Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce.
A thick and rich Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce brings together the delightful flavors of honey and molasses, making it a perfect addition to meats, vegetables, or even as a dip. This sauce is not just for summer barbecues but can elevate any dish throughout the year. With its natural sweetness and a hint of spice, it stands out from store-bought options. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This sauce takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy addition to any meal.
- Flavorful Profile: The combination of honey, molasses, and spices creates a rich flavor that enhances any dish.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for grilling, marinating, or dipping, this sauce works well with chicken, beef, turkey, or vegetables.
- Paleo-Friendly: Made with wholesome ingredients that align with Paleo dietary guidelines.
- Natural Sweetness: Using honey and molasses instead of refined sugars makes this sauce healthier.
Tools and Preparation
To create your own Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Small bowl
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
Importance of Each Tool
- Small bowl: Ideal for mixing spices before incorporating them into the sauce.
- Small saucepan: Perfect for combining ingredients over heat without making a large batch.
- Whisk or spoon: Helps in thoroughly mixing ingredients to achieve the desired consistency.

Ingredients
A thick and rich Paleo barbecue sauce with the flavors of honey and molasses.
Base Ingredients
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 1/2 Tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 Tablespoon molasses (use Blackstrap molasses if Paleo)
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Spices
- 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. This ensures that they are evenly distributed when added to the sauce later.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine the tomato paste, water, honey, molasses, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well until fully mixed. Add the spice mixture from Step 1 and stir until incorporated.
Step 3: Cook the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Simmer
Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes while stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency
If you prefer a thinner sauce, add an additional 2-3 tablespoons of water and stir well.
Step 6: Store
This recipe makes about one pint of sauce. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days. Enjoy your delicious Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce!
How to Serve Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce.
Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce is versatile and can elevate many dishes. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious sauce that will impress your family and friends.
Grilled Chicken
- Marinate chicken breasts in the sauce before grilling for a flavorful kick. Serve with a side of vegetables for a balanced meal.
Turkey Burgers
- Spread the sauce on turkey burgers for a delightful twist. Pair with lettuce wraps instead of buns for a refreshing option.
Roasted Vegetables
- Drizzle the BBQ sauce over roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and bell peppers. This adds a smoky flavor to your side dish.
Cauliflower Wings
- Toss cauliflower florets in the sauce, bake until crispy, and serve as a tasty appetizer. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Top baked sweet potatoes with a generous amount of BBQ sauce for an easy and satisfying meal. Add some green onions for extra flavor.
Dipping Sauce
- Use the sauce as a dip for fresh veggies or gluten-free crackers. It makes a wonderful snack option that is both healthy and delicious.
How to Perfect Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce.
Creating the ideal Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce can be easy with these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.
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Balance sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup based on your preference. This will help achieve the ideal sweetness level without overpowering other flavors.
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Experiment with spices: Try adding different spices such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste.
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Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. For a thinner consistency, simply add more water as needed during cooking.
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Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for organic tomato paste and raw honey for better taste and health benefits in your BBQ sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce.
Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce will enhance your meal and provide variety. Here are some great options to consider:
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Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus spears grilled to perfection make an excellent complement to any BBQ dish.
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Zucchini Noodles – Spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil and garlic offer a low-carb alternative that pairs well with BBQ flavors.
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Coleslaw – A crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in apple cider vinegar brings freshness and balance alongside rich BBQ sauces.
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Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with colorful veggies provides texture and nutrition that complements BBQ dishes well.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil offer a delightful nutty flavor that works beautifully with barbecue meals.
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Sweet Potato Fries – Baked sweet potato fries served alongside BBQ sauce create a sweet-and-savory experience that’s hard to resist.
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Cauliflower Rice – Lightly spiced cauliflower rice serves as an excellent low-carb base that absorbs the flavors of your barbecue sauce wonderfully.
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Mixed Green Salad – A simple salad featuring mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes tossed in olive oil offers lightness against heavier dishes like grilled meats coated in barbecue sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using the wrong sweetener: Many recipes suggest refined sugars or syrups that aren’t Paleo-friendly. Stick to honey or maple syrup to keep it authentic.
- Not balancing flavors: Failing to taste and adjust the sauce can lead to a dish that’s too tangy or too sweet. Always sample and tweak ingredients as needed.
- Ignoring cooking time: Rushing the cooking process can result in a sauce that’s not fully developed in flavor. Take your time and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes.
- Overlooking thickness adjustments: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you may forget that adding water can help. Start with small amounts until you reach your desired consistency.
- Storing improperly: Not using airtight containers can lead to spoilage. Store your Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the sauce in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce
- Freeze in small portions using freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays.
- The sauce should maintain its quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sauce in an oven-safe dish and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat on low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce?
Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce is a flavorful blend of natural ingredients like honey, tomato paste, and spices, designed for those following a Paleo diet.
How do I customize my Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce?
Feel free to add different spices or adjust sweetness levels based on your preferences. You can also experiment with varying types of vinegar for unique flavors.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the sauce ahead of time allows flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing its overall taste.
What dishes pair well with Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce?
This versatile sauce complements grilled chicken, turkey, or beef perfectly. It’s also great as a dipping sauce for veggies!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients used in this Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce are gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce offers a delicious way to enhance your meals while sticking to healthy ingredients. Its rich flavor profile makes it perfect for various dishes, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. Don’t hesitate to customize it further with your favorite spices or sweeteners; the possibilities are endless!
Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce
Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meals with a rich and flavorful condiment. This sauce combines the natural sweetness of honey and molasses with a blend of spices, making it an ideal pairing for grilled chicken, turkey, beef, or roasted vegetables. Not only is it quick to prepare—taking just 35 minutes—but it also allows for customization based on your taste preferences. Free from refined sugars and artificial ingredients, this sauce aligns with health-conscious eating while providing a delicious alternative to store-bought options. Enjoy it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or drizzle over your favorite dishes for a burst of flavor any time of year.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings (1 tablespoon each) 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 1/2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 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 spices together.
- In a small saucepan, combine tomato paste, water, honey (or maple syrup), molasses, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the spice mixture from step one to the saucepan and stir until incorporated.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes while stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust thickness by adding water if needed.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
