Zesty Carolina Low Carb BBQ Sauce: Easy Keto-Friendly Recipe

Tangy Carolina-Style Low Carb BBQ Sauce Recipe

This low carb BBQ sauce brings all the tangy Carolina-style flavor without the sugar overload. Perfect for keto dieters and anyone watching their carbs, this mustard-based sauce delivers bold, zesty flavor with just 2g net carbs per serving!

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Barbecue Sauce

Traditional barbecue sauces can pack 10-15g of carbs per tablespoon, making them off-limits for keto and low-carb diets. This mustard-based Carolina-style sauce solves that problem with these benefits:

• Only 2g net carbs per serving
• Bold, tangy flavor that doesn’t taste “diet”
• No artificial ingredients or preservatives
• Perfect for pulled pork, chicken, and beef
• Stores beautifully in the refrigerator for weeks

Ingredients for Homemade Low Carb BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup prepared yellow mustard
• ⅓ cup granulated erythritol (or preferred keto sweetener)
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

How to Make Carolina-Style Low Carb BBQ Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the yellow mustard, sweetener, apple cider vinegar, butter, and soy sauce. Stir until the butter melts completely.
2. Add the chili powder, black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (avoid boiling), then reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.
5. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Low Carb BBQ Sauce

For the best keto-friendly BBQ sauce results, keep these tips in mind:

• Sweetener selection matters – Erythritol or allulose work well and don’t typically cause digestive issues. Liquid sweeteners can also work but may change the consistency.
• Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
• For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender after cooling slightly.
• Customize the flavor with a teaspoon of liquid smoke or a dash of keto-friendly Worcestershire sauce.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Store your homemade keto BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as they meld together.

Perfect Pairings for Your Low Carb BBQ Sauce

• Brush on grilled chicken thighs during the last few minutes of cooking
• Toss with pulled pork for an authentic Carolina BBQ experience
• Use as a dipping sauce for keto chicken tenders
• Drizzle over cauliflower “mac” and cheese for a BBQ twist
• Mix with shredded beef for easy BBQ beef lettuce wraps

Nutrition Information

FAQs About Low Carb BBQ Sauce

Can I use a different type of mustard?

Yes! Dijon or spicy brown mustard can be substituted, though they will change the flavor profile slightly. Stone-ground mustard adds nice texture.

Is this sauce spicy?

This recipe has a mild-to-medium heat level. Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder or spicier to suit your preferences.

How can I make this sauce thicker?

For a thicker sauce, simmer longer to reduce more liquid, or add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum while whisking vigorously.

Can I use this sauce for meal prep?

Absolutely! This sauce is perfect for meal prep and actually improves with a day or two in the refrigerator as flavors meld.

The Perfect Low Carb BBQ Sauce for Your Keto Lifestyle

Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or slow-cooking, this tangy low carb BBQ sauce brings classic Carolina mustard flavor to your meals without derailing your carb goals. With just minutes of prep and simple ingredients, you’ll never need to reach for the high-sugar store-bought versions again. Give this keto-friendly sauce a try and discover how delicious low carb barbecue can be!