Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free BBQ Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a BBQ sauce that’s not only delicious but also gluten-free, you’re in for a treat!
I absolutely love this recipe because it balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. The fresh orange juice adds a vibrant twist, while the smoked paprika gives it that smoky depth we crave.
It’s incredibly versatile—I use it on everything from grilled chicken to veggies. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Just a few simple ingredients come together in no time.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on hand for all your summer cookouts. Enjoy every bite!
Ingredients of Gluten Free BBQ Sauce
When it comes to making a killer BBQ sauce, having the right ingredients is key. This gluten-free BBQ sauce is packed with flavor and is super easy to whip up. You probably have some of these ingredients in your kitchen already, which is a win!
So, let’s explore what you’ll need to create this zesty, tangy sauce that will take your grilling game to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/4 cup shallot, minced
- 1 (7 ounce) can organic tomato paste
- 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Now, let’s talk about some of these ingredients for a minute. Grapeseed oil is a great choice for cooking because it has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, which means it won’t overpower your sauce.
If you don’t have grapeseed oil, feel free to swap it out for olive oil, though it might add a slightly different taste.
And fresh squeezed orange juice? That’s where the magic happens. It brightens the sauce and adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory notes. Honestly, I sometimes just drink the leftover orange juice while cooking—it’s a nice little perk.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can play around with the spices too! Maybe add a dash of cayenne for a kick or some honey for extra sweetness. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes cooking fun, right?
How to Make Gluten Free BBQ Sauce
Alright, let’s jump into making this delicious Gluten Free BBQ Sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing!
First things first, grab your 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil and warm it up in a saucepan over medium-low heat. It’s like a cozy spa day for your pot.
While that’s heating up, take your 3 crushed garlic cloves and 1/4 cup of minced shallot and toss them into the oil once it’s nice and warm. You want to cook these until they’re soft and fragrant—think of it as building the aromatic foundation of your sauce. And let me tell you, the smell is heavenly. Just be careful not to burn them or you’ll be left with a bitter taste that no one wants in their BBQ sauce.
Next up, it’s time to release the flavor powerhouses! Add in the entire 7-ounce can of organic tomato paste, followed by 1 cup of fresh squeezed orange juice. This is where the magic really starts to happen. The bright, zesty sweetness of the orange juice will meld beautifully with the savory notes of the tomato paste.
Stir it all together, then add in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of Celtic sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything, and let it simmer over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir often, so nothing sticks to the bottom—trust me, you don’t want a burnt sauce.
Once that simmering time is up, your BBQ sauce is ready to rock. Just imagine basting it over some grilled chicken or fish; it’s a game-changer.
If you’re feeling patient, let it cool and then refrigerate it for 1 to 3 hours to really let those flavors meld together. But hey, if you can’t wait, go ahead and slather it on right away. Just be prepared for a flavorful explosion. Cooking should be fun, right?
And if you end up with extra sauce, don’t worry; it’ll keep in the fridge. Just try not to drink it straight from the jar, like I may or may not have done once. Enjoy your grilling!
Gluten Free BBQ Sauce Substitutions & Variations
There are countless ways to customize your Gluten Free BBQ Sauce to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
For sweetness, I often swap orange juice for pineapple or apple juice. If I want a spicier kick, I add cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
For a smoky flavor, I sometimes use liquid smoke instead of smoked paprika. If I’m out of shallots, finely chopped onions work just as well.
And if I’m looking for a tangy twist, I might incorporate some tamarind paste.
Feel free to experiment and discover your perfect blend!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Gluten Free BBQ Sauce turns out perfectly, I recommend tasting and adjusting the flavors as you go.
If you like a sweeter sauce, add a touch more orange juice or a bit of honey. For extra heat, consider incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce.
Remember, letting the sauce sit for a few hours enhances the flavors, so don’t rush it!
Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; it keeps well for about a week.
Enjoy experimenting with this sauce; it’s versatile and delicious on a variety of grilled dishes!