This easy homemade low-carb keto BBQ Sauce brings that wonderful, smoky flavor to your favorite BBQ recipes. But it's made without the added sugar or fillers you’ll find in the store-bought versions!
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Add a little flavor to your weeknight dinners or weekend grilling with keto BBQ sauce!
This savory, sweet, smoky sauce is perfect for so many dishes. Use it to glaze your grilled meats or to dip chicken fingers and other appetizers. You can even throw it in the crock pot to make BBQ pulled meats!
I love this keto BBQ sauce recipe because it’s so easy to make. You only need four main ingredients plus the sweeteners, spices, and optional liquid smoke.
You likely already have everything you need!
Why Make a Keto BBQ Sauce Recipe?
BBQ sauce is great to have all year long, but it’s basically a requirement for summer along with my keto chicken marinade. Both are essential for grilling season.
I prefer the taste of this homemade sauce when compared to store bought versions. Plus the recipe doesn’t have any added sugar or fillers.
The other advantage is that you can adjust your low carb BBQ sauce to your own taste. Barbecue sauce is one of those things that is very personal to some people.
So whether you prefer Texas style, Carolina style, or something totally different, you can make this sauce exactly how you like it!
Why most BBQ sauces are not keto
You may be wondering why you can’t just buy BBQ sauce from the grocery store.
The problem is that many brands add a good amount of sugar, corn syrup, and fillers. This translates to high carb counts as well.
For example, Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce has 8 grams of carbs and 7 grams of sugar per tablespoon. That adds up quickly!
This recipe, on the other hand, only has 2 net carbs and 1 gram of sugar per tablespoon. So you can enjoy your keto barbecue sauce guilt free.
Where to buy low carb sauces
If you simply don’t have time to make your own, there are a few brands that make keto friendly BBQ sauces.
One option is G Hughes sugar free sauces, which you can find online or in many grocery stores. They have a variety of flavors like mesquite, hickory, and carolina sweet heat. They are gluten free, sugar free, and low carb.
Another option is the Primal Kitchen brand which is also unsweetened, gluten free, and low carb. You can find them online or in some grocery stores.
How to make keto friendly BBQ sauce
This sauce is incredibly simple to make. If you ask me, I think it’s even easier than running to the store!
- Mix all the ingredients together in a small sauce pan.
- Bring everything to a boil.
- Reduce to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
That’s all it takes! Your low carb barbeque sauce is now ready to enjoy.
Cook's Tips
When you’re making this recipe, I recommend adding the sweetener gradually. If you like less sweet BBQ sauce, start with half the amount listed in this recipe and then adjust to taste.
If you want to make a large batch for future use, this sauce can be stored in the refrigerator. The salt and vinegar will help preserve the ingredients. Just make sure to use it within several weeks.
Want to make BBQ pulled meat in your crock pot or Instant Pot? You don’t even have to make the sauce first!
Just combine the ingredients with the raw meat in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook as usual. The result will be delicious, tender meat with amazing barbecue flavor.
What to eat with the sauce
Wondering what to eat with your delicious, homemade low carb BBQ sauce?
I love the flavor it adds to my Instant Pot BBQ pulled chicken and Instant Pot BBQ pork chops. You can make this one in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot. It’s perfect for summer picnics!
BBQ sauce is also great for dipping flour chicken tenders or keto french fries. You’ll feel like you’re eating fast food, but with way better ingredients and no guilt! It’s great for dipping dry rub wings too.
You can also top my almond flour pizza crust with the sauce to create a delicious BBQ chicken pizza.
And of course, barbecue sauce is always an excellent topping for your grilled burgers. Combine it with some melted cheddar and smoky bacon for some amazing flavor.
What do you like to eat with BBQ sauce? Let us know in the comments below!
Other recipes to try
Looking for more low carb sauces and dressings to make at home? Check out a few of these favorites:
- Keto Ketchup is so easy to make and perfect for burgers, keto fries, and more!
- Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing is great for salads, plus it’s dairy free and paleo friendly.
- Keto Blue Cheese Dressing has plenty of cheese and just a touch of sweetness. It’s great for hot wings, salads, and more!
- Keto Cream Sauce adds tons of flavor to any meat dish and can be modified to fit a paleo diet.
- Easy Hollandaise Sauce only requires 3 main ingredients and is so delicious over seafood, veggie dishes, or low carb eggs Benedict!
Follow us on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM for even more tasty keto-friendly recipes!
