Sugar Free BBQ Sauce Recipe

This sugar-free BBQ sauce recipe has the smoky, tangy flavor of classic barbecue sauce without the added sugar. It’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients and works well for grilling, dipping, and brushing onto your favorite meats.

After checking ingredient labels and finding added sugar in nearly every bottled barbecue sauce in my pantry, I started making my own version at home. I tested and adjusted the flavors to end up with this homemade BBQ sauce. It’s one that my family enjoys just as much as the store-bought versions.

This recipe also fits well into a gluten-free, Paleo, and Whole30 eating plan while keeping prep quick and simple.

Below, I’ll show you exactly how to make homemade sugar-free BBQ sauce step by step.

Ingredients for this clean BBQ sauce recipe 

Grilling recipes are popular in our house all year round, but the grill really gets a real workout in the summer months, and a good BBQ sauce is a must.

This sauce gets a smoky flavor from cumin, and the red pepper gives it the heat that my husband loves. Since the sauce will not contain sugar, I added some full-fat coconut milk to round out the taste and make it not so “vinegary” tasting.

You’ll need these ingredients to make this sugar-free BBQ sauce:

• 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes (check label to make sure they have no added sugar)
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of ground red pepper (optional or less if you don’t like too much heat!)
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon of ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons of full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• Cracked black pepper

You’ll also need a blender or food processor.

How to make your own clean-eating barbecue sauce

This sugar-free BBQ sauce is very easy to make.

Cook the sauce

• Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan.
• Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Blend the BBQ sauce

• The sauce will be chunky after it is cooked.
• Pour the mixture into a blender.
• Blend for about 10 seconds until the sauce has a smooth consistency.

How to use the sugar-free BBQ sauce

The sauce is perfect on all kinds of meats for the BBQ. We are using it tonight on pork spare ribs, but steaks, any chops, and burgers will be great with it too.

Storing the sauce

The sauce will keep for about 7 days in the fridge in a sealed container, since there is a lot of vinegar in this recipe.

However, if you don’t think you’ll use it all and want to save it for later, you can place the leftovers into zip-lock baggies and freeze them. When you need some sauce for a barbecue, just take the baggie out, defrost it in the microwave, and you’re ready to go.

More healthy sauces and substitutes to try

If you liked this sugar-free BBQ sauce, be sure to also check out these healthy sauce recipes and substitutes.

• Paleo Worcestershire Sauce – Soy-free • Gluten-free recipe
• Whole30 Ranch Dressing – (Gluten – free and Paleo) Fresh herbs, creamy
• 12 Excellent Sour Cream Substitutes – Includes dairy-free & vegan options

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Admin note: This article for a clean BBQ sauce first appeared on the blog in April 2017. This post has been updated with new photos, a printable recipe card, and a slideshow video.

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Yield: 2 cups of sugar-free BBQ sauce

Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce Recipe

4.9 Stars (7 Reviews)

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This homemade sugar-free BBQ sauce is smoky, tangy, and easy to make with pantry ingredients. A quick barbecue sauce recipe with no refined sugar that works for grilling, dipping, and more.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes (check label to make sure they have no added sugar)
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of ground red pepper (optional or less if you don't like too much heat!)
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon of ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons of full fat coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• Cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Pour the mixture into a blender and blend until it is smooth consistency.
4. Use on steaks, pork chops and burgers for a great tasting barbecue sauce.

Notes

It keeps well in the fridge for several weeks, and also freezes well.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases but the price is the same for you.

• 
  Cento Foods, Crushed Tomatoes, 28 Ounce
• 
  Amazon Grocery, Apple Cider Vinegar, 16 Fl Oz
• 
  Goya Foods Coconut Milk, 13.5 Ounce (Pack of 6)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

2 tablespoons
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 128Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 11gUnsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 58mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 2g

Nutritional information is approximate due to natural variation in ingredients and the cook-at-home nature of our meals.

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