Summer is here! That means many people start to head outside to do some grilling. Grilling out is definitely a good option instead of heating up the kitchen to prepare a meal when it’s hot out. One of the classic flavors associated with grilling is barbecue sauce. But store-bought barbecue sauces often contain ingredients that are better off avoided. Especially if you’re working on improving your health. This homemade honey barbecue sauce is a healthier option!
Many popular store-bought barbecue sauces include less than healthy ingredients like high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup causes inflammation in the body. It has also been linked to diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. But it isn’t the only questionable ingredient found in many conventional barbeque sauces. It is also common to find chemical food preservatives and artificial colorings and flavorings. These questionable ingredients may cause allergic reactions. They also disrupt hormone function or even contribute to cancer.
Do you know what is in the food you are eating?
It is always important to read labels when using packaged foods and beverages. On your health journey, it is important to become an educated consumer. Reading labels helps you to choose products that are healthier for your body!
Instead of choosing a store-bought barbecue sauce, whip up a batch of this simple honey barbecue sauce instead. Unlike many barbecue sauce recipes, this recipe does not use ketchup. Store-bought ketchup typically includes added sugar, often in the form of high fructose corn syrup. This recipe uses natural honey to sweeten instead!
We love using coconut aminos in place of soy sauce in recipes like this! They have the same great taste. If you do opt to use soy sauce, choose an organic variety. When looking for liquid smoke, be sure to read the label! Look for a brand that contains only water and smoke essence. Avoid brands containing chemical additives.
When it comes to honey, nothing compares to the health benefits of raw honey. Local is even better! One benefit of using honey as a sweetener is that it doesn’t boost blood sugar levels as other sweeteners do.
This barbecue sauce is quick and easy to make. And it is perfect for grilling chicken, ribs, portabella mushrooms. Use it in baked beans or even to as a dipping sauce too!
Homemade Honey Barbeque Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 2 TBSP molasses
- 2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
- 3 TBSP coconut aminos or organic soy sauce
- 2 TBSP liquid smoke
- 1 1/2 TBSP chili powder
- 1 TBSP garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a saucepan.
- Mix together well.
- Cook over medium heat until the sauce begins to simmer.
- Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes.
- Store unused portions in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.