3 Best Homemade Gluten-Free Sauces for Summer Barbecues

A good gluten-free barbecue sauce can easily turn a simple meal into something special. Now that grilling season is here, making your own sauces from scratch is a great option. It tastes better, it is healthier, and you do not have to worry about hidden gluten.

Homemade sauces are incredibly versatile. You can use them to marinate, brush on the grill, or toss with everyday leftovers. Here are the easiest ways to use them this summer:

3 Easy and Delicious Homemade Gluten-Free Barbecue Sauces

For Grilling and Barbecues

You can use these sauces to marinate meat, vegetables, or tofu.

  • For tougher cuts (like rib roast), marinate for 24 to 48 hours to tenderize the meat.

  • For tender meats, veggies, and tofu (like chicken breast or pork tenderloin,), you only need 30 minutes to an hour.

  • For fish, just a few minutes is plenty.

Tip: Toss your food onto a hot grill and cook as usual. Just before taking it off the heat, brush on a fresh, extra layer of sauce for a final boost of flavor.

Over Noodle Bowls

You can easily upgrade a plain bowl of noodles. Drizzle a little teriyaki or chili sauce over the top for a quick dinner, this works perfectly for vegetable hibachi noodles.

In Soups and Broths

To add richness to a simple soup or broth, stir in a couple of tablespoons of peanut sauce or curry sauce. It is a quick shortcut to turn a basic broth into a flavorful, Asian-inspired meal, such as this Easy Thai Cashew Chicken Ramen.

On Fries and Eggs

Instead of standard ketchup or mayo, use these sauces to change things up. A good mustard sauce or a quick 5-Minute Vegan Kale Pesto makes an excellent dip for Smashed Crispy Potatoes or Vegetable Pakora, and they both taste great over morning eggs.

3 Easy and Delicious Homemade Gluten-Free Barbecue Sauces

gluten free smoky classic barbecue sauce in a jar with a spoon

Gluten-Free Smoky Barbecue Sauce (2 1/2 cups)

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
  • 1 Tbsp. GF chilli powder
  • 1 Tbsp. GF ground mustard powder
  • 1 cup GF ketchup
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 Tbsp. pure tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp. GF tamari sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • GF ground black pepper and sea salt to taste

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, chilli powder, and mustard powder until combined. Add balance of ingredients and whisk to combine. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add some water if it is too thin, cook it longer until it thickens. Store in glass jars, the sauce will keep up to 4 weeks when refrigerated.

gluten free teryiaki sauce in a clear glass bowl with ginger, garlic, tamari and honey in the background

Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce (2 1/4 cups)

  • 1/3 cup GF sodium-reduced tamari sauce
  • 1 1/4 cup water, divided
  • 1 Tbsp. Minced ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tsp. Sesame oil
  • 1 tsp. Mirin or rice wine
  • 2 Tbsp. Arrowroot starch

Using a small saucepan, add tamari sauce, 1 cup water, ginger, garlic, honey, sesame oil and Mirin. Bring to a boil. Whisk together 1/4 cup of water with arrowroot starch and add to the sauce. Reduce heat to low and cook until the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, add extra water until you reach the desired thickness. Store in glass jars, the sauce will keep up to 2 weeks when refrigerated.

gluten free peri peri sauce in a jar

Gluten-Free Peri Peri Sauce (2 cups)

  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, seeds removed and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup red chillies chopped (African bird’s eye chillies are best), stems removed
  • 5 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 tsp. smoked paprika or chilli powder
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped basil
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. Coconut sugar or sweetener of choice
  • Juice from 1 large lemon and zest
  • 1 tsp. GF ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. Sea salt, or to taste

Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until finely chopped and saucy. Store in glass jars, the sauce will keep up to 2 weeks when refrigerated.

Best Store-Bought Gluten-Free Barbecue Sauces

If you are short on time or not in the mood to make your own sauce from scratch, there are some fantastic options available at the grocery store. Here is a list of my favorite gluten-free store-bought sauces that have great flavor without the extra prep work.

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