This Low-Carb Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce recipe will be your go-to this summer!
I throw no shade at any barbecue bros (or sisters) who use store-bought BBQ sauce. After all, it cuts out the legwork. It’s not like I’m Aaron Franklin or anything. However, unless you’re springing for more gourmet brands, chances are your sauce isn’t as good as it could be.
Have you ever looked at the ingredients in some of the more popular varieties? Between the absurd amounts of high-fructose corn syrup, soybean oil, and preservatives, you’re definitely not getting the best quality. What’s crazy to me is that even more established restaurant brands include this junk.
Do I still use the store-bought stuff? Absolutely. I’m not always on top of my grilling game, and we all need shortcuts occasionally. But making your own isn’t hard at all, and this low-carb, sugar-free BBQ sauce is truly delicious.
This homemade BBQ keeps sugar to a minimum with only a tablespoon of molasses because it’s mainly sweetened with monk fruit. Coupled with the tomato paste and vinegar, you get that perfect balance of tangy and sweet. I also add a dash of liquid hickory smoke for that straight-off-the-grill taste. And, as I said, this sauce is easy to make—you’ll have a batch ready in less than 20 minutes!
Is Low-Carb Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce Healthy?
This BBQ sauce is a way healthier option than store-bought varieties. With no added sugar, it’s perfect for anyone following low-carb, keto, or sugar-free diets. The star of the show here is the monk fruit sweetener, which keeps the glycemic index quite low. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free. No substitutions are needed here, folks!
Why Not Stevia?
I’m not the biggest fan of stevia, and for the life of me, I’m not sure why it’s so popular. Maybe it’s my taste buds, but I’ve often found that stevia has this lingering bitterness. It’s especially noticeable in sweet and savory recipes.
That’s why monk fruit is my sweetener of choice for this BBQ sauce. I think it provides the same sweetness, but without the icky aftertaste, and like stevia, it has a low glycemic index. You get all the “sugary” flavor you need, minus the bitterness!
How to Make Ahead and store
Once the sauce has been made and cooled, simply pour it into an airtight container. Use a rubber spatula to make sure you get it all! The sauce should stay fresh in your fridge for about 1 week.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up the BEST sugar-free BBQ sauce, it’s time to dig in! For my vegetarian friends, this sauce pairs perfectly with all sorts of grilled mains, like these Easy Homemade Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers. Or, slather some on this Cajun burger—the sauce will pair nicely with the sweet potato “buns!”
If you’re more of a burger bowl fan, drizzle the BBQ sauce over it for some low-carb sweetness. And when it comes to sides, try dipping crispy Parsnip Fries in the sauce, or if you’re not worried about carbs, go for some sweet potato fries instead. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 6 tablespoons monk fruit sweetener (not pure)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon hickory liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoons celery seed
- pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a pot set over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium/low and simmer, stirring frequently so the bottom doesn’t burn, until thickened and reduced, about 17-20 minutes.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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