Whole30 BBQ Sauce

Name: Whole30 BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes; 1/2 cup tomato paste; 8 dates ((pits removed)); 3 tbsp coconut aminos; 3 tbsp coconut vinegar; 1 tbsp dijon mustard; 1 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

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This Whole30 bbq sauce recipe has the most amazing flavour. It's so easy to make and is ready in just a few minutes. It's made with dates, coconut aminos and spices to make it slightly sweet and just a little smoky. It's also paleo, gluten free and vegan!

A bowl of bbq sauce with a tea towel around it.

Why you will love this recipe:

This homemade bbq sauce has the most amazing flavour! Slightly sweet and a little smoky you will love the taste.
It is so quick and easy to make and is ready in just a few minutes using either your blender or immersion blender.
This Whole30 compliant bbq sauce recipe is sugar-free, made without ketchup, and is sweetened only with dates making it a healthier alternative to most store bought bbq sauces.
Besides being Whole30 approved, this healthy barbecue sauce is also paleo, gluten free and vegan.
It can be used for so many things! Use it to top steaks, burgers, roasts, cooked vegetables and more.
This homemade bbq sauce makes a great gift and is also cheaper than buying store bought barbecue sauce so it's a great way to save money on groceries.

If you love healthy homemade sauces you will also love my Whole30 sour cream and Whole30 Alfredo sauce!

Taste and texture:

This sauce is smooth and thick. It is a little sweet, a little smoky and full of flavour. It tastes like a classic bbq sauce rather than a Hawaiian bbq sauce or spicy bbq sauce.

Key ingredients and substitutions:

Tomato sauce – the base of this delicious sauce. You want to use plain tomato sauce rather than a flavoured tomato sauce. You can also use pureed tomatoes instead.
Tomato paste – tomato paste is used to help thicken this barbecue sauce and give it an even bolder flavour.
Dates – dates give this sauce some natural sweetness without actually adding any sugar to this recipe. Using dates instead of sugar also keeps this barbecue sauce refined sugar free.
Coconut aminos – a great soy sauce alternative, coconut aminos gives this sauce a delicious bold taste.
Coconut vinegar – to add just a hint of tang to this recipe. You can swap this for balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar too.
Dijon mustard – dijon mustard is used to add even more flavour to this easy bbq sauce.

How to make this recipe:

Step one:

First, put all the ingredients into your Vitamix or other high speed blender (you could also use a food processor for this) and blend well until smooth.

Step two:

Then transfer the sauce to a pot and bring the ingredients to a boil. Turn down the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until it reaches the thickness that you like.

Step by step directions for making homemade bbq sauce in a blender.

How to make this sauce using an immersion blender:

If you don't have a high speed blender you can use an immersion blender instead!

Step one:

First, place all the ingredients into a pot and bring them to a boil. Then turn down the heat and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Step two:

Now allow the ingredients to cool for a few minutes, and then using your immersion blender, blend everything until it's smooth.

Chef's tips:

If you can't find plain tomato sauce, simply puree some tomatoes in a blender or food processor instead.
To ensure this is Whole30 compliant, make sure you read the label of your Dijon mustard to ensure it doesn't have any ingredients that are not Whole30 safe.
Feel free to double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch of sauce.

Variations and add ins:

If you like a sweeter bbq sauce, add a few extra dates.
If you can’t find coconut vinegar use balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead.
Instead of paprika, try using smoked paprika to give it a slightly different flavour.
If you like a thinner sauce, add a bit more tomato sauce to the recipe or even a bit of water.

How to serve:

This Whole30 compliant bbq sauce can be used in so many different ways! Here are some of my favourites:

As a topping for meat dishes like steaks, ribs, pork tenderloin, pork chops, roasts, chicken and burgers!
As a topping for roasted vegetables.
To make my Whole30 Blueberry Meatloaf (yes trust me, blueberries taste amazing in meatloaf!).
As a pasta sauce.
To make bbq chicken wings.
As a dip for French fries, sweet potato fries, roasted potatoes or potato wedges.
To make my bbq air fryer ribs!

How to store:

Store this sauce in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

A bowl of barbecue sauce with a spoon in it.

Frequently asked questions:

Can I make this recipe without dates?

I don’t recommend it. The dates add natural sweetness to this recipe and also help thicken this barbecue sauce.

Can I make this recipe with ketchup?

You could! Simply swap the tomato sauce and tomato paste for ketchup. Just be sure the ketchup you choose is Whole30 compliant as most brands are not. My favourite Whole30 compliant ketchup is made by Primal Kitchen.

Is barbecue sauce Whole30 approved?

Most brands of store-bought barbecue sauce are not Whole30 approved as most contain sugar or other ingredients which are not Whole30 compliant. There are a few brands including Primal Kitchen which do make Whole30 approved bbq sauce, so be sure you are reading labels carefully.

Is Primal Kitchen bbq sauce Whole30 approved?

Yes it is.

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