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Clean BBQ Sauce
Samia

Clean BBQ Sauce

Clean BBQ sauce is a healthier alternative to traditional BBQ sauces, made with simple, natural ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, spices, and natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. It avoids refined sugars, preservatives, and artificial additives, offering a flavorful, guilt-free option. Ideal for those looking to enjoy bold BBQ flavors without compromising on health, it’s perfect for those seeking cleaner, more wholesome ingredients in their meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 40

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 cup of tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
  • ½ tbsp Ginger chopped
  • 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Start by heating a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, and once it’s heated, toss in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Saute the spices for about 1 minute, just until they become fragrant. This will bring out their natural oils and enhance the overall flavor of the sauce.
  2. Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it heat through for a minute. Then, pour in the apple cider vinegar, water, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
  3. Now that all the ingredients are mixed together, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and allow the BBQ sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and thicken the sauce.
  4. After simmering, taste the BBQ sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper if you’re craving some heat. Stir well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Once the sauce is the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken as it cools, making it perfect for slathering on grilled meats, veggies, or even as a dipping sauce.