Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce Recipe
Tomato paste plus a short simmer builds the same deep, thick base a sugar-loaded bottled sauce gets from corn syrup, while a granulated monk fruit or erythritol blend supplies the sweetness without spiking blood sugar. Simmering it down concentrates the flavor so the sauce doesn't taste thin or one-note the way some sugar-free versions do straight out of the jar.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 16
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup granulated monk fruit or erythritol sweetener
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (sugar-free)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 17
- Protein
- 1g
- Carbs
- 5g
- Fat
- 0g
Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.
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Instructions
- 1In a medium saucepan, whisk together the tomato paste, water, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- 2Whisk in the sweetener, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- 3Set the pan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally.
- 4Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon and darkened slightly in color.
- 5Stir in the liquid smoke during the last minute of cooking.
- 6Remove from heat and let the sauce cool for 10 minutes, then taste and adjust salt, vinegar, or sweetener as needed.
- 7Transfer to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Tips & variations
- For a spicier sauce, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon chipotle powder along with the other spices.
- Allulose sweetener browns and caramelizes more than erythritol blends during the simmer, giving a slightly deeper color if that's on hand instead.
- A tablespoon of sugar-free bourbon or a splash of orange juice (for a Carolina-style tang, watch the added carbs) can be stirred in during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Double the batch and freeze half in an ice cube tray, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for single-serving portions later.
Storage & reheating
Store the cooled sauce in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before using. No reheating is needed, the sauce can be used cold or warmed gently in a saucepan if a thinner consistency is preferred.
Tips from the Tulo kitchen
- Whisking the tomato paste with the water and vinegar before adding the dry seasonings prevents lumps from forming once the pan heats up.
- If the sauce seems too thick after chilling, it's normal, cold tomato-based sauces thicken further; thin with a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
FAQ
What sweetener works best in sugar-free BBQ sauce?
A granulated monk fruit and erythritol blend or plain erythritol both work well because they measure cup-for-cup like sugar and hold up fine during simmering. Liquid stevia can be used instead but should be added at the end, since simmering it too long can bring out a bitter aftertaste.
Is Worcestershire sauce sugar-free?
Most standard brands contain sugar or molasses, so check the label or look for a brand specifically labeled sugar-free or no-sugar-added. If none is available, a tablespoon of coconut aminos with a dash of extra vinegar makes a reasonable substitute.
Is this BBQ sauce keto-friendly?
Yes, as written it works for most low-carb and keto diets since the sweetener is a non-glycemic sugar substitute and tomato paste is the main source of carbs, at roughly 3 grams net carbs per 2-tablespoon serving.
Can this sauce be canned for long-term shelf storage?
This recipe isn't formulated or tested for shelf-stable canning, since sugar substitutes behave differently than sugar as a preservative. It's meant for refrigerator or freezer storage only.
Why does my sauce taste flat compared to regular BBQ sauce?
Sugar-free sauces often need a touch more acid and salt than sugar-based recipes to taste balanced, since sugar itself rounds out sharp flavors. Add the extra vinegar or salt in small increments after the sauce has cooled and been tasted.
