Grilling season’s best-kept secret: A healthier BBQ sauce

Summer means grilling season, and when we think of grilling, we often think of delicious, finger-licking BBQ sauce. However, many store-bought BBQ sauces contain high levels of added sugars, sodium, and preservatives – not the best for our health. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to give up BBQ sauce altogether. Making your own barbecue sauce is a great way to avoid unhealthy ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup and preservatives, making it a great addition to your summer grilling festivities. 

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Whisk ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
3. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until it has slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
6. After it has cooled, transfer it to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate it.

This recipe yields about two cups of sauce, which you can store in the fridge for up to two weeks. 

This sauce is not only healthier than store-bought sauce, but it might just taste better too! The smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor, the apple cider vinegar gives it a tangy kick, and the honey and brown sugar add a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for grilling chicken, beef, or veggies, but it can also be used as a marinade or dipping sauce. You can even use it as a topping for homemade pizzas or as a dressing for salads. 

Keep this recipe handy to enjoy the flavors and fun of grilling all summer long without sacrificing your health. So, fire up that grill and let’s get saucy!

Nutritional information

Serving size: 2 tablespoons: 63 calories | 0.3 g fat | 0 g saturated fat | 0 g cholesterol | 145 mg sodium | 14.9 g carbohydrates | 0.9 g fiber | 13.2 g sugar | 0.7 g protein