This Nightshade-Free Barbecue Sauce is made with just a handful of ingredients in only 10 minutes. It’s completely tomato-free, secretly full of nutrients, and is a great way to add a sweet, tangy flavor to all your favorite recipes! Gluten and dairy-free, too!
Personal note – This new nightshade-free BBQ sauce recipe has become a true staple in my kitchen! It’s a great alternative during my acid-reflux flare-ups when I need to avoid heavy spices and highly acidic foods like tomatoes. I like to make a big batch and divide it into small jars then freeze the rest for later use. It pairs well with so many recipes. Plus, no one can tell it’s not real bbq sauce. Shhhh! Keep that a secret. 🙂
Your New Go-To Condiment that’s Tomato-Free!
It can be difficult to find ways to add flavor and spices to your meals when following a nightshade-free diet, but it’s not impossible! With a little creativity, you can enjoy all your favorite flavors, and you don’t have to splurge on fancy store-bought sauces made with lots of added sugar and mystery ingredients.
We’ll prove it with recipes like our nightshade-free ranch and this tomato free barbecue sauce recipe! Our new go-to condiment, it’s so good even those who aren’t following a specific diet plan can’t get enough.
Whip up a large batch in minutes, and keep it on hand to use as a dip, marinade, or sauce. You’ll never need another condiment again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions to make this nightshade-free barbecue sauce recipe! Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete ingredients and instructions.
- Oil – Light olive oil helps sauté the aromatics, enhancing their flavor and adding healthy fats to the sauce.
- Aromatics – Yellow onions and fresh garlic cloves add a sweet, aromatic flavor base.
- Pumpkin Puree – This adds extra depth and helps create the rich color and smooth consistency we look for in BBQ sauce.
Pro-Tip: Make sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling! The thinner the purée, the better your BBQ sauce will be.
- Coconut Aminos – These add a salty, umami taste. If preferred, tamari will also work.
- Maple Syrup or Honey – We use this to enhance the sweetness without the need for refined sugar. Maple syrup will also work if you need a vegan recipe!
Note: Maple syrup gives off a lighter taste that’s great when paired with the smokey flavor of liquid smoke. Meanwhile, honey is a great option for those who love sweeter honey barbecue sauces.
- Blackstrap Molasses – This adds extra depth and enhances the sweet flavor. Look for vegan molasses if needed.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – For extra tang and a slightly sweet taste.
- Fresh Ginger – Feel free to use ginger powder if preferred. (See the notes in the recipe card below.)
- Spices – Onion powder and black pepper enhance the subtle savoriness of the sauce.
- Liquid Smoke – This adds a delicious smoky flavor without adding any nightshade spices like smoked paprika.
Note: This recipe is fairly thick on its own, but you can add a splash of water or cherry juice to help thin it out if desired.
How to Make This Barbecue Sauce
- Sauté. Heat the oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions, and sauté until they’re tender and golden brown. Then, stir in the minced garlic, and continue to sauté until fragrant.
- Blend. Transfer the onions and garlic to a high-speed blender or food processor. Then, add the remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth.
- Adjust. Give your sauce a taste test, and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash of water or cherry juice, and blend again.
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Common Questions
Use this recipe any way you would use classic barbecue sauce! It’s great with salmon, chicken, ribs, meatballs, meat, pork, burgers, and even BBQ pizza! Or, use it to enhance salads like our BBQ tempeh vegan quinoa salad.
Stored in a glass container sealed with a lid, leftover sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week. Or, you can freeze it for up to one month! To enjoy it warm, simmer the sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until your desired temperature is reached.
We like to add two to four tablespoons of cherry juice to give it a natural sweeter taste. However, you can also adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add more ginger, liquid smoke, or honey as desired! You can also experiment with a pinch of salt, smoked salt, or mustard if desired.
Nightshade-Free Barbecue Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 ½ cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Skip the store-bought stuff, and make this homemade nightshade free barbecue sauce in 10 minutes for lower-sugar condiment perfect for those who can’t handle tomatoes!
Ingredients
- ½ Tablespoon light olive oil
- ⅔ cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (1 teaspoon) or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup coconut aminos or tamari
- 2 Tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons blackstrap molasses
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (adjust to desired flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: water or cherry juice, as needed to thin the sauce
Instructions
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté about 5 minutes or until tender and golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté about 1 minutes or until fragrant.
- Transfer the sauteed onion and garlic mixture to a high speed blender.
- Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Taste the BBQ sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. For a thinner consistency, add water or cherry juice.
- Store the sauce in a glass container sealed with a lid in the refrigerator for up to one week or the freezer for one month. To enjoy warm, heat the sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use as desired.
Notes
Flavor Tips – We like to add 2 to 4 Tablespoons of cherry juice to the BBQ sauce to give a natural sweeter taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: condiment
- Method: blender
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 86
- Sugar: 11.5 g
- Sodium: 213.3 mg
- Fat: 1.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 18.6 g
- Fiber: 1.4 g
- Protein: 0.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
I just got diagnosed with a TON of food sensitivities and have been MISSING my sauces. This one came in CLUTCH tonight, and the whole family LOVED it! Thank you. thank you, THANK YOU!!!!
Oh yay!! I’m so glad you were able to enjoy it as a family. Thanks for your feedback, Ravenne!