This Keto BBQ Sauce makes following a keto diet easier than ever. With no sugar added, this BBQ sauce is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic condiment that’s perfect for anyone looking to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor.
There’s nothing quite like the smoky, tangy flavor of barbecue sauce on a hot-off-the-grill piece of meat. But if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, traditional barbecue sauce is off-limits due to its high sugar content.
This keto BBQ sauce has all the classic flavors you love – smokey, sweet, tangy – but without the added sugar. Instead, it’s sweetened with Swerve sweetener, a keto-friendly sugar substitute. The sauce also has a spicy kick thanks to cayenne pepper and hot sauce, making it perfect for those who like a little heat with their BBQ.
This keto BBQ sauce is one of the most versatile BBQ sauces as it can be used in a variety of cuisines. It’s perfect for traditional American BBQ dishes like ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. It can also be used to add flavor to grilled chicken, beef, and even vegetables.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a tasty sauce to add to your weeknight dinner, this keto BBQ sauce is sure to impress. So say goodbye to your Sweet Baby Ray’s and hello to this low-carb keto masterpiece!
What is the Keto Diet?
The keto diet is a way of eating that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. This diet is designed to make your body burn fat for energy instead of carbs. This state is called ketosis.
To achieve ketosis, you need to eat less than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day. Foods to avoid on this diet include grains, sugars, and starchy vegetables. You can eat meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, avocados, and healthy oils.
The keto diet can help with weight loss and certain medical conditions, but it’s not for everyone, especially people with diabetes. Talk to a doctor before trying this diet.
What To Serve With Keto BBQ Sauce
Now that you’ve made a delicious batch of keto and sugar-free barbecue sauce, you’re probably wondering what to serve it with. Luckily, this versatile sauce pairs well with a variety of meats and vegetables. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Beef
Keto BBQ sauce is the perfect accompaniment to grilled beef. Try using it as a marinade for steak, or brush it on your steaks during the last few minutes of cooking. The smoky, tangy flavor of the sauce pairs well with the rich, savory flavor of beef.
Chicken
Keto BBQ sauce is also great with chicken. Brush it on grilled chicken breasts, or use it as a dipping sauce for chicken wings. The sweetness of the sauce balances out the mild flavor of the chicken.
Pork
Pork is another meat that pairs well with keto BBQ sauce. Use it to baste pork chops on the grill, or toss shredded pork with the sauce for a tasty pulled pork sandwich. The tangy, smoky flavor of the sauce is also great on pork ribs!
How To Make Keto-Friendly BBQ Sauce
Gather ingredients and combine
To make this keto BBQ sauce, you will need a can of tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, Swerve sweetener, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and water. Start by combining the tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Swerve sweetener in a saucepan.
Heat and Whisk Ingredients
Set the saucepan over medium heat and whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. This will help the sweetener dissolve and incorporate into the sauce. You want to make sure that everything is evenly distributed before moving on to the next step.
Add Spices
Now it’s time to add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the saucepan. These spices will give the BBQ sauce its smoky, savory flavor. Add them to the pan and continue to whisk everything together until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Add Water
Once all of the ingredients are combined, it’s time to add the water to the saucepan. The water will help thin out the sauce and give it a better texture. Add the water and whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken. Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers to make sure it doesn’t boil over or stick to the bottom of the pan.
Cool
After 10-15 minutes of simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. This will help the sauce thicken and give it a better texture. Don’t be tempted to use the sauce right away, as it needs time to cool down before storing it.
Store
Once the sauce has cooled, transfer it to a glass jar or airtight container. Store the keto BBQ sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This will keep the sauce fresh and prevent it from spoiling. Make sure to label the jar or container with the date you made the sauce, so you know when it’s time to use it up.
Adjusting The Flavor of This Keto BBQ Sauce
While the recipe we provided for this sugar-free BBQ sauce is delicious as-is, it’s possible that you may want to adjust the flavor to better suit your taste preferences. Luckily, there are a few simple adjustments you can make to create a sauce that’s perfect for you.
Sweetness
One of the easiest ways to adjust the flavor of keto BBQ sauce is to adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more Swerve sweetener. Add more apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar if you prefer a tangier sauce.
Spiciness
If you like your BBQ sauce to have a little kick, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Be careful not to add too much, as this can overwhelm the other flavors in the sauce.
Smokiness
Smoked paprika is what gives this keto BBQ sauce its signature smoky flavor. If you want a smokier sauce, you can add more smoked paprika or even a touch of liquid smoke.
Saltiness
The recipe we provided includes a moderate amount of salt, but you can adjust this to your liking by adding more or less salt. Be sure to taste the sauce as you go to avoid over-salting.
Thickness
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the sauce simmer for longer or add tomato paste to thicken it up. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a bit of water to thin it out.
Tips & Tricks For Making Low-Carb Barbecue Sauce
Making a delicious keto BBQ sauce isn’t difficult, but there are some tips and tricks that can make the process even easier. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you make the best possible keto BBQ sauce.
Use a High-Quality Tomato Sauce
The base of any good BBQ sauce is tomato sauce. To make sure your keto BBQ sauce tastes delicious, use a high-quality tomato sauce.
This will ensure that the sauce has a rich, flavorful base that complements the other ingredients.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste
Everyone has different taste preferences when it comes to sweetness. Some people prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, while others like it tangier.
Adjust the sweetness of your keto BBQ sauce to your liking by adding more or less Swerve sweetener.
Let it Sit
While it may be tempting to use your keto BBQ sauce right away, letting it sit for a few hours or even overnight can make a big difference in the flavor.
Allowing the sauce to sit for a while will help the flavors meld together and give it a richer, more complex taste.
Experiment With Spices
While the recipe we provided includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, there are many other spices that can be added to BBQ sauce. Try experimenting with different spices to create your own unique blend.
Related Recipes
- Japanese BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Kansas City BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe
- The 12 Different Types Of Barbecue Sauce
Keto BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 can of tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of Swerve sweetener
- 1 tbsp of smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp of garlic powder
- 1 tbsp of onion powder
- 1 tsp of black pepper
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup cup of water
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Swerve sweetener.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat and whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the saucepan.
- Continue to whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Once everything is combined, add the water to the saucepan and whisk again until the sauce is smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 10-15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Once the sauce has cooled, transfer it to a glass jar or airtight container.
- Store the keto BBQ sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Keto BBQ Sauce FAQs
What is keto BBQ sauce?
Keto BBQ sauce is a low-carb BBQ sauce that is sweetened with Swerve sweetener instead of sugar. Swerve acts as a brown sugar substitute in this recipe, making it a great bbq sauce for those on a low-carb diet.
Is keto BBQ sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe for keto BBQ sauce is gluten-free. The beauty of a keto diet is that most keto recipes are also gluten-free!
Can I use regular sugar instead of Swerve sweetener?
No, regular sugar is not keto-friendly. You can use a keto-friendly sweetener like Swerve or monk fruit sweetener to make a sweet sauce without the use of sugar.
How long does keto BBQ sauce last in the fridge?
This keto BBQ sauce will last up to two weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this keto BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can freeze keto BBQ sauce for up to three months.
How many carbs are in this keto BBQ sauce?
This recipe for keto BBQ sauce contains 2g net carbs per tablespoon.
Can I use this keto BBQ sauce as a marinade?
Yes, you can use this keto BBQ sauce as a marinade for meat before grilling.
Can I make this keto BBQ sauce spicier?
Yes, you can add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to make the sauce spicier.
Is this keto BBQ sauce suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, this keto BBQ sauce is suitable for vegetarians and vegans since it doesn’t contain any animal products.