Go Back
Tomato Free BBQ Sauce

Tomato Free BBQ Sauce

Tomato Free BBQ Sauce is a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce made without tomatoes. It blends fruits, spices, and natural sweeteners to create a bold, flavorful glaze perfect for chicken, ribs, wings, or burgers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 90
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups cubed butternut squash
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 3 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons hickory liquid smoke
  • 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon Ground Mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Butternut Squash
  1. Add cubed butternut squash to a saucepan with a small amount of water. Simmer until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
Step 2: Blend the Base
  1. Add the cooked squash, applesauce, molasses, coconut aminos, liquid smoke, onion powder, Ground Mustard, and ginger into a blender. Blend until smooth.
  2. If the sauce feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of warm water.
Step 3: Simmer for Flavor
  1. Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan. Cook on low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring gently. This helps the flavors come together.
  2. Taste and adjust. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more applesauce. Want it smokier? Add a drop more liquid smoke.
Step 4: Cool and Store
  1. Let the sauce cool fully before transferring to a jar. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

Notes

▶ Adjust liquid smoke slowly. Too much can overpower the sauce.
▶ Blend until completely smooth for best texture.
▶ Let the sauce cool before judging thickness.
▶ Taste and adjust sweetness to your preference.
▶ Works great as a base for other flavor additions.