This keto BBQ sauce is your go-to low carb condiment that’s ready in just 10 minutes and packed with sweet, smoky flavor. It’s naturally sweetened, Whole30-compatible, and perfect for brushing on meats, drizzling over salads, or dipping everything from wings to veggies.

This easy homemade sauce is a summertime staple in my kitchen. And once you try it, I think you’ll feel the same!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You are going to LOVE how easy this keto BBQ sauce is! It comes together with just a few pantry staples, warms on the stove in 5 minutes, and blends up thick and velvety. You don’t even need to turn on the grill to make it. It’s fast, flavorful, and healthy.

Most store bought barbecue sauces are loaded with added sugars, corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners. But this version? It’s completely refined sugar-free and made with wholesome, real food ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

The best part? You’d never know it’s sweetened naturally. This sauce still delivers that classic thick and tangy BBQ flavor you crave with only 2 net carbs per serving. This recipe makes about 2½ cups total, or 16 servings (2 tablespoons each).

Try it on Instant Pot BBQ Ribs or serve it with your favorite grilled chicken for a sugar-free summer hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This sugar-free BBQ sauce is made with simple ingredients and no ketchup in sight. Every one of them plays an important role:

  • Balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich, slightly sweet tang and deep color. I prefer it over apple cider vinegar for its boldness.
  • Tomato paste: A thick, no-sugar alternative to ketchup. It gives this sauce body and a concentrated tomato flavor.
  • Monk fruit sweetener: A zero-calorie, keto-approved sweetener that mimics sugar beautifully. For Whole30, you can swap in medjool dates.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a punch of sharpness and ties the acidity and sweetness together.
  • Soy sauce: Balances everything with salty, umami depth. Sub tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
  • Spices: A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper rounds out the flavor.

All real ingredients. All clean. And all ready to go into your favorite mason jar!

How to Make Keto BBQ Sauce

Collage of step-by-step photos showing how to cook and blend homemade keto BBQ sauce.

Step 1: Heat a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add all the ingredients and stir to combine.

Step 2: Bring the mixture to a low simmer for about 5 minutes. Don’t let it boil, just enough to warm and let the flavors marry.

Step 3: If using dates as a sweetener, transfer the warm mixture to a high-speed blender and blend for 2 minutes until completely smooth.

Step 4: Pour into a wide-mouth pint mason jar or airtight container. Let cool and refrigerate.

That’s it! You just made your own keto BBQ sauce from scratch, no store run required.

Watch How to Make BBQ Sauce Recipe Video

Flavor Variations + Tips

This low carb grilling sauce is versatile and forgiving. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

  • Make it smoky: Add a few drops of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika.
  • Spice it up: Stir in chili powder, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
  • Adjust thickness: Prefer a thinner sauce? Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Gluten-free swaps: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

I personally love keeping it thick so it clings to meat on the grill. No drip-offs here!

Brushing keto BBQ sauce on grilled chicken breast with char marks.

Storage Tips

This keto BBQ sauce stores beautifully. I like to keep it in a wide-mouth pint mason jar, it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 months, or you can freeze it for up to a year. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

Jar of sugar-free BBQ sauce with lid off, ready to be used or stored.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use tomato sauce instead of tomato paste?

Tomato paste is best for a thick, concentrated sauce. If you only have tomato sauce, simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

How do I sweeten this for Whole30?

Use 8 pitted medjool dates instead of monk fruit. Blend after simmering to fully incorporate.

Can I freeze keto BBQ sauce?

Yes! Store in a wide mouth mason jar and freeze for up to 1 year. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

What’s the best way to use this sauce?

Slather it on Dr Pepper Baby Back Ribs, or serve it as a dip alongside Keto BBQ Pulled Pork Bowls!

I hope this keto BBQ sauce becomes a summer essential in your kitchen like it has in mine. Whether you’re grilling ribs, meal prepping burgers, or just need a clean, low-carb dip, this one’s a winner.

For another versatile staple, try my Homemade Paleo Whole30 Ranch Dressing next!

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Easy Keto BBQ Sauce (2 Net Carbs)

This keto BBQ sauce is your go-to low carb condiment that’s ready in just 10 minutes and packed with sweet, smoky flavor. It's naturally sweetened, Whole30-compatible, and perfect for brushing on meats, drizzling over salads, or dipping everything from wings to veggies.
This easy homemade sauce is a summertime staple in my kitchen. And once you try it, I think you’ll feel the same!
4.84 from 74 ratings

Ingredients 
 

  • 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water, or more to desired consistency
  • 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup or more to taste of monk fruit (for Whole30 substitute 8 pitted medjool dates
  • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions 

  • Heat a sauce pan over medium low heat. Add all ingredients, stir to combine, and bring to a low simmer for 5 minutes. You don't want it to boil, just get warmed through. Heating will allow the flavors to marry.
  • (If using dates, transfer the BBQ sauce to a blender, and blend on high speed for 2 minutes.)
  • Store in an airtight container or wide mouth pint mason jar. Will keep in the fridge for at least 3 months, or frozen for 1 year.

Notes

Flavor Variations + Tips

This low carb grilling sauce is versatile and forgiving. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
  • Make it smoky: Add a few drops of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika.
  • Spice it up: Stir in chili powder, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
  • Adjust thickness: Prefer a thinner sauce? Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Gluten-free swaps: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Serving: 2tablespoons, Calories: 18.9, Total Carbs: 3.8g, Protein: 0.8g, Fat: 0.1g, Fiber: 0.6g, Net Carbs: 3g
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