Recipe
Low Carb BBQ Sauce
Video
Ingredients
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce with no added sugar
- 2 Tablespoons mustard dijon or regular
- ⅛ teaspoon stevia concentrated powder or ¼ teaspoon liquid (see note)
- ¼ teaspoon monk fruit concentrated powder or ½ teaspoon liquid (see note)
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke optional for smokey flavor
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in small sauce pan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce to low and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If desired, cook boneless skinless meat in the sauce and shred for BBQ pulled pork or chicken.
Notes
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
First Published: July 3, 2017... Last Updated: May 14, 2020
Rose Mason
What can i use in place of tomato sauce? Not paste either.
Lisa MarcAurele
If you don't mind the flavor, pumpkin puree is a great sub for tomato sauce.
Joseph Beard
Easy to make and the flavor was outstanding.
TheTamster
Hi Lisa, thanks for the recipe. In the ingredients list you call for 1/8 tsp stevia and 1/4 tsp monk fruit. But in the notes section, you say the sweetener should total 1/3 cup. Can you please clarify? Thank you.
Lisa MarcAurele
The stevia and monkfruit listed in the recipe card are the pure concentrated types. The 1/3 cup is the sugar equivalent that you can use instead if you are using a one-for-one sugar replacement.
Steven
Can I make this in a pressure cooker?
Lisa MarcAurele
I don't recommend using a pressure cooker as you need to allow reduction of the liquid by cooking uncovered.
Janet
Am making this for the second time. It is delicious. I use 2 packets of Stevia. The sweetness is perfect.
Sigrid
Is it Frenches mustard or powdered mustard?
Lisa MarcAurele
It's any prepared mustard, not the powdered seed.
Debi
Can you link to a no sugar added Worcestershire sauce please? The one linked in the recipe has corn syrup. Thank you!
Lisa MarcAurele
It's really hard to find a sugar-free and gluten-free one so I've linked to a homemade one.
Buffie
I’ll be making this soon. I do have a question though, what kind of liquid smoke do you think would be best? I have hickory and mesquite. I’ve never cooked with either so I don’t know the differences. Thanks in advance
Lisa MarcAurele
I like the hickory, but either works well. It just depends on your own preference.
JoM
BBQ sauce is like chili - everyone has their particular favorite style (Carolina, white, Texas etc). For myself, I like a tomato-based sauce with a bit of sharpness, not too sweet, and a bit of heat. Although I will admit to adding a little bit of cayenne to the mix, I couldn't be happier with this recipe. If I was at a restaurant, with a plate of beef brisket in front of me, I would be thrilled to have this sauce alongside.
THERESA
can this be made and frozen??
Lisa MarcAurele
It can if you'd like to store it longer.
Sonya
I just made this Low Carb BBQ Sauce and it is really good! I used 1/3 cup Monkfruit sweetener because it is said to actually have health benefits and doesn't have that funky taste of many other artificial sweeteners. My question is, if there is any leftover BBQ sauce, how long will it be good for if I store it in the refrigerator?
Lisa MarcAurele
The salt and vinegar do act as preservatives, but I'd use it up within a few weeks.
Michelle
Way too sweet for me with the liquid stevia and liquid monk fruit. Maybe mine's more concentrated than what you use. Added another tablespoon of ACV which helped. The flavor was good otherwise, but I think I'll halve the sweetener next time. I also upped the liquid smoke and added cinnamon and ginger. Definitely like the basic recipe, but really want to see what it's like with less sweetener.
Lisa MarcAurele
Different brands vary in the concentration of the extract. But I find it's best to start with half the sweetener called for and adjust up if needed.
Lorraine D
Love, love, love this BBQ Sauce. So easy to make and full of flavour. Looking forward to firing up the BBQ.
Tamara
This recipe is fantastic!! Finally a low-carb barbecue sauce that tastes just like store-bought, if not better. Thank you for sharing!
Lisa MarcAurele
You're very welcome.
Sandi
This recipe looks really good. Can I use Splenda is this? Would the amount still be 1/3 cup?
Lisa MarcAurele
As stated in the recipe notes, you'll need about 1/3 cup Splenda.
DAve ASaibene
I am making this for the first time. I see that the sweetness are in 1/4 and 1/8 teaspoon size, how ever you say at the end that total sweetness is 1/3 cup? There are over 15 teaspoons in 1/3 cup. Where am I confused? I just added a table spoon of pure maple syrup and see where that gets me.
Thanks for your response.
