Krisket Sauce: A Keto-Friendly Condiment?

BBQ sauce is a must-have for summer grilling, but most store-bought options are loaded with added sugar, making them unsuitable for a keto diet. Luckily, there are several keto-friendly BBQ sauce recipes and store-bought options available. These sauces typically use sugar substitutes like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit, and are thickened with ingredients like tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and spices. Some popular keto BBQ sauce brands include Rays No Sugar Added BBQ Sauce, G Hughes Sugar Free BBQ Sauce, and Ken Davis Sassy 2 Carb BBQ Sauce. For those who prefer to make their own, there are numerous recipes available online that allow for customization of sweetness, tanginess, and spice level.

Store-bought keto BBQ sauce options

There are a variety of keto-friendly BBQ sauces available in the market that can be purchased online or at specialty stores. These sauces are typically sweetened with natural sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit, and they contain minimal or no added sugars. Here are some popular options for store-bought keto BBQ sauces:

• Primal Kitchen Classic BBQ Sauce: This sauce has a bold, smoky flavour and is perfect for marinating meats or as a dipping sauce. It is organic and keto-approved, with only 3 grams of net carbs per serving.
• G Hughes Smokehouse Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce: This classic BBQ sauce is widely available and comes in various flavours, including hickory, honey, and maple brown. It contains 2 grams of carbs per tablespoon and is sweetened with a small amount of sucralose.
• Tessemae's Organic BBQ Sauce: Tessemae's is known for its high-quality, keto-friendly condiments. Their BBQ sauce has pure ingredients and no fillers. While the taste may differ from traditional Texas BBQ, it is extremely low in carbs, with only 3 grams of net carbs per serving.
• Guy's Award Winning BBQ Sauce: This sugar-free BBQ sauce is a popular choice among those following a keto diet and those who are not. It contains Cayenne Pepper, Xanthan Gum, and Sucralose, and is free of preservatives, gluten, and added sugars. It has a sweet taste without the bitter aftertaste found in some low-carb sauces.
• AlternaSweets Organic BBQ Sauce: This BBQ sauce is made by and for low-carb fans. It is sweetened with natural Stevia and Erythritol and has 4 grams of net carbs per serving. It works well with various dishes, including meatloaf, BBQ ribs, and savory dips.
• Stevia Sweet BBQ Sauce: As the name suggests, this BBQ sauce is sweetened with keto-friendly Stevia and has 2 grams of net carbs per serving. It comes in two flavours: regular and spicy. It pairs well with chicken and other meats without leaving any odd aftertaste.
• Simple Girl Carolina Kick BBQ Sauce: This sugar-free, gluten-free, fat-free, and oil-free BBQ sauce is sweetened with organic Stevia, adding a balance of sweetness to the spicy and tangy flavours. It has only 5 calories and 1 gram of net carbs per serving, making it a great keto option.
• Lynchburg Tennessee Grillin' Sauce: This store-bought keto-friendly BBQ sauce is based on a century-old family recipe and features a slight tang and a hint of whiskey flavour. It is slightly sweet and tangy, with a mild spice.
• Rays No Sugar Added BBQ Sauce: With only 3 grams of net carbs per 2 tablespoons, this BBQ sauce is a great keto-friendly option.
• Ken Davis Sassy 2 Carb BBQ Sauce: This BBQ sauce lives up to its name, with only 2 grams of net carbs per 2 tablespoons.

Making your own keto BBQ sauce

A good keto BBQ sauce can be hard to find, with many store-bought options having a chemical flavour or an unbalanced sweetness. However, making your own keto BBQ sauce is easy and allows you to control the ingredients and their proportions.

Ingredients

• Tomato paste or no-sugar-added ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar substitute
• Liquid smoke
• Spices: garlic and onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard powder, ground cloves, black pepper, and cayenne powder (optional)
• Water
• Salt
• Butter (optional)

Method

• Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk together.
• Place the mixture in a saucepan and bring to a low boil (medium-high heat) for around 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Reduce the sauce to a simmer (medium-low heat) for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and let cool completely. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Tips

• Adjust the consistency by simmering for longer or adding water for a thinner sauce.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or buffalo sauce.
• Add yellow mustard or lemon juice for extra flavour.
• Avoid using stevia as it can make the sauce bitter.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Your keto BBQ sauce will go well with grilled chicken, pulled pork, chicken tenders, ribs, meatballs, and Polish sausage. You can also use it as a dipping sauce or as a glaze for meatballs or meatloaf.

How to store keto BBQ sauce

Storing your keto BBQ sauce is an important step to ensure it stays fresh and delicious. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store your keto BBQ sauce:

Storing Keto BBQ Sauce:

• Allow the BBQ sauce to cool: Before storing your keto BBQ sauce, it's important to let it cool down to room temperature. Place the saucepan on a cooling rack or trivet and let it cool completely. Do not cover the saucepan during this process as it can promote bacterial growth.
• Choose an airtight container: Select a clean glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the container is large enough to hold your batch of BBQ sauce. You can also use a glass jar with a sealed lid.
• Transfer the BBQ sauce: Once the sauce has cooled, carefully pour or spoon it into your chosen container. Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing, if you plan to freeze your sauce.
• Label the container: Write the date of preparation on the container or use a label. This will help you keep track of how long the sauce has been stored.
• Refrigerate or freeze: Place the container in the refrigerator if you plan to use the BBQ sauce within a few weeks. For longer storage, put the container in the freezer. Keto BBQ sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Defrosting instructions: To use frozen BBQ sauce, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can place the container in a bowl of warm water until the sauce is thawed.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your keto BBQ sauce stays fresh and flavorful. Remember to use clean utensils when handling the sauce and always trust your senses. If the sauce develops an unpleasant odour or appearance, it's best to discard it. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly stored keto BBQ sauce!

