Low Carb Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce (Easy Homemade Recipe)
My Low Carb Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce is a total game-changer if you are following a keto or low carb lifestyle. It’s full of tangy, delicious barbecue flavor without all the carbs plus the ingredients are simple, and it’s easy to make.
Low Carb Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
I think I have missed homemade BBQ more than I realized. Growing up, my parents made homemade BBQ sauce all the time. I can even remember my Daddy standing over a hot pot of BBQ sauce, tasting it by the spoonful until it was just right. I’m pretty sure BBQ sauce was a food group all it’s own in my family since we ate it so often.
Although I have found store-bought sugar-free bbq sauce that tasted okay, nothing compares to homemade. A while back, I started experimenting with my family’s BBQ Sauce recipe as I knew there had to be a way to make a low carb sugar free BBQ sauce version. It was a bit little tricky since BBQ is very sweet and is usually made with quite a bit of ketchup and brown sugar, which I avoid due to the high carb count. In this recipe, I used regular tomato sauce then sweetened the low carb BBQ sauce with MonkFruit Golden Sweetener (a sugar-free brown sugar substitute). It tastes just like my family’s homemade sauce.
If you are making something with BBQ, you need to serve it alongside this easy keto coleslaw!
Will BBQ Sauce Kick You Out of Ketosis?
Regular BBQ sauce generally has approx 15 carbs in two tablespoons. It wouldn’t take much to go over your daily carb allowance. Since it is made with pure sugar, it would likely kick you out of ketosis that is why I made this fantastic sugar-free bbq sauce keto-friendly.
Specialty Ingredients Used in this Recipe:
As I had mentioned before, regular BBQ Sauce is loaded with sugar. When making a keto-friendly version, an excellent sugar-free substitute is an essential ingredient. In creating this recipe, I found that Lakanto Monkfruit Golden Sweetener yielded the best results. It is a fabulous sugar-free substitute for brown sugar that works perfectly in keto recipes. An alternative sweetener is Swerve Brown. Lakanto Monkfruit Golden and Swerve Brown measure the same and are interchangeable.
Step One: Use a whisk and stir vigorously to make sure the tomato sauce and mustard are thoroughly combined before adding the rest of the ingredients to ensure that the sauce is smooth.
Tip: You’ll find the canned tomato sauce in the canned food aisle at your local grocery store. It is usually stocked with all of the other varieties of canned tomatoes, such as diced, whole, tomato paste, etc.
Step 2: Dump the rest of the ingredients in the pot and give it a stir. Don’t be afraid of spices. Spices like chili powder and garlic powder can add much depth and flavor to recipes. Together with the water, vinegar, and Monkfruit Golden, they blend to create a rich, bold, and tangy sugar-free BBQ sauce that is perfect for a low carb diet.
Variations to this Recipe:
While I used regular white vinegar in this recipe, you could substitute with apple cider vinegar. Additional ingredients that can be added to this great recipe for sugar-free bbq sauce include liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and chopped onions.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
I don’t think it would work as sauces don’t typically cook down and reduce in a slow cooker. You need to boil the sauce down without a lid on for it to thicken properly.
How to Thicken Keto BBQ Sauce
Step 3: As you simmer the sauce, it will begin to reduce and thicken. All of the flavors infuse together, which makes it incredibly bold and tangy. With only one net carb per serving, you’ll want to keep a batch of this keto bbq sauce recipe handy in the fridge at all times.
Is this BBQ Sauce Gluten-Free?
All of the ingredients used to make this sugar-free bbq sauce are gluten-free. Although, I would suggest checking the labels on the brands you use.
Braggs Aminos is a healthier version of soy sauce is naturally gluten-free, and it does not contain wheat, additives, or preservatives.
More Keto Recipes that use Low Carb BBQ Sauce
- Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings
- Smoked Sausage & Cabbage
- BBQ Meatloaf
- Pulled Pork
- BBQ Chicken with Bacon & Cheese
- Grilled Pork Chops
- Crockpot Chicken with Homemade BBQ Sauce
If you aren’t already following my Easy Keto/Low Carb Recipe Page on Facebook, where I post all my new recipes, you can join here and follow me on Pinterest here.
