Learn how to make Gluten-Free BBQ Sauce in 15 minutes! It is so simple and takes BBQ recipes to the next level with some pantry items you probably already have on-hand.
Try my Chimichurri Sauce, this Italian Dressing, or Fish Taco Sauce next for another delicious topping or marinade for your next meal.
From a summer backyard barbecue with baby-back-ribs to homestyle comfort food in the winter like Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken, this gluten free BBQ sauce is a favorite recipe I know you will love!
It is great to have this recipe for when you are in the middle of wanting BBQ, and don't have a bottle rattling in the refrigerator door. Us it for meats, as a replacement for tomato sauce like on this Cauliflower Crust Pizza, or to soak in Vegan Pulled Pork. The zesty sweet and savory flavors in this sauce are sure to make the dish delicious!
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Is BBQ sauce gluten-free?
Quick answers are Yes, and No. The gluten-free status of BBQ sauce depends on its ingredients and how it's made. Many commercially available BBQ sauces are gluten-free, but it's crucial to check the label or product information to confirm.
Some BBQ sauces can have gluten-containing ingredients such as soy and cross-contamination during processing in a factory that processes gluten containing products.
To ensure a BBQ sauce is gluten-free, read the ingredient list carefully (or make this homemade gluten-free BBQ sauce recipe!), look for gluten-free certifications on the label, and check for any allergen information provided by the manufacturer. If uncertain, contacting the manufacturer directly can provide more detailed information about their production processes and any potential risk of cross-contamination.
Why you'll love it
- It's Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly! This gluten-free BBQ sauce caters to food allergies like Celiac Disease, wheat, and gluten intolerances. Most store-bought condiments and traditional barbecue sauce contain soy, Worcestershire sauce, and flours to thicken the sauce making them not gluten-free. But using tamari soy sauce (this is just made with soy, no wheat) or even coconut amino's (Trader Joe's has this too) provides a natural ingredient that adds flavor without gluten! This recipe ensures you and your family are safe if gluten is an issue!
- Quick & Easy. It takes as little as five easy minutes to pull together this gluten-free barbeque sauce on the stove by mixing the ingredients in a pot, boil for seconds and then simmer for 5 minutes! There have been moments when we are making pizza (and my youngest son only eats his with BBQ sauce) where I realize the condiment in the fridge is nearly empty. This recipe comes together fast and I usually end up making in on a whim for moments like this! Double the batch and save extra for this easy Barbeque Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash.
- Smoky Flavor You'll Love. This recipe calls for liquid smoke, which adds a twist of satisfying smoky aromas and taste. It adds a twist that when added to food gives it a charcoal grill taste.
What you'll need
- The base - ketchup (I suggest using organic which does not have hydrogenated corn syrup or one that specifically says without it) , liquid smoke, molasses, water, tamari soy sauce (which is a gluten-free version)
- Spices - ginger, onion, all spice, black pepper, dry mustard,
- Extra flavor - lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, coconut sugar
How to make gluten-free barbeque sauce
Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a pot and mix well, turning it to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes. Continue to stir the sauce until it thickens, ensuring it does not burn.
That's it- so easy! Let it cool first, then store the barbeque sauce in the refrigerator in a sealed glass jar for 1 month.
Recommended tools for this recipe
- This is a similar Stainless Steel Cookware Set, close to what I have and use in this recipe for mixing. I have had it for over 15 years and love it! Without the whole set you can just use a small saucepan like this one.
- Here's a three-pack of great whisks to use for mixing your gluten-free barbeque sauce.
How to get a smoky BBQ sauce flavor
You can have a smoky flavor in homemade barbeque sauce without the grill using Natural Liquid Smoke.
No matter how you say it - Barbecue, barbeque, (BBQ or barby for an informal shortened version) are all valid terms for this gluten-free barbeque sauce recipe. Barbecue, is a cooking method over a (machine or) grill or indirect heat and the food is flavored by a higher heat smoking process.
Lots of times the meat - such as steak, chicken, pork or ribs - are marinated in a barbecue sauce recipe first. The smoked flavor happens during the grilling.
Since we want to get that smokey flavor, the addition of Smoke Liquid is where that smoky flavor comes from, making this an important ingredient. You get so much BBQ flavor with or without a grill!
Recipe FAQs
When looking for gluten free BBQ sauce, read the labels carefully. If it is gluten free it will specifically say "gluten-free" on the label, and the ingredients will not contain any gluten or wheat related ingredients.
Yes, as most traditional barbecue sauces are made with Worcestershire sauce, which contains wheat and soy. Some sauces also have wheat flours as a thickening agent so always read labels carefully or make this homemade BBQ sauce.
Recipes to use gf barbeque sauce
Recommended recipes
- Easy 5-Minute Enchilada Sauce
- Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Chocolate Cupcakes - great for dessert!
- Eggless Banana Bread - so moist and tasty and great for mornings and an afternoon gluten-free treat!
- Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
- Cucumber Salad
- Healthy Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins
Follow along with me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter for a feature and more recipe inspiration! And don't forget to rate the recipe in the recipe area and leave a comment below.
Gluten-Free BBQ Sauce Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 cups organic ketchup (make sure it is gluten-free)
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon natural liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon all spice
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients in a pot on the stove and heat on high until it starts to boil. When it boils, turn the heat to low, whisk the ingredients together and simmer for 5 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
- Turn the heat off and let it cool for 10 minutes or completely before storing it. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container or jar for up to 1 month.
Sarah Quinn says
Is there any sub for molasses?
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
You can replace it with maple syrup in equal amount.