An Overview of Low Carb BBQ Sauces
Barbecue sauce is a beloved condiment for grilled meats and vegetables. However, most commercial barbecue sauces are packed with sugar, adding unnecessary carbs. Creating your own keto-friendly low carb BBQ sauce opens up flavorful options to enhance meats without disrupting ketosis.
Benefits of Low Carb BBQ Sauces
Opting for low carbohydrate barbecue sauces provides advantages like:
- Preventing blood sugar spikes
- Reducing cravings for sweets
- Adding moisture and flavor to meats
- Suiting keto, paleo, and low carb diets
- Controlling exactly what goes into the sauce
Tips for Making Low Carb BBQ Sauces
Handcrafting your own low carb barbecue sauce allows customizing flavors to your taste. Useful tips include:
- Balancing sweet and savory flavors
- Getting depth from spices and acidity from vinegars
- Using keto-approved sweeteners like erythritol or stevia
- Making large batches to have on hand
- Storing sauces in the refrigerator for up to a month
Keto-Friendly BBQ Sauce Recipes
Whipping up homemade low carb barbecue sauce is simple with recipes like:
Tangy Low Carb BBQ Sauce
This lip-smacking barbecue sauce comes together quickly. Tomato paste and chicken broth provide rich flavor while bacon and liquid smoke add savory depth.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 6oz can tomato paste
- 12 cup chicken broth
- 14 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp erythritol or xylitol
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 12 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Cook bacon pieces in a saucepan until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Saut onion and garlic in bacon grease for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend sauce to desired texture with an immersion blender.
- Mix in cooked bacon pieces. Cool before serving.
Spicy and Smoky Keto BBQ Sauce
Jalapeos, chipotle peppers, and cumin lend this easy blender barbecue sauce bold Southwestern flair. It packs some heat along with complex flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 15oz can tomato sauce
- 1 jalapeo, seeded and chopped
- 2 chipotle peppers from can, chopped
- 14 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 12 tsp sea salt
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Transfer to a saucepan and simmer on low 10 minutes.
- Cool completely before using on grilled meats or veggies.
Easy Keto BBQ Sauce
This 5 ingredient sugar free barbecue sauce comes together in just 5 minutes! Tart lemon juice balances the savory flavors perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 13 cup lemon juice
- 14 cup erythritol
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Transfer sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Heat in microwave or small saucepan before using.
Serving Ideas for Low Carb BBQ Sauce
Homemade sugar free barbecue sauce elevates the flavor of all kinds of keto-friendly foods. Ways to use it include:
Grilled and Smoked Meats
Brush racks of ribs, whole chickens or turkeys, pork tenderloins, brisket, chuck roasts, wings, meatballs and more with the sauce during the final 5-10 minutes of grilling for finger-licking results.
Kabobs
Marinate steak, chicken, shrimp, pork, halloumi or firm tofu, mushrooms, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red onion in the barbecue sauce for 30 minutes or longer. Skewer and grill 5-7 minutes until done.
Roasted Veggies
Toss cauliflower florets, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, carrots, radish, turnips or butternut squash with olive oil and barbecue sauce. Roast at 400F for 25-35 minutes for caramelized flavors.
Salads and Bowls
Stir a spoonful of sugar free BBQ sauce into leafy green salads, grain bowls, zoodles, cauliflower rice, quinoa, farro, lentils and more for a flavor boost.
Soup Toppings
Ladle chili, chowders, bone broth soups and stews into bowls and swirl the sauce on top instead of using crackers or bread. Garnish with cilantro.
Burger and Hot Dog Topper
Slather your favorite keto bunless burgers, lamb patties, grilled chicken sandwiches, sausages, brats and hot dogs with the sauce for juicy, saucy bites.
Tips for Low Carb BBQs and Grilling
Taking advantage of warmer weather to host barbecues for family and friends is a breeze with these useful suggestions:
Plan Ahead
Prepare several keto sides in advance along with marinated meats, homemade low carb barbecue sauce, salad, and lemonade or iced tea. This minimizes time spent cooking day-of.
Fire Up the Grill
Grilling lean proteins like chicken, fish, flank steak, shrimp, and pork tenderloin results in fattier, charred edges that boost flavor without the need for sugary sauces.
Offer Guest-Friendly Sides
In addition to grilled veggies, making veggie skewers, Greek salad, cauliflower mash, roasted spears, zoodles, or keto baked beans allows non-keto guests options without much fuss.
Create a Bar Setup
Offering water, unsweetened iced tea, diet soda, sparkling water, lemonade sweetened with stevia or erythritol, coffee, and bone broth makes hosting easier.
Supply Simple Desserts
Easy keto desserts for barbecues include mixed berries, low carb cheesecake bites, chocolate avocado mousse, chia pudding, frozen yogurt bites, and pumpkin smoothies.
With delicious low carb barbecue sauce options and smart hosting strategies, you can easily integrate keto into summer grilling menus and parties.
FAQs
What are good sweeteners to use in keto barbecue sauce?
Some of the most common keto-friendly barbecue sauce sweeteners include erythritol, monk fruit, stevia, xylitol, and allulose. Avoid sugar alcohols like maltitol and sorbitol as some people can't tolerate high amounts.
Is liquid smoke allowed on a keto diet?
Yes, small amounts of liquid smoke are fine for most keto dieters. It adds rich flavor and smokiness without any carbs or sugar. Just know that some types may use added sugars so check labels closely.
Can I grill fruits and use low carb barbecue sauce?
Some keto-friendly fruits like peaches, pineapple, mango and watermelon can absolutely be grilled and paired with sugar free barbecue sauce for caramelized flavors. Just account for their natural sugars in daily intake.
How long does keto BBQ sauce last in the fridge?
Homemade low carb barbecue sauce will typically keep fresh in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 1-2 months. You can also freeze measured portions for longer term storage.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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