Homemade Sweet and Smoky Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
Homemade BBQ Sauce
You’ll never need store bought again after you try this homemade low-sugar, gluten-free bbq sauce. With its unique blend of spice for a tangy and smoky flavor, this homemade bbq sauce has a beautiful caramel color and is the perfect complement to burgers, wings and southwest dishes.
Typical bbq sauce has high fructose corn syrup, modified corn starch and if you’re on the hunt for low calorie friendly bbq sauces they’ll be loaded with artificial sweeteners. The craft bbq sauces cost the big bucks too but not this one! With a trivial amount of sugar, natural flavor from tomato sauce and sweetened with a touch of honey, this homemade bbq sauce is a fraction of the cost and calories as storebought.
Try this homemade original bbq sauce with BBQ Bacon Burgers and Smashed Potatoes.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- A low calorie bbq sauce with no added sugar or sugar substitutes.
- Gluten and dairy-free.
- No sacrifice to flavor and your new dipping bestie!
Ingredients and Substitutions:
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for this low sugar bbq sauce. See the recipe card below for the full ingredients list and instructions.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use tamari soy sauce or regular soy sauce in place of coconut aminos.
- Want a more spicy bbq sauce? Add a dash of aged red cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Use white vinegar or distilled vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar, but note, the taste may change.
How to make sugar-free bbq sauce (a visual step-by-step guide):
Step 1: boil ingredients
Add the tomato sauce, water, honey, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, liquid smoke, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt and pepper to a sauce pan (image 1).
Bring to a boil (image 2). Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: simmer and thicken
Gradually add 1 tsp. of arrowroot powder or cornstarch at a time while whisking and allowing the sauce to simmer for a few minutes between each addition (image 3).
Remove from the heat and let the barbeque sauce cool completely to thicken (image 4).
How to store your sugar free barbecue sauce
Your barbecue sauce should be made in small batches that can be used within 2 weeks. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out some of our other recipes!
- Big Mac Sloppy Joes
- Cottage Cheese and Spinach Lasagna
- Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
- Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
If you make this recipe, please leave a rating and/or comment! Tag me on Instagram @ohsnapmacros, I love hearing from you!
Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
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Ingredients
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup honey 60g
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp. coconut aminos
- 1/2 tsp. hickory liquid smoke
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
- 1 Tbsp. water mixed with arrowroot or cornstarch
Instructions
- Add the tomato sauce, water, honey, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, liquid smoke, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt and pepper to a sauce pan and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Combine the arrowroot or cornstarch and water in a small bowl and mix to combine. Gradually add a little at a time while whisking and allowing the sauce to simmer for a few minutes between each addition. If you want a thinner sauce, use 1/2-3/4 of the mixture. I find using all of it is a great consistency. Be sure to whisk well while adding the arrowroot or cornstarch to avoid clumping.
- Remove from the heat and let the barbeque sauce cool completely and thicken.
- Store in a mason jar or air tight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary with substitutions.
- Add to burgers, sandwiches, wraps or as a dip.
- Play with consistency by adding more or less water, depending on your preference.
