This one is for you joyous readers! You’ve been asking me for a homemade BBQ sauce for a while now that is full of flavour and free of fake ingredients. It’s finger lickin’ good! 
Growing up, I used to put BBQ sauce on just about anything, my favourite use was to dip chicken in it. My mom always used to buy Diana Sauce — do you remember that brand? Back in the day when I was a teen it was by far the cleanest BBQ sauce at the grocery store. I haven’t had a bottle of store-bought BBQ sauce in my fridge in well over a decade, because it’s so easy to make yourself. You’ll save some dollas and you’ll be getting a FAR healthier version than any that Diana can create 😉
This sauce is so easy to make and requires ZERO equipment, no food processor or blender. Just a bowl and whisk or spoon!
Whether you eat animal foods or not, this sauce makes everyone happy because all the ingredients are vegan and you can use it a variety of ways:
Smother it on grilled tempeh
Enjoy with sliced grilled chicken, like I did
Slather it in a wrap or a sandwich
Use it as a marinade sauce for any meat you BBQ
This is not a spicy sauce, but it is incredibly flavourful and goes well with just about anything. And of course, one of my favourite Canadian Superfoods maple syrup is a main ingredient. If you want it spicy, simply add some cayenne or hot chili peppers finely chopped. I’m not a fan of the smokey flavour so I skipped using mesquite, chipotle powder or smoked chili peppers. This isn’t a pregnancy thing, that smokey flavour is just not my thing. But of course you can add those spices if you like because this sauce is a great base. However, I think it tastes SOOOO yummy as is you may not need to add anything else! As you can see, the ingredients are probably all in your kitchen right now — simple whole, real food. 
Here’s the recipe:
Mains & Sides
Best Ever Homemade BBQ Sauce
PrintIngredients
- 1 small can (5.5oz) tomato paste
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup tamari sauce (this is made from fermented soybeans*)
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Place all ingredients into a large bowl and mix together. Store in an air-tight container for up to 7-10 days.
It makes about a cup and a half, so this is a good amount if you plan on using it a couple of times.
*You can purchase tamari at a health food store or in the health food section of the grocery store.
I prefer certified organic because soybeans are highly sprayed with pesticides.
It is also possible to purchase "gluten-free" tamari.
What’s your favourite way to enjoy BBQ sauce? Feel free to share your BBQ sauce recipes below, I’m always on the lookout for new ones.
Happy BBQ Season! Joy
29 thoughts on “Best Ever Homemade BBQ Sauce”
Hi Joy,
This looks right up my alley. Here is the inevitable question – can you substitute soy sauce? I’m guessing you used tamari because it’s wheat-free? Or was it for the flavour?
Thanks!
Tamari’s definitely more flavourful. We chiefly use tamari because it’s wheat-free, but I find it definitely tastes better in recipes like this as well.
Kate – Joyous Health Team
This looks great – can it be frozen? It would take me longer than 7-10 days to go through 1.5 cups. Thanks!
I haven’t tried freezing it yet, but I don’t see why not? The only thing is the water from the tomato pasts might separate out. I’m not 100% sure!
Ps. You could always cut the ingredients in half.
Can I freeze this in individual servings to have it last longer? Thanks!
Hi Joy! Just wondering what the measurements are for the maple syrup and tamari. There are questions marks there and not numbers. Thanks!
Hey Stephanie!
Oh no! You must’ve caught is in the midst of the soft launch of our new site. We’re still ironing out some kinks, but luckily this post and the recipe are back in working order 🙂 So sorry about that!
Thanks so much for your co-operation and your understanding.
Rachel – Joyous Health Team
What size can of tomato paste did you use?
Hey Ashley, The small tomato paste cans 🙂 I think they are about 156ml! Rachel – Joyous Health Team
If we have to stay away from soy products is it still okay to use the tamari sauce or what would you suggest instead?
Thanks 🙂
Kiren
Hey Kiren, Tamari would be the exception because its fermented so its anti-nutrients (the ones that interfere with our body in a negative way) our removed so you don’t have to worry about that! Organic and fermented is best if you decide to have soy-containing foods like tamari or tempeh! Rachel – Joyous Health Team
Can coconut aminos be used because I can’t have soy?
Can you freeze this sauce?
Hey Lindsay, Yes, I’m sure you could! We haven’t tried it but it should be fine. Just let it thaw on the counter when you’re ready to use it 🙂 Rachel – Joyous Health Team
Hey Kella, Yes, absolutely! Coconut aminos is awesome 🙂 Rachel – Joyous Health Team
Looks good.
Could you replace tomato paste with ketchup
Hi Angela! You could, but then you’re adding quite a bit of sugar which I wouldn’t recommend, plus tomato paste adds a nice thickness to the sauce. Tomato sauce can be purchased for under a dollar, so it’s worth it 🙂
Could you use coconut aminos in place of the tamari sauce?
Yes absolutely and would be just as delicious!
Can I substitute the maple syrup for honey?
Yes definitely!
Made this today. It’s super easy and very tasty. I added a few drops of liquid smoke. I am never buying bbq sauce again!!!
Wonderful addition!
Hello! I can’t have any natural sweeteners or vinegar. Any thoughts around what I can substitute the maple syrup and the Apple Cider Vinegar with? Thanks!
You could use stevia to sweeten and you could just omit the apple cider vinegar. I do think you’ll need to add some more liquid though, so maybe just add water.
Your BBQsauce recipe sounds delicious. I am wondering about leaving out the tamari sauce to reduce the sodium–would there be any sodium-free alternative(s) that you might suggest? Just wondering. It sounds like it would be good with or without the tamari. Thanks!
You can find low-sodium tamari. I believe the brand San-j makes low sodium. You can definitely make it without. Just give it a taste test and see how you like it!
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