Ultimate low-carb barbecue sauce is smoky, tangy, and free of the sugar load that comes with the bottled stuff. Reduced-sugar ketchup, Sriracha, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices simmer for 15 minutes into a glossy, brushable sauce. At 0.9 g net carbs per tablespoon, it earns its place on everything grilled.
Say goodbye to bland, sugar-laden store-bought sauces! After years of testing, I’ve finally perfected the ultimate low-carb barbecue sauce. It’s smoky, tangy, and comes together in a flash, making it the secret weapon you need for effortless weeknight meals like grilled chicken or juicy pork tenderloin. Keep a batch in the fridge, and you’re always just minutes away from a flavor-packed dinner.
Ingredients
• ½ cup / 120 g (4.2 oz) reduced-sugar ketchup
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) Sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons / 6 g (0.21 oz) dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon / 4 g (0.14 oz) brown sugar erythritol, optional
• 1 teaspoon / 3 g (0.11 oz) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon / 1.5 g (0.05 oz) chili powder
• ½ teaspoon / 1.5 g (0.05 oz) ground cumin
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Place all into a small saucepan and whisk thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Continue to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Per Serving (1 Tablespoon)
• CALORIES: 5
• FAT: 0g
• PROTEIN: 0.1g
• TOTAL CARBS: 1.1g (0.04 oz)
• FIBER: 0.2g
• NET CARBS: 0.9g (0.03 oz)
Pro Tips
• For a no-cook version, simply whisk all together until smooth. The flavor will be slightly less developed but still delicious for a quick dip or dressing.
• Customize the spice level by adding more Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• For the best flavor, let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before using. This allows the spices to meld together beautifully.
• For a smokier flavor, add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke along with the other .
FAQ
Q: Is this barbecue sauce keto friendly
A: Yes, this BBQ sauce is very keto-friendly. With only 0.9g (0.03 oz) of net carbs per tablespoon, it’s a perfect addition to a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Q: How long does this low carb BBQ sauce last
A: You can store this homemade low-carb BBQ sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Q: Can I make this BBQ sauce without cooking it
A: Absolutely. For a quick no-cook version, simply whisk all the ingredients together until smooth. While the flavor is slightly less developed, it’s still delicious as a quick dip or dressing.
Q: How can I make this sauce smokier or spicier
A: For a smokier flavor, add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke. To increase the heat, add more Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.
Pro Tips
- Let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before using — the spices need that time to meld together, and the flavor gets noticeably rounder.
- Simmer for the full 15 minutes, stirring frequently, so the sauce thickens properly and the raw edge of the vinegar cooks off.
- For a smokier flavor, add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke along with the other ingredients.
- Customize the heat by adding more Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne — the sweet-tangy base handles extra spice well.
- No time to cook? Whisk everything together as a no-cook dip or dressing; the flavor is a little less developed but still delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does low-carb barbecue sauce keep?
Store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Cool it completely before sealing.
Is this barbecue sauce keto?
Per tablespoon it has 1.1 g total carbs with 0.2 g fiber, about 0.9 g net carbs. It is one of the few barbecue sauces that fits keto without a careful budget.
Can I make it without cooking?
Yes — simply whisk everything until smooth and use it as a quick dip or dressing. Simmering for 15 minutes just gives a thicker texture and more developed flavor.
What makes this sauce low-carb?
It is built on reduced-sugar ketchup and skips the brown sugar glaze of traditional barbecue sauce; the optional brown sugar erythritol adds molasses notes without the carbs.
Recipe card below.
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Ultimate Low-Carb Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Directions
- Place all into a small saucepan and whisk thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Continue to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