Lisa MarcAurele
I'm using extract sweeteners. If you use a granular sweetener that's one-for-one sugar I've provided the equivalent sweetness for sugar.
Michaela
Hi, Lisa. Thanks for this recipe. I'm looking forward to trying it. I'm in NZ, so sometimes I'm not sure of American vs NZ versions of foods. When you list tomato sauce as an ingredient, in NZ that is our version of your tomato ketchup. I know you can't mean that. So do you mean tomato puree or tomato paste or just canned tomatoes? Thanks again, Lisa. Keep up the good work.
Lisa MarcAurele
It's a tomato puree where the seeds and skin are removed.
Tom
I just made this and it's totally delicious. I used 1/3 cup Swerve and found it a bit too sweet. I would probably cut it down to 1/4 cup or less next time. I'm a bbq sauce lover and so grateful to have found this recipe. Thank you!
Lisa MarcAurele
Sweetness is definitely a personal preference so feel free to adjust as needed. So glad you can enjoy your BBQ again!
Tammie Brown
I just made the low carb BBQ sauce. I can't tell any difference in taste from regular BBQ sauce. In fact I think I like it better. I added some celery seed to it. Thank you for being so creative.
Caroline
There are many low carb websites out there, Lisa, but I keep coming back
to yours. Great food and not complicated to prepare--I must enjoy eating
the same way as you do, many thanks.
Lisa
I do try to make the recipes as simple as possible as I don't like to waste too much time prepping meals.
Lisa Lu
I'm making this recipe at this very moment! I'm about 3 weeks in on LCHF. The only modification I made was eliminating any sweetners whatsoever. I've never been a fan of BBQ sauce and maybe the sweetness was the reason. I'm looking for something savory - not sweet! I've been tasting and so far - YUM! I'm going to add some hot sauce too! Thanks much for sharing this recipe. Worn out from searching for unsweetened LC bbq sauce!
Lisa
Eliminating sweets is the best way to go!
Lisa Lu
This sauce was delicious and especially so on cold chicken - one of my favorites! My intention was to cook a bit up and have handy for a quick tasty snack or meal on a busy day. Worked perfectly! Thanks again 🙂
Lisa
You're welcome Lisa Lu!
Rachel
This is delicious! I used a bit less sugar sub - 1/4 cup - and it is just sweet enough for me. I have had the hardest time finding low-carb bbq sauce, so thank you! This hit the spot! I made a bbq chicken pizza on a cauliflower crust. Was so so good! Thanks!
Lisa
You're welcome Rachel. Glad you enjoyed the sauce.
Bec
What a great recipe! Thank you, it was wonderful with pulled chicken breast.
I used stevia as the sweetner. I was really scared if using 2 tsp liquid smoke but it was fantastic.
Lisa
Thanks for sharing Bec! I'm glad it worked out with the pulled chicken.
Daniel
Do you mean 1/3 tsp if sugar equivalent? The recipe calls for 1/8 tsp then 1/4 tsp (3/8 all together), but when you say you can use any sweetener that it needs 1/3 cup equivalent. I just want to clarify!
Lisa
Yes, what's stated is correct as the concentrated sweeteners are equivalent to about 1/3 cup bulk sweetener.
Nina Grube
What kind of mustard are you using?
Lisa
I use prepared dijon mustard.
Nicole
How long will this sauce keep
Lisa
It should keep for at least a few weeks. However, I typically use it up within a couple weeks.
Susan
Liquid Smoke - I bet that's the secret ingredient! I've been experimenting with BBQ sauce recipes for the last couple of summers (looking for something yummy, slightly sweet with low carbs) and I feel that there's always some little thing missing. I'm going to try this ASAP!
Quick question - where do you typically find Monk Fruit Concentrated Powder? I'm not familiar with that sweetener.
Thanks!
Lisa
I use NuNaturals brand and buy off Walmart. It's sometimes called lo han or lo han guo. However, I've seen liquid monk fruit sold in the sweetener section of Walmart. Liquid is typically about half as sweet as the powder.
Carrie
I think you may have forgotten to add the base of this recipe?? Do you start with tomato sauce and/or paste??
Lisa
Oops. Yes. I started with a can of tomato sauce.
Nancy
Hi Lisa, love your recipes! Quick question on BBQ sauce, no tomatoes or paste in this recipe?
Lisa
So sorry. I used an 8 ounce can of tomato sauce. The recipe was scheduled right before a vacation and I'm just seeing the mistake now.