Name: Homemade BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 9 min
Cook time: 21 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 large onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 0.75 cup water (divided); 1 cup tomato sauce (This is just cooked, pureed tomatoes + salt; often sold in 8 oz. cans.); 0.33 cup maple syrup (or 4-5 large medjool dates, pitted & chopped); 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp balsamic; 1 tbsp molasses; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.25 tsp chili powder; 2 tsp tamari ((GF) or soy sauce); 1 tsp fine sea salt; null pinch black pepper; 0.125 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 3 drops liquid smoke (optional)

Homemade BBQ Sauce

This homemade barbecue sauce is incredibly easy to prepare and features a thick, tangy, and perfectly sweet profile with hints of smoke and spice. Crafted from whole-food ingredients, this versatile vegan BBQ sauce is gluten-free and refined sugar-free, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

Instructions

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1

Preheat a large saute pan over medium heat. Cook the onion (1 large) for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
2

Add garlic (2 cloves) and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Deglaze with water (0.25 cup).
3

Stir in the tomato sauce (1 cup), water (0.5 cup), apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp), balsamic (1 tbsp), maple syrup (0.33 cup) (or 4-5 large medjool dates, pitted & chopped), molasses (1 tbsp), smoked paprika (1 tsp), chili powder (0.25 tsp), cayenne pepper (0.125 tsp) (optional), [pinch of black pepper], fine sea salt (1 tsp), and liquid smoke (3 drops) (optional). Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly reduced.
4

Remove from heat and let cool 15 minutes. Transfer to a blender, and blend until smooth. Pour into a jar, and allow to cool. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.