Savory No-Cook Low Carb Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Elevate your grilling game with this Savory No-Cook Low Carb Bourbon BBQ Sauce! Perfect for those who want a rich, smoky flavor without the cooking hassle, this sauce combines the sweetness of no-sugar-added tomato sauce with a splash of bourbon and a touch of heat from hot sauce. Ideal for marinating meats, basting grilled vegetables, or as a dipping sauce, this versatile condiment is not only delicious but also low in carbohydrates. Enjoy it guilt-free at your next barbecue or family gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
no-sugar-added tomato sauce
29 ounces (none)
no-sugar-added tomato paste
6 ounces (none)
Bourbon
2 ounces (none)
white vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
liquid smoke
2 tablespoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
hot sauce
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Splenda granular
3/4 cup (none)
brown sugar substitute
1/4 cup (optional)
red onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
garlic clove, minced
1 small (minced)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
kosher salt
1 tablespoon (none)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
onion powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the no-sugar-added tomato sauce and tomato paste until smooth.
2
Add the bourbon, white vinegar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and Splenda granular. Mix well until fully integrated.
3
If desired, stir in the brown sugar substitute to enhance the sweetness.
4
Incorporate the finely chopped red onions, minced garlic, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder into the mixture.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
6
Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory No-Cook Low Carb Bourbon BBQ Sauce?
It is a rich, smoky, and tangy barbecue sauce that requires no cooking and is designed to be low in carbohydrates and sugar-free.
Is this BBQ sauce keto-friendly?
Yes, by using no-sugar-added tomato products and sugar substitutes like Splenda, this recipe is suitable for a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Do I need to cook this sauce on a stove?
No, this is a no-cook recipe. You simply combine and mix the ingredients in a bowl.
How long does it take to prepare?
The preparation takes only a few minutes to mix, followed by at least one hour of refrigeration to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of bourbon should I use?
You can use any standard bourbon you enjoy; the 2-ounce portion provides a distinct flavor without being overwhelming.
Can I make this sauce alcohol-free?
Yes, you can omit the bourbon, though the flavor profile will change. You might add a splash of apple cider vinegar or water as a substitute.
Is the bourbon alcohol cooked off?
No, because this is a no-cook sauce, the alcohol from the bourbon remains in the final product.
What kind of tomato sauce is best?
Look for 'no-sugar-added' tomato sauce to keep the carbohydrate count low and avoid hidden sugars.
How should I store this homemade BBQ sauce?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the sauce last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it should remain fresh for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze this BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Is this sauce spicy?
The sauce has a mild heat from the hot sauce. You can increase or decrease the hot sauce amount to suit your spice preference.
What can I use this sauce for?
It is ideal for marinating meats, basting grilled vegetables, or using as a dipping sauce for various proteins.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but ensure your Worcestershire sauce brand is certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
Can I use a different sweetener besides Splenda?
Yes, any granular sugar substitute like erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia can be used as a replacement.
What does liquid smoke do for the sauce?
Liquid smoke provides the deep, charred flavor typically associated with traditional slow-cooked barbecue.
Can I omit the liquid smoke?
Yes, but the sauce will lose its smoky character. You could try using smoked paprika as a milder alternative.
Why is tomato paste included?
Tomato paste adds thickness and a concentrated tomato flavor that balances the liquid ingredients.
Do I have to use red onions?
Red onions add a specific bite and texture. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mince them very finely or use onion powder only.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
This recipe uses both fresh minced garlic and garlic powder to provide layers of garlic flavor.
Is this sauce vegan?
Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies; use a vegan-certified Worcestershire sauce to make this recipe vegan.
How do I make the sauce smoother?
If you prefer a smooth consistency without onion bits, you can blend the finished sauce in a blender or food processor.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar is a great substitute and adds a slightly fruitier tang to the sauce.
What if the sauce is too thick?
You can thin it out by adding a small amount of water or extra vinegar until you reach your desired consistency.
What if the sauce is too thin?
You can add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken the mixture without cooking it.
Can I use this for basting on a grill?
Yes, it works well for basting, but since it contains sugar substitutes, watch it closely to ensure it doesn't burn too quickly.
Does this sauce contain many calories?
While specific nutrition facts vary by brand, this sauce is generally much lower in calories than traditional BBQ sauce due to the lack of sugar.
Is the brown sugar substitute required?
It is optional but highly recommended for adding that classic molasses-like sweetness found in traditional BBQ sauces.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the recipe scales perfectly. Simply double all ingredient measurements for a larger batch.
Why must the sauce sit for an hour before serving?
Allowing it to rest gives the dry spices time to hydrate and the flavors of the onion, garlic, and bourbon to fully integrate.