Healthier Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Craving barbecue but watching your sugar intake? This healthier barbecue sauce delivers BIG on flavor without the guilt! Made with less butter and sugar than traditional recipes, this easy 20-minute recipe yields 1 1/2 cups of delicious, tangy sauce perfect for grilling chicken, pork, ribs, or even vegetables. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Calories 465.5 kcal

Protein 15g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Healthier Barbecue Sauce

Onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 tablespoons butter
Prepared Mustard
Vinegar
Sugar
Ketchup
Clove
Salt

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How to Make Healthier Barbecue Sauce

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), and 1/4 cup water.
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the skillet with the sautéed onions and peppers. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne for heat.
Pour the barbecue sauce over your favorite grilled meat or vegetables and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

227 g

Sugar

295g

Fat

38g

Carbs

29g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Healthier Barbecue Sauce?

Healthier Barbecue Sauce takes about 30 minutes from start to finish — roughly 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Healthier Barbecue Sauce?

Healthier Barbecue Sauce has approximately 465.5 calories per serving, with about 15 g protein, 29 g carbohydrates and 21 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Healthier Barbecue Sauce?

The key ingredients for Healthier Barbecue Sauce are Onion, Green Pepper, Butter, Prepared Mustard, Vinegar, Sugar. See the full list with measurements above.