Creating a delicious BBQ sauce without any added sugar is easier than you might think. This recipe combines tangy, smoky, and spicy flavors to create a sauce that is perfect for grilling or as a condiment.
Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every kitchen. Liquid smoke is a unique ingredient that adds a smoky flavor without needing a grill. Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar provide a tangy depth, while cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat. These items can usually be found in the condiment or spice aisle of your supermarket.

Ingredients For Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce Recipe
Tomato sauce: The base of the sauce, providing a rich and tangy flavor.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity and tanginess to balance the sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
Mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor.
Liquid smoke: Gives the sauce a smoky flavor without needing a grill.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor.
Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the sauce.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a bit of heat and spice.
Technique Tip for Making BBQ Sauce
To enhance the depth of flavor in your BBQ sauce, consider toasting the garlic powder and onion powder in a dry pan over medium heat for a minute or two before adding them to the saucepan. This will release their essential oils and create a more robust taste.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar texture and flavor, though you may need to blend them for a smoother consistency.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white vinegar: White vinegar has a similar acidity level, though it lacks the slight sweetness of apple cider vinegar.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor, though it lacks the complexity of Worcestershire sauce.
mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard offers a similar tangy flavor but with a smoother texture.
liquid smoke - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika provides a smoky flavor, though it adds a bit of color and a different type of smokiness.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more intense and aromatic flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions provide a similar flavor, though they add texture and moisture.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of salinity but may have a slightly different mineral content.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes offer a similar heat level but with a different texture and appearance.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This BBQ Sauce
How To Store / Freeze Your BBQ Sauce
Ensure the BBQ sauce has completely cooled to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and maintains the sauce's consistency.
Transfer the sauce into an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a BPA-free plastic container. This helps preserve the flavors and prevents any external odors from seeping in.
Label the container with the date of preparation. This is crucial for keeping track of freshness and ensuring you use the sauce within its optimal time frame.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The BBQ sauce will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when properly refrigerated.
For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce. Pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Label the freezer containers with the date and contents. This helps in identifying the sauce later and ensures you use it within 3 months for the best quality.
When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the sauce's texture and flavor.
If you need the sauce quickly, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave. Stir the sauce well after thawing to restore its smooth consistency.
Reheat the thawed sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This gentle reheating helps preserve the sauce's rich flavors.
If the sauce appears too thick after thawing, add a small amount of water or apple cider vinegar to achieve the desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate.
Enjoy your homemade sugar-free BBQ sauce with your favorite grilled meats, vegetables, or as a delightful dip for snacks.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is essential for combining and simmering the ingredients to create a smooth and flavorful BBQ sauce.
Whisk: A whisk is used to blend the ingredients together until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps in the sauce.
Measuring cups: Measuring cups are necessary for accurately measuring the tomato sauce and apple cider vinegar.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to measure out the smaller quantities of ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, mustard, liquid smoke, and spices.
Stirring spoon: A stirring spoon is useful for occasionally stirring the sauce as it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
Airtight container: An airtight container is needed for storing the BBQ sauce in the fridge once it has cooled down.
Time-Saving Tips for Making BBQ Sauce
Prep ingredients ahead: Measure and mix all spices and liquids before starting to cook.
Use a blender: Blend all ingredients together for a smoother sauce and quicker prep.
Simmer with a lid: Cover the saucepan to reduce cooking time and prevent splatters.
Double the batch: Make extra BBQ sauce and store it in the fridge for future use.
Quick cool down: Pour the hot sauce into a shallow dish to cool faster before storing.

Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Liquid Smoke
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine all ingredients.
- Whisk together until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Egg Roll Dipping Sauce Recipe5 Minutes
- Pasta with Hemp Seed and Kale Pesto Recipe30 Minutes
- Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe45 Minutes
- Dalgona Coffee Whipped Coffee Recipe5 Minutes
- Chicken Pesto Panini Recipe20 Minutes
- Poor Mans Sandwich Recipe5 Minutes
- Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe5 Minutes
- Jager Bomb Recipe2 Minutes
Leave a Reply