Heart-Healthy Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Transform your grilling game with this Heart-Healthy Homemade Barbecue Sauce, a flavorful and wholesome alternative to traditional store-bought versions. Made with nutrient-packed tomato paste, tangy apple cider vinegar, and naturally sweetened with honey and unsweetened applesauce, this sauce is big on taste without the added sodium or processed sugars. A perfect blend of smoky paprika, zesty mustard, and a hint of cayenne pepper ensures just the right touch of spice, while a dash of liquid smoke delivers that classic barbecue essence. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy-to-make sauce is ideal for adding guilt-free flavor to grilled meats, roasted veggies, or plant-based proteins. Keep it on hand as a versatile condiment that supports your heart-healthy lifestyle.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 ounces Tomato paste
• 0.5 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce
• 0.5 cup Unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon Liquid smoke
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cayenne pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, and unsweetened applesauce.

Step 2

Stir in the honey, paprika, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, and liquid smoke.

Step 3

Add the ground cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, adjusting the amount to your preference.

Step 4

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind the heart-healthy goal and avoiding additional sodium.

Step 7

Once thickened to your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool.

Step 8

Transfer the barbecue sauce to a clean jar or container and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Step 9

Use this heart-healthy barbecue sauce to add flavor to your favorite grilled or roasted dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(503.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	411.4

Total Fat 2.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1125.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 93.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.1g	0%
Total Sugars 67.9g
Protein 13.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 118.2mg	0%
Iron 9.1mg	0%
Potassium 2171.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 4.4%

Protein: 12.4%

Carbs: 83.2%