Sugar Free Barbecue Sauce
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Sugar free barbecue sauce is easy to make and sweetened with dates instead of refined sugar. This condiment only takes 20 minutes to make, keeps well in the fridge, and adds flavor to meals like ribs and wings. It’s also a great dipping sauce!
Making my own barbecue sauce means that I can make my family’s favorite meals, knowing they’re made with real food ingredients!
The combination of sweet Medjool dates, ketchup, and spices are a hit in any meal. One of my favorite recipes to make using this easy homemade sauce is BBQ chicken thighs.
It’s also the sauce I reach for when making Instant Pot pulled BBQ chicken. These incredible, flavorful sandwiches are always a hit at cookouts and potlucks.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
It’s so simple to make a sugar-free version of this condiment. Plus, this recipe is ready in less than 20 minutes, and most of that time is hands off while the dates soak.
Another great reason to make sugar free barbecue sauce from scratch is that it’s easy to customize! Unlike store bought sauce, the ingredients can be switched out to change the flavor profile. Depending on how you want to use it, you can make it smokier or spicier.
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my important mom-tested cooking tips for making this recipe! I’ve made this countless times, so I can save you from a failed attempt.
- Blend the sauce thoroughly and strain it through a fine mesh strainer for super smooth sauce. This is especially important because this recipe is sweetened with dates.
- To make 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!
- For easy storage, use a reusable sauce bottle with an airtight lid for storage. It’ll make the bbq sauce easier to pour.
Ingredients
You’ll want to add these ingredients to your grocery shopping list:
Medjool dates add sweetness to this sugar free bbq sauce recipe. Soaking the dates first helps them blend easily into the sauce. Monk fruit sweetener, stevia or agave nectar are also great alternatives to cane sugar.
For the ketchup, use your favorite sugar-free brand. Of course, regular ketchup will work, but your BBQ sauce won’t be completely sugar-free.
Smoked paprika gives the sauce that classic smoky bbq flavor, but to kick it up even further just add a dash of liquid smoke.
Give your bbq sauce a spicy kick with some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
How to Make Sugar Free Barbecue Sauce
For the full step-by-step instructions, see the recipe card! ⬇️
Jump to Recipe
- To start, soak your dates in warm water to help soften them.
- Blend everything together, making sure the dates are fully broken down and incorporated.
Quick Tip
Don't skip out on soaking the dates! This extra step ensures they incorporate easily into the other ingredients! If needed, you can strain the sauce to ensure it's completely smooth.
- Simmer the sauce over low heat, and stir it occasionally until it reduces. It should have a thick, sticky consistency.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before enjoying or storing it!
Sugar Free Barbecue Sauce FAQs
Keep the condiment in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for 2 to 3 months! Thaw it in the refrigerator before you use it.
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 a tiny bit of regular yellow mustard can help cut through the sweet flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Use this simple homemade barbecue sauce in all of your favorite recipes like Instant Pot pork butt or air fryer meatloaf.
I treat this condiment like I do Copycat Chick Fil A Sauce - it's the perfect dip for French fries, chicken nuggets and air fryer potato wedges.
After you make this recipe, please give it a star rating below and comment to let me know how it went!
Sugar Free Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 6 pitted dates soaked
- 1 cup ketchup be sure it's compatible with no additives or sugar
- 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 6 pitted dates in warm water in a small dish for about 10 minutes.
- Add all ingredients (1 cup ketchup , 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) to a high-speed blender or food processor. 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.
