Low Carb Smokey, Sweet and Hot Barbecue Sauce

The scent of barbecue always takes me back to summer evenings at my family’s lake house. My grandpa, a man of few words but masterful grilling skills, would preside over the charcoal, carefully basting ribs and chicken with his secret sauce. The air would be thick with hickory smoke, laughter, and the promise of a finger-licking good meal. I can still taste the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor, and while I can’t replicate Grandpa’s exact recipe, this low-carb version captures the essence of those cherished memories without all the sugar.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
• Total Time: 55-70 minutes
• Yields: 3 cups
• Serves: 6-8
• Dietary Type: Low Carb

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, minced fine
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1/4 cup low-carb ketchup
• 1 (12 ounce) can diet cola, Splenda-sweetened preferred like Diet Rite Cola
• 3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1 tablespoon TABASCO® brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon hickory liquid smoke
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pinches kosher salt, to taste
• 6 drops cholula hot sauce (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Sweet’N Low brown sugar substitute
• 10 drops Sweet and Low liquid low-calorie sweetener
• 1/2 cup water, at the end to thin sauce a little

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Stirring spoon or whisk

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the 1/2 minced medium onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened. This should take about 3-5 minutes. You want the onion to be translucent and slightly fragrant.
3. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter very quickly.
4. Stir in 2 teaspoons of garlic powder and cook for about 15 seconds.
5. Add the 6 ounce can of tomato paste, 1/4 cup low-carb ketchup, 1 (12 ounce) can of diet cola, 3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard, 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 1 tablespoon TABASCO® brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon hickory liquid smoke, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
6. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. Ensure there are no clumps of tomato paste remaining.
7. Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
8. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will reduce slightly and the flavors will meld together.
9. After simmering, add approximately 1/2 cup of water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
10. Season with 2 pinches of kosher salt and 6 drops of Cholula hot sauce, or to taste.
11. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of Sweet’N Low brown sugar substitute and 10 drops of Sweet and Low liquid low-calorie sweetener. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more vinegar for tanginess, sweetener for sweetness, hot sauce for heat, or liquid smoke for smokiness.

Note: If you can’t find low-carb ketchup, you can omit it. However, you will need to add about 1 extra tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and adjust the sweetener to taste to compensate for the missing sweetness and acidity.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce after simmering. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
• If the sauce becomes too thick during simmering, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• To intensify the smokey flavor, try using smoked paprika in place of some of the garlic powder.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more of the brown sugar substitute, but remember to do so sparingly as it can easily become too sweet.
• Make a big batch! This sauce freezes beautifully, so you can always have some on hand for grilling season.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Low Carb Smokey, Sweet and Hot Barbecue Sauce is fantastic on ribs, chicken, pulled pork, burgers, or even as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries.

To serve, brush the sauce generously onto your meat during the last 15-20 minutes of grilling or baking. You can also serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

To store, allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, the sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before using.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	51 kcal	3%
Total Fat	2.6g	4%
Saturated Fat	0.2g	1%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	764mg	32%
Total Carbohydrate	7.2g	2%
Dietary Fiber	1.2g	5%
Sugars	0.9g	–
Protein	0.7g	1%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicier Sauce: For a hotter barbecue sauce, increase the amount of TABASCO® Chipotle Pepper Sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Sweeter Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar substitute or a few extra drops of liquid sweetener.
• Different Sweetener: Feel free to experiment with other low-carb sweeteners such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind that different sweeteners have different levels of sweetness, so adjust accordingly.
• Smoked Paprika: Substitute up to 1 teaspoon of the garlic powder with smoked paprika for an even smokier flavor.
• Vinegar Variety: You can use white vinegar or red wine vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular ketchup instead of low-carb ketchup?
A: Yes, you can, but it will significantly increase the carbohydrate and sugar content of the sauce. If you are not concerned about carbs, regular ketchup will work just fine.

Q: How long does this sauce last in the refrigerator?
A: This sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week if stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze this barbecue sauce?
A: Yes, this sauce freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: What if I don’t have diet cola?
A: You can substitute with another Splenda-sweetened diet soda, such as diet root beer or diet Dr. Pepper, for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also use water, but you may need to add more sweetener.

Q: Can I make this sauce without liquid smoke?
A: Yes, you can omit the liquid smoke, but the sauce will lack the characteristic smoky flavor. If you don’t have liquid smoke, consider grilling your meat over wood chips to impart a smoky flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Smokey, Sweet and Hot Barbecue Sauce is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of barbecue without the guilt of added sugars. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to make, and endlessly customizable to your own taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and sweeteners to create your own signature barbecue sauce. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this sauce as much as I do! I’d love to hear what you think! Try pairing this sauce with some grilled chicken and a side of coleslaw for a delicious and satisfying low-carb meal.