Easy 15-minute homemade BBQ sauce (keto-friendly) brings tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor to anything coming off the grill. Tomato paste, two vinegars, and a monkfruit sweetener simmer together in one pan while butter adds a glossy finish. Keep a jar in the fridge and skip the sugary store-bought bottle for good.
Forget store-bought! This incredibly easy homemade BBQ sauce delivers a powerful punch of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect all-purpose sauce to elevate your grilling game, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Let’s get saucy!
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup / 50g (1.76 oz) Lakanto Gold Monkfruit Sweetener or brown sugar
• 1/4 cup / 60ml apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup / 60ml distilled white vinegar
• 1/2 cup / 120ml water
• 2 tablespoons / 28g real butter
• 1 can / 6 oz / 170g tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon / 3g garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon / 3g (0.11 oz) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon / 3g (0.11 oz) dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon / 6g (0.21 oz) salt
• 1 teaspoon / 2g (0.07 oz) cayenne pepper, optional
• 1 teaspoon / 5ml (0.2 fl oz) liquid smoke, optional
Instructions
1. Combine all in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk continuously until the butter has melted and the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Allow the sauce to cook for at least 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools down. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition facts are an estimate for a 2-tablespoon serving.
• Calories: 35
• Total Fat: 0.4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1198mg
• Total Carbs: 5.9g (0.21 oz)
• Fiber: 1.4g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 1.3g
Pro Tips
• For a thinner consistency, whisk in additional water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired thickness.
• To increase the tanginess, add more apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon at a time, tasting as you go.
• Liquid smoke is potent; start with a small amount and add more to taste if you desire a smokier flavor.
• The butter adds a beautiful, glossy finish and helps the sauce cling perfectly to whatever you’re grilling or dipping.
FAQ
Q: How long does this homemade BBQ sauce last
A: When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this BBQ sauce will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks.
Q: Can I make this a sugar-free or keto BBQ sauce
A: Yes, this recipe is perfect for a sugar-free or keto diet. Simply use a brown sugar substitute like the recommended Lakanto Gold Monkfruit Sweetener instead of regular brown sugar.
Q: How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce
A: The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools. For a thinner consistency, whisk in a little water, one tablespoon at a time. For a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer on low for a few extra minutes.
Q: Is this BBQ sauce spicy
A: The spice level is completely up to you. The cayenne pepper is listed as optional. You can omit it for a mild sauce or add more if you prefer a spicier kick.
Pro Tips
- Keep whisking as the butter melts and the sweetener dissolves so the sauce emulsifies into a smooth, glossy mixture instead of separating.
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so judge the final consistency off the heat. For a thinner sauce, whisk in additional water one tablespoon at a time; for a thicker one, let it simmer on low a few extra minutes.
- Liquid smoke is potent, so start with a small splash and add more only if you want a smokier sauce. The optional cayenne pepper is the dial for heat: skip it for mild, add more for a kick.
- To make it truly keto, use the Lakanto Gold Monkfruit Sweetener instead of brown sugar. The apple cider vinegar keeps the tang bright without adding carbs.
- Store the cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It keeps its flavor and gloss the whole time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this homemade BBQ sauce keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks. The sauce thickens as it chills but loosens right up when stirred or gently warmed.
Can I make this a sugar-free or keto BBQ sauce?
Yes, simply use a brown sugar substitute like Lakanto Gold Monkfruit Sweetener instead of regular brown sugar. With 5.9g of carbs per 2-tablespoon serving, it fits a keto-friendly menu.
How do I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
It naturally thickens as it cools. Whisk in water one tablespoon at a time for a thinner consistency, or simmer it on low for a few extra minutes to reduce it further.
Is this BBQ sauce spicy?
Only if you want it to be. The cayenne pepper is optional: leave it out for a mild sauce or add more alongside the optional liquid smoke for a bolder, spicier kick.
Recipe card below.
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Easy 15-Minute Homemade BBQ Sauce (Keto-Friendly)
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk continuously until the butter has melted and the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Allow the sauce to cook for at least 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.
- Remove from heat and let it cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools down. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
