Sugar Free BBQ Sauce
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Sugar free BBQ sauce is one of the easiest condiments to make at home. This recipe will help you make it quickly, with just a handful of pantry staples. With no refined sugar, It’s wholesome, low carb, keto friendly, and tasty!
Monitoring the amount of sugar we eat and feed to our kids can be challenging. There are hidden sugars and unwanted processed ingredients in so many store-bought sauces and condiments.
Making your own sugar free barbecue sauce means you can enjoy your favorite meals, without worry about the ingredients in it. BBQ chicken thighs are super tasty with this homemade sauce, and Instant Pot pork butt is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This is a great recipe! I’ve tried some other whole30 compliant recipes and this one far surpasses them!
–Kimberly
Making a sugar-free version of your favorite dipping sauce isn’t difficult. I’ve made it easy for you make and enjoy them with wholesome ingredients.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
There are plenty of great reasons to make this recipe!
- It’s customizable and adaptable. Use the ingredients your family likes, and you can even switch the flavor profile for a smokier flavor.
- Healthier option than store bought sauce. There are no additives, refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or other funky ingredients. Just a sugar-free, gluten-free version of a fantastic dipping sauce, made with real food ingredients that everyone loves!
- Just a few simple ingredients. You only need 5 ingredients to make this BBQ sauce recipe. It’s super simple and comes together really quickly!
My recipe for sugar free buffalo sauce will transform game-day wings, and soy-free teriyaki sauce is way better than store-bought. Add this homemade BBQ sauce to the mix, and you’ve got every sauce you could ever need!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you need to make this fabulous barbecue sauce at home! Most ingredients at pantry essentials and can be found at your favorite grocery store. Here’s what you need:
- ketchup: If want it keto-friendly, be sure to use sugar-free ketchup.
- apple cider vinegar: Don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand? White wine vinegar, red wine vinegar and white vinegar are all good swaps.
- pitted dates
- coconut aminos: If you aren’t concerned about consuming soy, you can use low-sodium soy sauce instead.
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- black pepper
- smoked paprika
Feel free to add any additional spices to your sauce. Red pepper flakes will give your BBQ sauce a spicy kick, and spices like cayenne can bring some warmth and depth to the sauce.
To add some smoky flavor, add just a dash of liquid smoke.
How to Make Sugar Free BBQ Sauce
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the best homemade BBQ sauce:
- First, soak your dates in warm water in a small dish. Since they’ve been dried, this will rehydrate and soften them.
- Blend the ingredients together in a food processor or blender.
- Simmer for a few minutes, to reduce and thicken the mixture.
- Let the sugar free BBQ sauce cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Tips for Success
These few helpful tips will help ensure that your homemade sauce is as yummy as can be:
- Make sure you blend the mixture thoroughly so that it’s smooth. You can also strain it through a fine mesh strainer to ensure you remove any chunks.
- If you’d like a thinner sauce, add a bit more ketchup or even a small splash of water. You can always adjust the amount of ingredients until you reach the consistency you need!
- I recommend using a reusable sauce bottle with an airtight lid for storage. It’ll make the BBQ sauce is easier to to pour.
Storing
Keep your condiment in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze homemade barbecue sauce for 2 to 3 months! Just store it in a freezer-safe container, and thaw it in the refrigerator before consuming.
By the way, this is a delicious dipping sauce for French fries, chicken nuggets, and air fryer potato wedges.
FAQ
If you find the natural sweetness of the dates has made your delicious sugar free BBQ sauce too sweet, add a little bit more vinegar. Even some regular yellow mustard can help cut through the sweet flavor!
Dates are a wonderful substitute for sugar! You can also use monk fruit sweetener, stevia or agave nectar as a substitute for sugar.
Other Condiments and Seasoning Recipes
- Homemade Big Mac Sauce
- Healthy Copycat Chick fil a Sauce
- Ranch Seasoning Mix
- Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix
I’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Please leave a comment and rating below!
Sugar Free BBQ Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup be sure it's compatible with no additives or sugar
- 6 pitted dates soaked
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons coconut aminos
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
Instructions
- First, soak your dates in warm water in a small dish for about 10 minutes.
- Add all ingredients to a high speed blender or food process. Pulse, then blend on low until the dates and broken down and fully incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it reduces and has the sticky consistency of bbq sauce.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
I’m looking for a chicken wing sauce that will make them crispy but has no sugar. Will this recipe do that? Or do you know what substitutes will make them crispy?
Hi Audrey! If you’re following a Whole30, then I’d recommend tossing the wings with a bit of arrowroot before cooking them. Once they’re cooked, they’ll stay crispier after you sauce them. 🙂 -Laura
This is a great recipe! I’ve tried some other whole30 compliant recipes and this one far surpasses them!
Hi Kimberly, I’m so glad you think this recipe is the best. I think so, too (but I might be a little partial, lol!). -Laura