No Salt BBQ Sauce Recipe
This no salt BBQ sauce recipe offers a tasty, heart-healthy alternative to traditional sauces. Made with a blend of tangy vinegar, rich tomatoes, and bold spices, it’s perfect for anyone looking to reduce sodium intake while still enjoying a flavorful, smoky kick to their dishes.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife (if needed for portioning ingredients)
- Storage container (if saving leftovers)
Ingredients
- 1 cup no-salt-added tomato sauce
- 1 cup no-salt-added ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the no-salt-added tomato sauce and ketchup. Stir them together well to create the base for your BBQ sauce.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and molasses. Stir again until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir until all the spices are well incorporated into the sauce mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a rich flavor.
- Taste the BBQ sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a bit more vinegar for tanginess or brown sugar for sweetness based on your personal preference.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small amount of hot sauce to spice things up. You can increase the smoked paprika or even add a drop or two of liquid smoke.
Adjust the honey or maple syrup based on your taste preferences. The natural sweetness helps balance the acidity from the vinegar and adds depth to the BBQ flavor.