This Easy Keto BBQ Sauce Recipe is the perfect sweet, smoky, spicy & tangy sauce all-in-one, with only 1g net carb per serving! If you want a super easy, sugar-free, low-carb barbecue sauce that tastes delicious, this is it! And it only takes 5 minutes to to make.
Last week I slow roasted a few beef short ribs and while they tasted great on their own I was seriously craving a little drizzle of BBQ sauce.
There’s just something so delicious about that sweet, tangy barbecue paired with fall off the bone, fatty meat that can’t get enough of. (My mouth is watering as I am typing, just thinking of that meal!)
But since I’m committed to sticking to my low carb diet this year and shifting the majority of my content here at HSITK to low carb keto recipes, I looked at my craving as an opportunity.
I was so excited to share my new low carb recipe for BBQ sauce, I actually met Ray in the drive way with a bite of bbq coated short rib in the driveway when he got home from work. Luckily he shares my food-enthusiasm and agreed this was a recipe that I needed to share with you ASAP.
Is BBQ Sauce Keto?
In a short answer, NO. Most commercial and homemade BBQ sauces are too high in carbs for a keto diet. But don’t worry, I’ve found you the perfect solution with this recipe.
To be honest, coming up with this recipe wasn’t that difficult. I already make the most amazing Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe, but it uses brown sugar. By ditching the high carb sugar and switching to THIS low carb brown sugar substitute, with a few minor adjustments to the seasonings, it was love at first taste.
What ingredients are in Keto BBQ Sauce?
To make this delicious low carb bbq sauce you only need 6 ingredients and 5 minutes of time.
Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener – this most closely mimics brown sugar and gives your sauce a full flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar – this is where the tangy flavors come from.
Liquid Smoke – gives it that authentic smoky flavor
Tomato Paste (double concentrate) – lower in carbs without extra ingredients.
My Homemade Season Salt – this is my essential house-seasoning, every kitchen needs a jar!
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – here’s where the spicy comes from, season to taste.
Questions about substitutes? See the FAQ below.
How to make Sugar Free BBQ Sauce
Making a low carb barbecue sauce without sugar is so easy! Add everything to a small sauce pan or skillet, simmer while whisking until thick. Viola!
You’re ready baste or dip your favorite meats with a delicious sweet and tangy keto friendly sauce.
I do want to caution you, this recipe, as written purposefully only yields 1/2 cup of sugar free BBQ sauce. That’s 4 – 2 tablespoon servings with 1g net carb each. You want to use this sauce lightly, it’s got a powerful flavor punch and a little goes a long way, trust me.
And you will notice that strong flavor if you taste it plain, where it really shines is when it’s basted or drizzled over your favorite grilled meats.
You can use this Low Carb BBQ sauce anywhere you’d use a traditional high carb BBQ. We especially enjoy it on my Crispy Cast Iron Chicken or on my Smoked BBQ Chicken Wings.
Keto BBQ Sauce Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different low carb sweetener?
Yes, but the one I suggest has the most authentic flavor. You may need to make adjustments to taste. I do not recommend stevia.
Can I use sugar free ketchup instead of tomato paste?
Yes, but you will need to use more since it’s not as concentrated and will change the nutritional information.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of tomato paste?
Yes, but again it won’t be a 1:1 swap and you’ll need to make adjustments to taste. Tomato paste is basically a concentrated tomato sauce, where the excess liquid/water has been cooked out.
Can I make Keto BBQ sauce ahead of time and keep it in the fridge?
You definitely can make it ahead of time and it will keep in the fridge for a least a week. However when the BBQ sauce is cold it becomes more of a solid due to the monk fruit, so you want to serve this sauce warm. If you let it chill and it gets too thick, just reheat it and add a little water to thin it, if desired.
Easy Keto BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste concentrate
- 1 tablespoon Liquid Smoke
- 2 teaspoons Homemade Seasoned Salt <-- get my recipe
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper or more to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingrediets in a small sauce pan or skillet. Whisk to combine.
- Over medium/high heat simmer until thick, whisking often.
- Serve while warm. Can be reheated.