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
- Spoon or whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Spoons
- Stove
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
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup water adjust to your preferred thickness
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the no-salt-added tomato sauce, no-salt-added ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, liquid smoke, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, black pepper, ground mustard, and lemon juice.
Cook the Sauce:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir the sauce occasionally to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Simmer and Thicken:
- Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water (start with ½ cup and adjust as needed) to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the BBQ sauce, and if you’d like a bit more sweetness, add more brown sugar. For more tang, add a bit more vinegar or lemon juice. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Cool and Store:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are balanced, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sauce cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to two 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.