Low Carb BBQ Sauce Recipe

This Low Carb BBQ Sauce Recipe is a tangy and smoky recipe, which is made with sugar-free ketchup and liquid smoke. It’s the perfect condiment for grilling, ready in about 5 minutes.

Low Carb BBQ Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• 1/2 cup no sugar added ketchup (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar substitute (Erythritol or Monk Fruit)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses (optional, for authentic depth)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thickness)

How To Make Low Carb BBQ Sauce Recipe

1. Combine ingredients: Place the sugar-free ketchup, apple cider vinegar, sweetener, water, molasses, liquid smoke, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Add spices: Sprinkle the mustard powder, allspice, onion powder, cloves, and xanthan gum (if using) over the wet ingredients. (Tip: Mixing the xanthan gum with the dry sweetener before adding helps prevent clumps).
3. Whisk: Whisk everything together vigorously until the sweetener is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
4. Let it sit: While you can use it immediately, letting the sauce sit for 15-30 minutes allows the xanthan gum to hydrate (thicken) and the flavors to meld together.
5. Store: Transfer to a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Recipe Tips

• The Molasses Debate: While molasses is sugar, the 1 teaspoon used here adds negligible carbs per serving but provides that distinct “sticky” BBQ flavor that is hard to replicate with just sweetener. It makes the sauce taste real rather than chemical.
• Xanthan Gum: This is a thickening agent often used in keto cooking. Without it, the sauce might be a bit runny (like a mop sauce). If you use it, whisk vigorously or use an immersion blender to ensure no white lumps remain.
• Brown Sugar Substitute: If you can find a “Brown” sugar keto substitute (like Swerve Brown or Lakanto Golden), use that instead of white granulated sweetener for an even deeper caramel flavor.
• Spicing it up: This recipe creates a savory, Kansas City-style sauce. If you like heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder.
• Ketchup Choice: Ensure your ketchup is truly “No Sugar Added” (like Primal Kitchen or Heinz No Sugar). Standard ketchup has high fructose corn syrup which will ruin the low-carb profile.

What To Serve With Low Carb BBQ Sauce Recipe

Use this sauce exactly as you would regular BBQ sauce.

• Brush onto Grilled Chicken Thighs during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Toss with Pulled Pork for a keto sandwich (on low carb buns).
• Use as a dipping sauce for Chicken Tenders or Pork Rinds.
• Glaze Low Carb Meatloaf.

How To Store Low Carb BBQ Sauce Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store the sauce in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors often get better after a day or two.
• Freeze: You can freeze this sauce in ice cube trays or small freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

Low Carb BBQ Sauce Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 15
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Net Carbs: 2g

Nutrition information is estimated per 2 tablespoons serving.

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