Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
A smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy barbecue sauce sweetened naturally without any refined sugar. Perfect for grilling, dipping, or slathering on burgers, this sauce brings all the classic BBQ flavor while keeping things light. Ready in under 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.
For 8 servings
- mix · ~2 min
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
1.Add tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and water to a small saucepan.2.Whisk until completely smooth and no lumps remain.3.Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.4.Stir in dijon mustard, worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke.5.Whisk everything together until fully incorporated. - simmer · ~20 min
Simmer the sauce until thickened.
1.Place saucepan over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle bubble.2.Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.3.Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially towards the end.4.Cook until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and darkens slightly.TIPWatch the heat closely — tomato paste burns easily. Keep it at a lazy bubble, not a hard boil. - mix · ~1 min
Blend for a silky texture.
For a smoother, restaurant-style consistency, carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until silky, or use an immersion blender directly in the pan. Thin with a tablespoon of water if it becomes too thick.
- rest · ~30 min
Cool and store the sauce.
1.Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely in the pan.2.Taste and adjust seasoning — add more vinegar for tanginess or liquid smoke for smokiness.3.Pour into a clean glass jar or airtight container.4.Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.TIPThe flavor deepens overnight. Make it a day ahead for the best taste.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use no-salt-added tomato paste so you can control the final sodium level.
- 2Simmer at a lazy bubble, not a hard boil, to prevent the tomato paste from scorching.
- 3Stir frequently toward the end of simmering, as the sauce thickens and sticks more easily.
- 4Blend with an immersion blender directly in the pan for a silky texture without extra cleanup.
- 5Let the sauce cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and dilution.
- 6Make the sauce a day ahead — the flavors meld and deepen overnight for a more complex taste.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a minced chipotle in adobo for a smoky heat kick that complements the liquid smoke.
fruit sweetenedFruit-sweetened
Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana for extra natural sweetness and a slightly thicker body.
low sodiumLow-sodium
Skip the added salt and use a low-sodium Worcestershire sauce; the tomato paste and spices still deliver big flavor.
chipotle limeChipotle-lime
Swap the liquid smoke for 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from chipotles and add 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice for a tangy, smoky twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
No Added Sugar
Sweetened entirely by the natural sugars in tomato paste, this sauce contains zero refined sugar, making it suitable for low-sugar or keto diets.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomato paste is a concentrated source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced inflammation.
Low in Calories
This sauce is made without oil or sweeteners, keeping it very low in calories while still delivering robust flavor.
Supports Digestion
Apple cider vinegar may aid digestion and help stabilize blood sugar levels when used in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you'll need to simmer longer to reduce the extra liquid, and the sauce will be less concentrated in flavor; use half the water if substituting.
