Best 3 Basic Low Sodium Barbecue Sauce Recipes

Barbecue sauce is a flavorful sauce used to enhance the taste of grilled or smoked meats. While many barbecue sauces are high in sodium, there are ways to make a delicious and flavorful low-sodium barbecue sauce at home. This article will provide you with a basic recipe for a low-sodium barbecue sauce, as well as tips on how to use it to make a variety of delicious dishes.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

LOW SODIUM BARBECUE SAUCE

Low Sodium Barbecue Sauce image

Having to live the "low sodium" lifestyle can be boring and flavorless until you discover zingy items like this barbecue sauce. I found this on a low sodium recipe site and I've made it even lower in sodium by changing a few of the ingredients.

Provided by Edie Pennington

Categories Low Protein

Time 30m

Yield 20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 cup no-salt-added ketchup
1 cup no-salt-added tomato sauce
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
2 teaspoons liquid smoke
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

Mix together all ingredients in large saucepan over medium heat.
Once the mixture is hot, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Refrigerate any sauce not being immediately used.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 59.6, Fat 0.1, Sodium 9, Carbohydrate 14.8, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 12.7, Protein 0.4

LOW SODIUM SPEEDY BARBECUE SAUCE

Low Sodium Speedy Barbecue Sauce image

Make and share this Low Sodium Speedy Barbecue Sauce recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Tarbean

Categories Sauces

Time 35m

Yield 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 cup cider vinegar
3/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
2 tablespoons chopped garlic

Steps:

Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat and cool slightly before using.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 196.3, Fat 0.3, Sodium 580.5, Carbohydrate 42.6, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 33.4, Protein 1.8

BASIC LOW SODIUM BARBECUE SAUCE

Basic Low Sodium Barbecue Sauce image

This is a very flavorful bq sauce that has approximately 250 mg of sodium for the entire 3 cups!!! Most store bought sauces have over 400mg of sodium per 1-2 Tablespoons. This recipe was upgrade on 9/24/11 (For lower sugar use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar)

Provided by Lynn Socko @lynnsocko

Categories Other Sauces

Number Of Ingredients 28

Ingredients

BASIC SAUCE
1 - 15 oz. bottle of catsup (zero sodium)
1 - 8 oz can tomato sauce, no salt added (20 mg sodium)
1 tablespoon(s) brown sugar
1/2 cup(s) molasses....160 mg sodium
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) mesquite or hickory liquid smoke....10mg sodium
1 teaspoon(s) bold & spicy mustard....60 mg sodium
1 teaspoon(s) black pepper
1/2 teaspoon(s) cumin
1 teaspoon(s) onion granules or powder
2 teaspoon(s) garlic granules or powder
2 teaspoon(s) balsamicvinegar (use apple cider vinegar for lower sugar)
1 teaspoon(s) sraricha hot sauce or chipotle chili powder
BUTTERY HONEY SAUCE
2 cup(s) basic sauce
1 stick(s) unsalted butter
1/4 cup(s) honey
SOUTHWEST FLAVORS SAUCE
2 cup(s) basic sauce
1 tablespoon(s) southwest spice rub-zero sodium
1 teaspoon(s) smoked paprika
1 teaspoon(s) chipotle chili powder for added heat if desired
SPICY MAPLE HONEY SAUCE
1 cup(s) basic sauce
1/2 cup(s) real maple syrup
1/2 cup(s) honey
1 teaspoon(s) chipotle chili powder (no sodium)
1/4-1/2 cup(s) finely chopped pecans, opt

Steps:

Pour ketchup into med. sauce pan, add all ingredients. Simmer for about 30 min.
For BUTTERY HONEY sauce: Melt a stick of butter in small sauce pan, once melted add 2 c. of this low sodium BBQ sauce and 1/4 c. of honey. Stir and heat for about 5 min.
For SOUTHWEST sauce: Mix ingredients together and simmer for 5 min.
For SPICY MAPLE HONEY sauce: Mix ingredients together, simmer for 5 min. Add pecans when sauce cools.

Tips:

Choose low-sodium ingredients: When selecting ingredients for your barbecue sauce, opt for low-sodium options to reduce the overall sodium content.
Use fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables: Incorporate fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic. They add natural sweetness, flavor, and nutrients to the sauce.
Experiment with different spices and herbs: Feel free to adjust the spices and herbs used in the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Some popular choices include chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
Simmer the sauce for a richer flavor: For a more complex and intense flavor, simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Store the sauce properly: Once prepared, store the barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for longer storage.

Conclusion:

Creating a low-sodium barbecue sauce at home is easy, versatile, and incredibly flavorful. With careful ingredient selection, a blend of spices, and a touch of creativity, you can enjoy a delicious and healthier barbecue sauce that complements your favorite grilled dishes without compromising on taste. Whether you prefer a sweet, smoky, or tangy sauce, this recipe provides a solid foundation for customization based on your preferences. So, fire up the grill and elevate your next barbecue gathering with a homemade low-sodium barbecue sauce that is both satisfying and sodium-conscious.