Storage tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to five days.
- Use quality ingredients: Opt for organic honey and high-quality spices for the best results.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce.
Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce can create a complete meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus complements the richness of the sauce beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and texture alongside smoky flavors.
- Zucchini Noodles: Toss zucchini noodles with BBQ sauce for a low-carb pasta alternative that’s full of flavor.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with veggies provides a nutritious balance to hearty meats slathered in BBQ sauce.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with BBQ sauce create an irresistible side dish combo.
- Cabbage Steaks: Grilled cabbage steaks topped with homemade BBQ sauce make for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making your own Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce can be fun and rewarding, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s what to avoid:
- Using the wrong vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is essential for the right flavor. Avoid using other vinegars that might overpower the sauce.
- Ignoring spice measurements: Each spice plays a crucial role in taste. Always measure carefully to maintain balance in your sauce.
- Not cooking long enough: A good BBQ sauce needs time to develop flavors. Don’t rush the cooking process; allow it to simmer for the full 30 minutes.
- Skipping the taste test: Always taste before serving! Adjust sweetness or spiciness as needed to suit your preference.
- Improper storage: Make sure you store your sauce in an airtight container. This helps preserve its freshness and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 5 days.
Freezing Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce.
- You can freeze the sauce for longer storage.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
- It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce..
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the sauce in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce?
Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce is a thick, rich sauce made without refined sugars or non-Paleo ingredients. It offers a delicious blend of flavors perfect for grilling.
Can I customize my Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices or sweeteners based on your preferences. Adding smoked paprika or extra cayenne can give it a unique twist.
How can I use Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce?
Use it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or glaze on grilled meats. It’s also great with vegetables!
What makes this BBQ sauce Paleo-friendly?
This BBQ sauce avoids refined sugars and common non-Paleo ingredients. It uses honey and molasses instead, making it suitable for a Paleo diet.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether drizzling over grilled chicken or using it as a dip, you will love how customizable it is. Experiment with flavors to make it truly yours!
Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce
Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, crafted to elevate your meals while keeping in line with a healthy lifestyle. This sauce, made with natural ingredients like honey and molasses, enhances everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delicious condiment that’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a flavor boost during weeknight dinners. With its rich flavor profile, this Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce is sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Sauce Making
- Cuisine: Paleo
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 1/2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon molasses (preferably Blackstrap)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix all the dry spices together.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the tomato paste, water, honey, molasses, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well combined.
- Add the spice mixture to the saucepan and stir until fully incorporated.
- Bring the sauce to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For a thinner consistency, gradually add more water until desired thickness is achieved.
- Allow the sauce to cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg