Carnivore BBQ Sauce is a rich, smoky, and tangy low-carb sauce made using keto-friendly ingredients like sugar-free ketchup, apple cider vinegar, monk fruit sweetener, and bold spices.
This sauce brings deep flavor to grilled meats without added sugars. It tastes incredibly delicious, especially when brushed on ribs or steaks.
I created this sauce one evening after craving something bold for a grilled carnivore meal. Watching BBQ cooking videos inspired me to try making my own version.
Now I will guide you through this Carnivore BBQ Sauce Recipe that I’ve developed from scratch to match a clean, high-fat, no-carb lifestyle.
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this Carnivore BBQ Sauce recipe because it brings rich, smoky flavor to any meat dish without compromising our diet. It’s easy to make, using simple, low-carb ingredients that align with a carnivore lifestyle.
The combination of spices and healthy fats creates a deliciously satisfying sauce that enhances grilled meats while keeping things clean and natural.
Carnivore BBQ Sauce a great way to enjoy bold, flavorful meals without added sugars or artificial ingredients. Every bite feels indulgent, yet it fits seamlessly into a healthy eating plan.
How To Prepare Carnivore BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Course: Condiment / Sauce
- Cuisine: American (Carnivore/Keto)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: Makes approximately 4 cups
- Calories: ~20 per tablespoon (depending on ketchup and syrup brand used)
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk
- Airtight jar or container for storage
Ingredients
- 2 cups keto-friendly ketchup (sugar-free)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free syrup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon gold monk fruit sweetener (with erythritol)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder or dark chili powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
How To Make Carnivore BBQ Sauce
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, sugar-free syrup, Worcestershire sauce, monk fruit sweetener, and all the spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, mustard powder, cumin).
2. Whisk and Simmer:
Stir the mixture well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
3. Add Butter:
Once the sauce starts to bubble slightly, reduce the heat to low and add the butter cubes. Stir continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You may add more sweetener, chili powder, or vinegar to match your preferred balance of sweetness, heat, and tang.
5. Cool and Store:
Remove from heat. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Secrets Tips To Perfect
The secrets to perfect Carnivore BBQ Sauce lie in balancing flavors, using high-quality ingredients, and adjusting for personal taste:
➢ Opt for a sugar-free, keto-approved brand of ketchup to keep the sauce low-carb and free from unnecessary additives.
➢ Ensure the combination of smoky paprika, chili powder, cumin, and mustard powder gives the sauce depth, while the vinegar adds tang and the sweetener balances it all out.
➢ Adding the butter at the end helps create a smooth, rich texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel without separating.
➢ Low and slow simmering helps meld the flavors together without burning or over-reducing the sauce.
➢ Always taste the sauce before storing, and tweak sweetness, acidity, or spiciness to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
✤ Brush over grilled meats like steak, ribs, or chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a flavorful glaze.
✤ Serve as a dipping sauce alongside carnivore-friendly sides such as cheese crisps or pork rinds.
✤ Use as a marinade for meats before cooking to infuse them with smoky, savory flavors.
Health Benefits Of Carnivore BBQ Sauce
This carnivore BBQ sauce is a low-carb, sugar-free alternative to traditional sauces, making it ideal for keto, carnivore, and diabetic-friendly diets.
Carnivore BBQ Sauce free from processed sugars and artificial additives, helping stabilize blood sugar levels.
The use of apple cider vinegar may support digestion, while spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder add not just flavor but anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
With healthy fats from butter and no unnecessary fillers, it’s a flavorful way to enhance meals while staying aligned with clean eating principles.
Can I Have Barbecue Sauce On A Carnivore Diet?
Yes, you can have barbecue sauce on a carnivore diet, but it must be made with strict, animal-based or low-carb ingredients.
Traditional BBQ sauces contain sugar, additives, and plant-based ingredients that don’t align with the carnivore approach.
A homemade version using sugar-free ketchup, animal fats like butter, and minimal spices allows you to enjoy bold flavor while staying true to your diet. Always check labels or make your own to ensure it fits within carnivore guidelines.
What Hot Sauce Is Carnivore Approved?
Carnivore-approved hot sauces are those that are free from sugar, artificial additives, and non-animal-based ingredients like vegetables or fruits.
A great example is Frank’s RedHot Original, which contains only aged cayenne peppers, vinegar, water, salt, and garlic powder.
It’s simple, flavorful, and aligns with the carnivore diet because it focuses on animal-based ingredients and doesn’t include any plant-based sugars or fillers.
What Brand Of Barbecue Sauce Is Low Fodmap?
Several brands offer low FODMAP barbecue sauces, which are designed to be gentle on the digestive system by avoiding high FODMAP ingredients like garlic and onions.
One popular option is Rufus Teague’s BBQ Sauce, which has a few varieties that are low in FODMAPs, such as their “Honey Sweet” sauce.
Another option is Fody Foods BBQ Sauce, specifically crafted for those following a low FODMAP diet, free from garlic, onions, and other high-FODMAP ingredients.
Always check the labels for any hidden ingredients that could trigger symptoms, as formulations can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular BBQ sauce on a carnivore diet?
Traditional BBQ sauces often contain sugar, corn syrup, and plant-based ingredients like onions and garlic, which are not allowed on the strict carnivore diet. It’s best to make a homemade sauce or choose one that’s sugar-free and low-carb.
Can I store this Carnivore BBQ Sauce?
Yes, you can store this homemade sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage if needed.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this sauce?
Absolutely! You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chili powder, paprika, or hot sauce according to your taste.
Is this BBQ sauce suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly as it uses sugar-free ingredients and avoids high-carb additives, making it a great option for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet.
What meats can I use this BBQ sauce with?
This sauce is ideal for grilled meats like ribs, chicken, steak, and pork. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for carnivore-friendly snacks or sides.
Conclusion
Carnivore BBQ Sauce brings bold flavor using clean, simple ingredients that support a meat-focused lifestyle.
This Carnivore BBQ Sauce delivers depth and balance, enhancing every bite without unnecessary additives. Easy to prepare and full of character, it fits naturally into a carnivore or keto kitchen.
Making it at home allows full control over flavor and nutrition, ensuring every ingredient supports your goals.
This Carnivore BBQ Sauce is a flavorful step toward enjoying food that fuels strength and satisfaction.
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Carnivore BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk
- Airtight jar or container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 2 cups keto-friendly ketchup sugar-free
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free syrup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon gold monk fruit sweetener with erythritol
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder or dark chili powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, sugar-free syrup, Worcestershire sauce, monk fruit sweetener, and all the spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, mustard powder, cumin).
Whisk and Simmer:
- Stir the mixture well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Add Butter:
- Once the sauce starts to bubble slightly, reduce the heat to low and add the butter cubes. Stir continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You may add more sweetener, chili powder, or vinegar to match your preferred balance of sweetness, heat, and tang.
Cool and Store:
- Remove from heat. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.