Healthy Honey BBQ Sauce (Sweet & Tangy)

Heat 2 tablespoons light olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 chopped red onion and season lightly with salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté until the onion is soft, translucent, and fragrant, but not browned.
Add the 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon molasses, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon while still pouring easily. Keep the heat low to prevent the honey from scorching.
For a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan, or carefully transfer the sauce to a blender. Let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splashing.
Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a clean jar or airtight container before using or storing.

Let it thicken naturally. A slow simmer smooths out the vinegar and gives you a sauce that stays glossy instead of thinning on food.

Blend based on how you’ll use it. I blend it smooth for dipping, but leave a little texture when it’s going on chicken or ribs.

Taste after it cools slightly. The sweetness and tang settle as it cools, which makes final seasoning decisions much easier.

Brush it on at the end. Honey-based sauces caramelize best in the last few minutes and won’t burn or turn bitter.

Did you make this recipe?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out :)