A healthier version of homemade barbecue sauce, made in 20 minutes. No ketchup or refined sugar. This quick and easy sauce uses dates for natural sweetness. Use this BBQ sauce in pulled mushroom sandwiches, nachos, or brush over grilled tofu.
Cook sauce: Add water, dates, tomato paste, tamari, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, onion powder, dijon mustard, and pepper to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover with a lid. Cook for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld, stirring occasionally.
Blend sauce: Transfer mixture to a blender. Add lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Refrigerate extras.
Notes
Black pepper: We always recommend freshly ground black pepper, but in this recipe it's especially important that it's freshly ground for the best flavor.
Yield: One batch (1x) makes 2 cups of sauce. Nutritional estimate assumes ¼ cup per serving.