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Homemade Paleo Barbecue Sauce

When you are looking for a way to elevate your grilling game without the high-fructose corn syrup and preservatives found in commercial bottles, this Homemade Barbecue Sauce is the ultimate solution. This recipe achieves a complex, pitmaster-quality flavor by blending the deep, earthy sweetness of molasses and honey with a robust array of spices including cumin, cinnamon, and dry mustard. By simmering a base of tomato paste and apple cider vinegar, you create a thick, glossy glaze that perfectly balances tang and heat. It is a versatile Paleo-friendly condiment that provides a sophisticated finish to everything from smoked brisket to oven-roasted chicken.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 1 pint

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup Tomato Paste
  • 1/2 cup Water plus extra for thinning
  • 3 1/2 tbsp Honey or Agave / Maple Syrup for Vegan option
  • 1 tbsp Molasses
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 1/4 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 3/4 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Dry Mustard Powder
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper

Instructions

  • Spice Blend: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, cinnamon, mustard powder, and cayenne. Set aside.
  • Combine Liquids: In a small saucepan, whisk together the tomato paste, water, honey, molasses, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  • Incorporate Spices: Stir the spice blend into the liquid mixture until fully incorporated.
  • Boil & Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low.
  • Cook: Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn't stick or burn at the bottom.
  • Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner, more pourable sauce, whisk in an additional 2–3 tablespoons of water at the end of the cooking time.
  • Store: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Notes

  • The "Bloom": Don't skip the 30-minute simmer; this time allows the dried spices to "bloom" in the liquid, which is essential for a smooth, well-rounded flavor.
  • Sticky Glaze: If using this as a grill glaze, apply it during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The sugars in the honey and molasses will caramelize and "tack up" perfectly without burning.
  • Sweetener Swap: For a deeper, more "smoky" sweetness, use dark maple syrup. For a traditional "sticky" BBQ feel, stick with honey.
  • Gift Idea: This makes a fantastic homemade gift! Pour it into a decorative jar and add a label for a thoughtful, Paleo-friendly present for the grill master in your life.