Keto BBQ sauce ingredients

A good BBQ sauce is thick, tangy, and zesty, but traditional BBQ sauces are not considered keto-friendly because they are loaded with added sugar. However, there are some smart swaps and ingredients you can use to make your own keto-friendly BBQ sauce at home.

Ingredients for a Keto BBQ Sauce:

• Low-Sugar Ketchup – Heinz No Sugar Added Ketchup is a popular option, but any brand of low-sugar ketchup can be used.
• Worcestershire Sauce – This sauce contains a trivial amount of sugar and can be substituted with gluten-free coconut aminos.
• Liquid Smoke – An essential ingredient for a classic BBQ sauce flavour.
• Ground Mustard Powder – Adds a tangy flavour.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds tang to the sauce.
• Spices – Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (optional) are commonly used to add a smokey flavour.
• Natural Sweetener – Stevia or erythritol can be used to sweeten the sauce without adding carbs. Monk fruit is another option but may not dissolve as well.

Tips for Making Your Own Keto BBQ Sauce:

• Saute the onions and garlic in butter before adding the rest of the ingredients for a more mellow-flavoured sauce.
• Simmer the sauce for longer if you prefer a thicker consistency.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed – you can always add more sweetener or spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Store your keto BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it for up to 3-6 months.

Keto BBQ sauce recipes

A good BBQ sauce is hard to find, especially if you are on a keto diet. Most store-bought options are loaded with added sugar and other processed ingredients, which can kick you out of ketosis. The best keto barbecue sauce is typically homemade.

Recipe 1: Low-Carb Maven's Tangy and Bold Keto BBQ Sauce

This keto BBQ sauce is tangy and bold and lets you enjoy big barbecue flavor without all the sugar and carbs. It is perfect for burgers, pulled pork, and chicken.

Ingredients

• 6 oz tomato paste (in a 6 oz can) (170 g)
• 2 cans of water (use the tomato paste can) (12 oz/ 340 g)
• 1/2 can of apple cider vinegar (use the can to measure) (3 oz/ 85 g)
• 1/2 can of red wine vinegar (use the can to measure) (3 oz/ 85 g)
• 1/3 cup low-carb brown sugar substitute
• 1/2 cup diced onion (2 oz/ 57 g)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 large clove)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3/4 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
• 1 teaspoon hickory liquid smoke
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter (to be added after cooking)

Method

Add the first 10 ingredients into a medium saucepan and simmer for 45 minutes (or longer if you prefer a thicker sauce). Measure the remaining ingredients into the BBQ sauce and blend with a stick blender (or use a blender) until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Recipe 2: Hey Keto Mama's Keto BBQ Sauce

This keto BBQ sauce is a quick and easy recipe that uses the shortcut of no sugar-added ketchup.

Ingredients

• 2 cups no sugar-added ketchup
• 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 4 teaspoons liquid smoke
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder

Method

Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan, stirring until combined. Bring the sauce to a low boil (medium-high heat) for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce the sauce to a simmer (medium-low heat) for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the sauce has reduced, thickened, and become a dark maroon color, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl for serving.

Recipe 3: All Day I Dream About Food's Easy Keto BBQ Sauce

This is a no-cook keto BBQ sauce that can be whipped up in about 3 minutes flat.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar-free ketchup (Primal Kitchen recommended)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar substitute (Swerve Brown recommended)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional but highly recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder

Method

In a medium bowl, whisk all the ingredients together until the brown sugar substitute dissolves (about 2 minutes). That's it! Go slather it on some delicious grilled meat!

Recipe 4: Wholesome Yum's Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce

This award-winning sugar-free BBQ sauce is rich, tangy, and smoky, with just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 6-oz cans tomato paste
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup powdered monk fruit-allulose blend sweetener (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon liquid hickory smoke
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you like it hot)
• 1 1/2 cups water (approximate amount – see instructions)

Method

Whisk all the ingredients together in a medium saucepan, adding the water last. Start with a cup of water, then whisk in a bit more at a time, until it reaches a consistency slightly thinner than barbecue sauce. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust sweetener or cayenne pepper if you prefer the sauce to be sweeter or spicier. If it's thicker than you like, you can stir in additional water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the consistency you want.

Recipe 5: I Breathe I'm Hungry's Easy Keto BBQ Sauce

This easy keto BBQ sauce is sweet and tangy and the perfect complement to chicken, ribs, and pulled pork, just to name a few.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup no sugar-added ketchup (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar substitute (Lakanto Golden recommended)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, to thicken)

Method

Place all of the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Frequently asked questions