Paleo BBQ Sauce

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This homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce is smoky, tangy, and sweetened perfectly with just the right amount of maple syrup. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s a no-fuss way to add big flavor to grilled meats, roasted veggies, or anything that needs an added kick.

Dish of paleo BBQ sauce with a spoon in it.

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What I Love About This Recipe
Ingredients
Possible Substitutions
How to Make Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce
Commonly Asked Questions
Serving Ideas
Dietitian Notes
Recipe Tips
Try These Other Great Sauce and Dips
📖 Recipe

I take my condiments seriously, and this BBQ sauce is no exception. Smoky, tangy, and sweetened just enough with maple syrup, it tastes like something you'd find at a classic Texas BBQ joint but with superior ingredients.

This isn’t your average squeeze-bottle sauce. It’s bold, made from scratch, and ready to be slathered on anything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies.

Try it with these Crispy Gluten-Free Chicken Wings, or these tasty Paleo Chicken Nuggets.

What I Love About This Recipe

This homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce is a sweet and savory upgrade to store-bought varieties. Here’s why it’s always in my fridge:

✔ Naturally Sweetened – Made with maple syrup instead of refined sugar, it brings just the right amount of sweetness without overdoing it.
✔ Clean & Paleo-Friendly – Made from real, simple ingredients—no corn syrup, no junk. Just bold, balanced flavor.
✔ Seriously Versatile – Slather it on grilled meats, roasted veggies, or use it as a marinade. This sauce isn’t just a sidekick—it’s the star.

Ingredients

Paleo Ketchup – You can use store-bought paleo ketchup or this homemade No Sugar Ketchup (Paleo & Date Sweetened). If you like your BBQ sauce a little sweeter, choose a ketchup that is naturally sweetened or use unsweetened ketchup and adjust the maple syrup to taste.

Maple Syrup – Maple syrup sweetens this sauce to perfection and pairs well with the savory, smoky flavors of the sauce.

Coconut Aminos – Coconut aminos adds some salty, savory flavor to the BBQ sauce instead of traditional Worcestershire sauce.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Vinegar adds the classic tanginess you expect in all good BBQ sauces.

See the full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below.

Possible Substitutions

Balsamic vinegar can be used in this recipe but it would need to be increased to ½ cup to achieve the appropriate level of tanginess. Other types of vinegar may be used, like white wine vinegar, but adjust to taste for sweeter vinegars.
Honey can be used in place of the maple syrup.
Worcestershire sauce can be used instead of coconut aminos for a non-paleo version. Start with ¼ cup and adjust to taste.
Dijon mustard can be used to replace yellow mustard.
Smoked paprika can be used for more smokey flavor.

If you try any substitutions in this recipe, please let us know what works in the comments below!

How to Make Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce

Ingredients for paleo BBQ sauce in a saucepan.

Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and whisk together. Heat over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until sauce has thickened, stirring throughout.

Paleo BBQ sauce after being simmered in saucepan.

Step 2: Remove from heat and allow it to cool. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Commonly Asked Questions

How do I store this BBQ sauce?

Store this paleo BBQ sauce in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze this sauce.

Can I freeze BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Every time I make this recipe, I divide the sauce into four 8-ounce mason jars. I keep one in the fridge and freeze the other three until I am ready to use them. To freeze, place the BBQ sauce in an airtight, freezer-safe container, allow the sauce to cool fully, and then place in freezer for up to 2 months. If using mason jars, do not put the lids on when the sauce is hot and leave some room for expansion to prevent the jars from bursting in the freezer. Remove from the freezer and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.

How long does homemade BBQ sauce last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this BBQ sauce will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it.

Can I make this sauce more spicy or more mild?

Easily! To make this sauce spicier, add the cayenne pepper and add paleo hot sauce to taste. To make it milder, omit the cayenne and hot sauce.

Serving Ideas

This homemade paleo BBQ sauce is sweet, tangy, and surprisingly versatile. Here are a few ways to use it:

Use it as a glaze for grilled or baked chicken, ribs, pork chops, or meatballs for a sweet, smoky finish. Try it with these Pellet Smoked Baby Back Ribs or these Crispy Gluten-Free Chicken Wing.
Let steak, chicken, or tofu soak up all that bold flavor by using it as a marinade before cooking.
Slather it on burgers (beef, turkey, or veggie!) in place of ketchup for a richer, more complex taste.
Drizzle it over protein bowls. I love adding it to bowls with smoked brisket, roasted sweet potato, avocado, and spinach.
Mix with olive oil or tahini for a smoky salad dressing, especially great with grilled protein and hearty greens.
Pair it with Crispy Baked Paleo Sweet Potato Fries, roasted veggies, or Paleo Chicken Nuggets for the perfect dipping sauce.

Dietitian Notes

Naturally Sweetened – This paleo BBQ sauce gets its signature sweetness from pure maple syrup—not refined sugar—making it a better-for-you option.
Wholesome Ingredients – Made with real-food pantry staples like paleo ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and spices, this recipe keeps it clean, paleo-friendly, and free from additives or preservatives.
Macro-Friendly – With under 30 calories per 2 tablespoon serving and only 5 grams of carbs, this sauce can be slathered without derailing your nutrition.