Sugar Free BBQ Sauce

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Skip the sugar, not the barbecue! This easy Sugar Free BBQ Sauce recipe is tangy, sweet and smoky, all without the extra carbs of traditional versions. It’s perfect for chicken, pork and all your favorite barbecued meats!

Love making your own dips and sauces? Be sure to try our sugar free enchilada sauce recipe next. Or give our homemade ranch dressing a try soon.

Why This Homemade BBQ Sauce is Best

If you love BBQ, you know the importance of a good sauce. The right BBQ sauce elevates the flavor of your meat, while a subpar sauce can wreck what would be a delicious meal.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of BBQ sauce recipes are loaded with sugar, corn syrup and other ingredients you might rather avoid if you’re limiting your carb intake (or just keeping an eye on your diet).

Here’s the good news: it’s super easy to make sugar free BBQ sauce at home. It tastes a million times better than the no-sugar sauces that come in a bottle and you can enjoy it so many ways.

Brush it on grilled chicken tenders, toss it with pulled pork or use as a dipping sauce.

Keto approved
Ready in 20 minutes
Sweet and tangy with a peppery kick
More cost effective than store bought

I know this is going to become your new go-to BBQ sauce recipe! We feature this sauce on our smoked bbq chicken thighs!

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed to make homemade bbq sauce.

Tomato paste – While many BBQ sauce recipes use ketchup as the base, tomato paste produces a more flavorful, thicker sauce without any added sugars.
Sweetener – We use powdered erythritol, an organic sugar alcohol that’s super sweet but carb and calorie free.
Liquid smoke – Gives the sauce a smoky, barbecue flavor.
Apple cider vinegar – Adds acidity and enhances the tanginess of the sauce.
Spices – Cayenne pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes and dry mustard give this BBQ sauce a bit of a fiery kick!
Worcestershire sauce – Make sure to use a brand that contains no added sugars.

How to Use Keto BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is one of the most versatile condiments there is. Most of us think of barbecue sauce as an accompaniment to meat cooked over hot coals or on a grill, but there are so many delicious ways to enjoy this flavorful sugar free sauce too.

Chicken thighs: My all time favorite way to use Keto BBQ sauce is to make BBQ Chicken Thighs!
On a burger: Make your own BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers with a few beef patties, crispy oven baked bacon, Keto Hamburger Buns and this sauce recipe!
As a dip: Serve the sauce with a plate of Grilled Chicken Tenders or roasted radishes for dipping.
Pulled pork: Keto BBQ sauce is begging to be tossed with some slow-cooked shredded pork!

Recipe FAQs

What is liquid smoke? Can I make BBQ sauce without it?

Liquid smoke is an ingredient used to imitate the smoky flavor you get from cooking foods over wood smoke. It’s made by condensing the smoke released by burning wood into liquid. You can find it near the bottled barbecue sauces in most grocery stores.
You can make this sauce without the liquid smoke, but then it won’t have any smoky flavor. If you plan to use the sauce over smoked meat, it’s less important since the meat will bring its smoky flavor to the dish anyway.

How long does homemade BBQ sauce stay good?

Most homemade BBQ sauce, including this sugar free version, stays good for up to 2 weeks. Store it in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container. (I use a mason jar which works perfectly.)

Can the recipe be doubled?

Yes, this sugar free BBQ sauce recipe is easy to double! You will need a larger saucepan and longer cooking time to let the sauce thicken.

How can I make it spicier?

If you’re a fan of spicy BBQ sauces, set aside a few crushed red pepper flakes to add to the finished sauce to taste. A little goes a long way!

Homemade bbq sauce spooned out of a mason jar.

More Easy Low Carb Recipes

Yield: 1 cup

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Skip the sugar, not the barbecue! This easy Sugar Free BBQ Sauce recipe is tangy, sweet and smoky, all without the extra carbs of traditional versions. It's perfect for chicken, pork and all your favorite barbecued meats!

Ingredients

6 ounce tomato paste
3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
⅓ cup powdered erythritol
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons liquid smoke
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup water
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add all ingredients (except the butter). Bring mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, until sauce has thickened to desired consistency.
Remove from heat and stir in butter until a glossy sheet occurs. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

How long does homemade BBQ sauce stay good? Most homemade BBQ sauce, including this sugar free version, stays good for up to 2 weeks. Store it in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container. (I use a mason jar which works perfectly.)
Can the recipe be doubled? Yes, this sugar free BBQ sauce recipe is easy to double! You will need a larger saucepan and longer cooking time to let the sauce thicken.
How can I make it spicier? If you're a fan of spicy BBQ sauces, set aside a few crushed red pepper flakes to add to the finished sauce to taste. A little goes a long way!
See blog post for more recipe tips and tricks.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 21Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 62mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g

Keto sugar free barbecue sauce is easy to make in 20 minutes. This stovetop recipe creates flavorful sauce brimming with the classic BBQ flavor you know and love, without the sugar rush!