This sweet and smoky Low Carb BBQ Sauce recipe has just the right amount of heat. Perfect for ribs, pulled pork, chicken, or anywhere you love barbecue!
When you live in the south, barbecue is kind of a big deal.
North Carolina (my current home state) is known for its spicy, vinegar-based BBQ sauces.
But I’ve got a confession.
Hopefully, they don’t revoke my NC state citizenship card, but…. vinegar-based barbecue sauce is not my favorite.
I grew up loving thick, sweet, and smoky BBQ sauces, and changing my residence has not changed my taste buds!
None of this was much of a problem until I stopped eating refined sugar.
The selection of BBQ sauces in our grocery stores is epic!
But if you want a low carb BBQ sauce that isn’t loaded with artificial sweeteners, you’re gonna pay an arm and a leg for it.
For your convenience, I’ve included links to some items in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You can read our full affiliate disclosure policy here.
Why Make Your Own Low Carb BBQ Sauce?
It’s so economical and easy to make your own keto BBQ sauce!
This recipe makes 2 cups (16 ounces) of sauce, which is plenty to use when you’re grilling your favorite meat, and still have some left for dipping or to top your burgers another day.
When you make your own keto barbecue sauce, you can also use your favorite low carb sweetener.
Some people’s digestive systems are bothered by different sugar alcohols, so fortunately there are many low carb sweetener options!
Another perk to making your own keto barbecue sauce is you can tweak the seasonings.
Like your sauce a little hotter?
Add in some cayenne.
Sweeter (or less sweet)?
Adjust how much sweetener you use.
And my number one reason to make my own Low Carb BBQ Sauce?
I’m cheap.
Or frugal (that sounds a little nicer).
You could buy this one for $11/16 oz. bottle.
Or you can make this recipe for $3.65! That’s just 23 cents/serving.
And I calculated that using name-brand ingredients.
It would be even less if you choose the store brand!
Ingredients in Low Carb BBQ Sauce
What are the ingredients to make my Low Carb BBQ Sauce Recipe?
- Tomato Sauce
- Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener
- Blackstrap Molasses (optional)
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Smoked Paprika
- Dark Chili Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Liquid Smoke
- Salt
- Apple Cider Vinegar
What makes my keto barbecue sauce recipe unique?
Blackstrap Molasses
Some followers of a keto diet refuse to use Blackstrap Molasses, but you use such a small amount in this recipe, it only adds .13 carbs per serving.
However, blackstrap molasses has a much stronger flavor than regular molasses.
As such, it gives this BBQ sauce that classic “brown sugar” sweetened flavor.
It can be omitted if you choose.
Smoked Paprika
When I was growing up, there was only one kind of paprika.
It was bright red.
And we used it exclusively to sprinkle on top of deviled eggs.
Smoked Paprika is a completely different ingredient!
It adds such a rich, complex, smoky flavor.
And its deep red color helps give the THM barbecue sauce a darker color.
Ways to Enjoy Your Low Carb BBQ Sauce
Now that you have a delicious keto BBQ sauce recipe, you can start putting this stuff on everything!
Be sure to store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator.
It lasts for up to a month.
I love to brush it on the last few minutes when I’m grilling meat.
It’s delicious on top of a classic meatloaf.
Add some to shredded chicken or pork for a delicious meal.
Use it to dip air-fried cauliflower or okra.
Or as a topping on your burger!
You can easily double or halve this recipe.
One of my family’s favorite recipes that uses a half batch of this recipe is KETO FARMHOUSE BBQ CUPS.
Recently, I used my Low Carb BBQ Sauce to make this copycat version of Chick-Fil-A’s famous sauce.
My girls (who are Chick-Fil-A connoisseurs) declared it tasted almost exactly the same!
Tips for Making My Sweet & Smoky Low Carb BBQ Sauce Recipe
It’s so easy to make your very own batch of Low Carb Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce!
Simply add all the ingredients to a saucepan.
Heat over medium heat until it begins to boil.
Then lower the temperature and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Give it a stir every so often while it simmers.
Be sure to leave the saucepan uncovered so that the liquid can evaporate.
This is how you get that nice thick consistency.
Be sure to leave a star rating and review after you make the recipe!
This helps other people to find and enjoy it too.
Plus it means the world to us!
Sweet and Smoky Low Carb BBQ Sauce
This sweet and smoky Low Carb BBQ Sauce recipe has just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp liquid smoke
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp black strap molasses, (optional)
- 8 Tbsp Lakanto Monkfruit granulated sweetener, (see notes for equivalent low carb sweeteners)
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp dark chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients in a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Notes
If you prefer using a different low carb sweetener, these sweetener conversion tables will help you find the correct amount to use.
Please note that we are not medical or nutritional professionals. We include nutrition information for our recipes as a courtesy to our readers. Nutrition data is calculated using WP Ultimate Recipe and we subtract all sugar alcohols from erythritol and xylitol from the final carb count because that is how THM calculates carbs. Please refer here for our complete Nutritional Disclosure.
Nutrition Information
Yield 16 Serving Size 2 TbspAmount Per Serving Calories 13Unsaturated Fat 0gSodium 337mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 1gSugar 1g
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