How to Make Homemade Keto and Low Carb BBQ Sauce
Low Carb Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 8oz cans tomato sauce
- 3 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2/3 cup Monkfruit Golden Sweetener
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp Braggs Aminos (Can also use coconut aminos if avoiding soy)
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Mix tomato sauce and yellow mustard with a whisk until thoroughly combined in a saucepan.
- Add all other ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and allow the bbq sauce to cook down until it begins to thicken, and all of the flavors are thoroughly combined (approx 20-30 minutes).
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Just made this with diced tomatoes as tomato sauce in cans could not be found.. tastes delicious 👌🏻 I also added less sugar substitute but probably a tad too much chilli
Debbie,
Aminos are similar to a soy sauce. It usually beside them in the store or near international food sauces. Based on soy I’d say its a salt and liquid component. If you can’t find it you could use soy sauce, go without, or maybe add a pinch more salt and add a couple extra tbsp of water.
Just so you know – a regular can of tomato sauce does have sugar in it – 10 grams. not completely sugar-free
Hi! Sugar-free is referring to added sugars not naturally occurring sugars. There is no sugar added to the cans of tomato sauce. That number only reflects what is natural in tomatos. It also means no sugar is added to the bbq sauce. Instead, a sugar-free sweetener is used.
This makes a terrific BBQ Sauce. I’ve made it before, but this time I changed it up a bit. After pre-cooking my seasoned ribs, I used the juices from the pan instead of water, and used some of the left over rib rub seasonings I had – In addition to what’s in the recipe. I also doubled the recipe and let it simmer on low for about 2 1/2 hours. It reduced down by about 1/2 in volume and was a perfectly thick sauce, just right for basting the ribs and serving along side them. This was THE BEST sauce I’ve made so far and will use this process again for my BBQ pork ribs!
Thanks for the basic recipe!
Yum! Your ribs sound amazing! So glad you enjoyed the sauce.
I made a double batch for my son and his college friends – easy to make and great flavor.
I added a dash of liquid smoke – thanks for the recipe!
Awesome! So glad you all loved it.
So 2 tablespoons of this bbq sauce is only 1 carb??
Yes, it is.
Easy and a nice blend of tang and tomato flavors
Fantastic! So glad you enjoyed it!
Can I use Truvia Brown Sugar Blend made with Stevia?
I don’t personally use stevia in recipes as I find it bitter so I don’t know from experience how it would turn out or how much to use.
Wow I made this BBQ sauce last night and it is outstanding!! I also made your Monterey chicken recipe which was absolutely delicious!! I love your recipes, they are all easy and delicious!!
Fantastic! I’m so glad you loved both the recipes and you’ve enjoyed others. I appreciate your taking the time to comment and rate the recipe.
I’m making my second batch now! This time I’m using fresh garlic and a bit of liquid smoke which I saw in a previous comment. This one is a winner and a great way to make boring cuts of meat meat a little more exciting!
Fantastic. So glad you loved it. It is my favorite bbq sauce recipe. I’d appreciate it if you’d jump back on the recipe and give it a rating with the stars since you loved it.
How long will this keep (in refrigerator or freezer?)
I’d say two weeks in the fridge since it doesn’t have any added perservatives.
How long will the sauce last in the frig?
I’d say two weeks in the fridge since it doesn’t have any added perservatives.
Great BBQ sauce!
Thank you so much! I am so glad you loved it.
Do you not count the naturally occurring sugars in the tomato sauce??
I have been wondering about this?
Any carbs in the tomato sauce are included in the nutritional info.
Is this recipe able to be canned?
I am not sure. Possibly.
How long will the BBQsauce last in the fridge?
I’d say two weeks.
After making this four times I thought I’d come by to leave a comment. This is a great recipe and I am glad I found it. I’ve been using the Swerve Brown sugar replacement and have also added some onion powder, and liquid smoke to it in the last batch. Delicious. I eat this on Chicken and Pork chops and it really makes my brain think I’m cheating! The other nice thing about this sauce is the smell in the house when its simmering.. I keep “having to” taste it along the simmering process. Very good recipe. Thank you!!
Awesome, Joey! I remember my daddy making this recipe (except with regular sugar) when I was a little girl. The entire house would smell so good and he’d get spoonfuls to taste every so often just to make sure it was perfect. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
What is the purpose of the amino. Thank you
It adds flavor. It is a healthier version of soy sauce.