Slow Cooker BBQ sauce

This slow cooker BBQ sauce is a healthy, homemade sauce that’s not only Whole30 compatible but also paleo, gluten-free, and vegan. With no added sugar, this versatile BBQ sauce can also be made in the Instant Pot. 

Instead of sugar I used chopped dates for a natural sweetener. If they fit your dietary needs, honey or maple syrup are good substitutions. Yes, you can make this bbq sauce on the stove: throw all the ingredients in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until blended. Turn heat to low and cook 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. It’s better though made in the slow cooker. Heating the ingredients low and slow really unlocks the flavors.

I used a small 2-quart slow cooker but you can easily double or triple this recipe if you have a larger slow cooker.

Expect the sauce will look thick before it cooks, thin & watery when it’s done cooking and then it will thicken again after it cools.

I’m listing the liquid smoke as optional but I always use it. A little liquid smoke goes a long way. Just 1/4 tsp will make it fairly smokey in my opinion. If you’re on the fence about this then omit it all together or lower the measurement to 1/8 tsp. If you want your sauce a little sweeter then add more dates. If it’s too thick, add more water.

I used an immersion blender but you can use whatever you have whether it be immersion blender, food processor, or regular blender.

Slow Cooker BBQ Sauce

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• Author: Shannon Epstein
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 mins
• Yield: 2-3 cups 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 1/4 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
• 2 ounces pitted dates, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oil (for Instant Pot)

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Instructions

Slow Cooker

1. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
2. Cook HIGH 2-3 hours or LOW 4-6.
3. Blend in food processor or immersion blender until smooth.

Instant Pot

1. IF using raw onion rather than onion flakes – turn on the IP and select Sauté. Once hot add oil to the pot. Add onion, and cook for a 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add water and using a wooden spoon scrape well the bottom of the IP to remove any bits that stuck to it, make sure you scrape it well to avoid burning during cooking. Add remaining ingredients to the IP. Stir to mix well.
3. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook for 10 minutes. Natural release pressure for 5 minutes then manually the remaining pressure.
4. Blend in food processor or immersion blender until smooth.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 5.7 g
• Fat: 0.6 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9.2 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 1.4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

This makes approximately 2-3 cups of BBQ sauce. My last batch made me 2 1/2 cups. Store this in an air-tight container in the frig for up to 2 weeks. Or you can freeze it. If you end of making modifications to the taste of the sauce, let me know in the comments below what you did. Curious minds want to know.