Gf Original Bbq Recipe

Prepare aromatics

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute—do not let the garlic brown.

Build the sauce

Stir in the ketchup and tomato paste until combined with the onions and garlic. Add the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and maple syrup and stir to dissolve the sugar. Whisk in the gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard until smooth.

Season and simmer

Add smoked paprika, ground cumin, chipotle powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour in 1 cup water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, add up to 1/4 cup more water to reach desired consistency.

Finish and adjust

Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more salt, sugar, or vinegar as needed to balance sweet, tangy, and smoky notes. For more heat, add a pinch more chipotle or cayenne.

Optional smooth finish (recommended)

For a silky texture, let the sauce cool slightly then transfer to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Return to the saucepan and warm gently before serving.

Storage

Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently before use.

To serve, brush the warm GF Original BBQ sauce over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or use as a dipping sauce. If desired, whisk in 1 tbs hot honey or extra maple syrup for a sweet glaze and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over finished plates for color.