Gluten Free BBQ Sauce | Keto Option
Published Jul 12, 2022 Updated Jul 11, 2023
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
There are so many sauce options out there, and there are some really yummy ones. However, making a homemade version is so quick and easy and helps keep all the junk ingredients out! Enter, this recipe for gluten free bbq sauce, which is literal perfection!
With a bit of heat, the classic tang, and an aftertaste of sweet brown sugar, this sauce will wow your guests and make all your summer BBQs absolutely delicious. Smother it over your favorite protein and savor every single bite!
With a few easy swaps, you can also make this bbq sauce keto. So, whether you’re eating low carb or not, you’ll have the ultimate bbq sauce recipe right at your fingertips!
What Makes This Recipe Great
- Easy, 15-minute recipe
- Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, & Keto options.
- Works as a thick or thin sauce- whichever you prefer!
- The perfect sidekick to any bbq dish.
- Simple adjustments to make it mild & kid-friendly.
Ingredient Notes
Ketchup: I love True Made Foods ketchup. Feel free to use your favorite regular or low-carb ketchup.
Brown Sugar: You can use regular brown sugar, or if you’d like to make it keto and low carb friendly, use brown sugar Swerve.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This helps add to the tangy bbq taste. You can find it at most local grocery stores in the oils and vinegar aisle.
Coconut Aminos: You can also use Worcestershire sauce.
Hot Sauce: Use the hot sauce of your choice. My go-to is always Frank’s Red Hot.
Spices: Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for extra spicy (optional).
Water: Start a little and add more water to thin to your desired consistency.
Liquid Smoke: This optional step will give your sauce a smoky flavor. Skip this if you prefer.
Recipe Step by Step
- Whisk together all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to come to a soft bubble and reduce heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer until it becomes thick, about 10 minutes.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Mac’s Pro Tips
Whole30: True Made and Primal Kitchen are great Whole30 and Paleo ketchup brands. For Whole30, remove the brown sugar or brown Swerve, as neither of these is compliant.
Consistency: Make this bbq sauce to your desired consistency by adding water. If you prefer a thicker bbq sauce, add less water. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more water.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 7 days. If you’d like to freeze your sauce, see the FAQs below!
Recipe FAQs
In order to make this bbq sauce keto, be sure to use keto-friendly ketchup and brown sugar Swerve for the sweetener (which is 0 carbs!).
Many of the ingredients in bbq sauce are naturally gluten-free, however, it’s important to check the labels as there is often cross-contamination in the facilities where sauces are made, or there are sneaky ingredients that you wouldn’t expect.
Yes! Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe jar or container for up to 6 months. Defrost in the refrigerator and use as needed for up to a week.
More BBQ Recipes You’ll Love!
BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ketchup*
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or keto sweetener
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons coconut aminos OR Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1.5 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup water or more water as needed to thin
- Optional 1/4 tsp cayenne for extra spicy
- Optional: 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
- Whisk together all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to come to a soft bubble and reduce heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer until it becomes thick, about 10 minutes.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Better than store-bought.