Carnivore BBQ Sauce is a rich, smoky, low-carb sauce I created to complement grilled meats without any added sugar.
I was inspired to make this after watching a pit master on a carnivore focused cooking show. With years of experience tweaking meat based recipes, I’ve developed my own bold version.
I’ve made this sauce many times before, refining the balance of spices and sweeteners. Now I’m here to show step-by-step how to make this Carnivore BBQ Sauce from scratch.
Why You Will Choose Carnivore BBQ Sauce?
Choosing Carnivore BBQ Sauce means enjoying a rich, smoky flavor that enhances any meat without adding sugar or carbs.
This Carnivore BBQ Sauce balances bold spices and tangy vinegar, delivering a satisfying taste that complements grilled, roasted, or smoked dishes.
It fits well into low-carb and carnivore lifestyles, offering a healthier alternative to traditional BBQ sauces. Easy to prepare and packed with flavour, it brings a delicious punch to meals, making it a great addition to your kitchen staples.
How To Prepare Carnivore BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 3 cups
Course: Sauce/Condiment
Cuisine: American (BBQ/Carnivore)
Difficulty: Easy
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups sugar-free ketchup (keto-friendly)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free syrup (e.g., allulose or monk fruit-based)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dark chili powder (such as ancho)
- 1 tablespoon monk fruit sweetener (golden, with erythritol blend)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Instructions
1. Mix the base
Pour the sugar-free ketchup, apple cider vinegar, syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and monk fruit sweetener into a medium saucepan.
2. Add the flavor
Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, cumin, onion powder, and dark chili powder. Add the butter, cut into small cubes.
3. Heat it up
Set the pan over medium heat. Keep stirring as the butter melts and everything starts to come together. Make sure it doesn’t come to a full boil just a gentle simmer.
4. Let it cook
Let the sauce simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir every now and then. You’re looking for it to thicken slightly and smell rich and flavourful.
5. Cool and store
Take it off the heat and let it cool down. Once cooled, pour it into a clean jar or bottle. Store it in the fridge. It’ll thicken a bit more as it chills.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 18 |
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
About This Recipe
Carnivore BBQ Sauce is a bold, flavourful sauce designed to complement and enhance meat dishes with its rich, smoky, and slightly sweet taste.
Its main speciality lies in combining robust ingredients like ancho chili, molasses, and tangy vinegar to create a deep, complex flavour profile that perfectly balances sweetness, heat, and acidity.
Unlike typical BBQ sauces, it emphasises boldness that appeals specifically to meat lovers, making it ideal for glazing, dipping, or finishing grilled and smoked meats with a distinctive carnivorous flair.
Secrets To Perfect Carnivore BBQ Sauce
➢ Combine smoky ancho chili with tangy vinegar and a touch of sweetness (like molasses or sugar-free syrup) to create a rich, complex taste that complements meat without overpowering it.
➢ Opt for high-quality spices, real butter, and natural sweeteners to enhance depth and authenticity.
➢ Gently simmer the sauce to allow flavours to meld and thicken, avoiding burning or bitterness.
➢ Incorporate butter or animal fat to give the sauce a creamy, luscious texture.
➢ Taste frequently and tweak spice levels and acidity for a perfectly balanced sauce every time.
Ways To Use It Carnivore BBQ Sauce
1. Brush Carnivore BBQ Sauce onto ribs or brisket during the last few minutes of grilling to add a smoky, flavourful glaze.
2. Drizzle over roasted or grilled chicken to enhance the natural meatiness with a tangy, rich finish.
3. Use as a dipping sauce for steak bites or grilled sausages, adding an extra layer of bold taste.
4. Mix into ground beef before forming patties to infuse the meat with smoky, spicy notes.
5. Serve alongside pulled pork for a delicious contrast that brightens and deepens the dish’s flavour profile.
How To Make Carnivore BBQ Sauce Tastier?
To enhance the flavour of Carnivore BBQ Sauce, deepen the smokiness by adding extra smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
Adjust sweetness using a bit more monk fruit sweetener or sugar-free syrup to balance acidity. Incorporate fresh garlic or onion powder for extra aroma.
Let the sauce simmer longer to thicken and intensify flavours. Stir in a small amount of melted butter just before serving for richness and smooth texture that complements meat perfectly.
Storage & Make Ahead Carnivore BBQ Sauce
Carnivore BBQ Sauce stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator, lasting up to two weeks. Preparing the sauce ahead of time allows the flavours to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer taste.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving. For longer storage, freezing in small portions works well, keeping the sauce fresh for several months.
Thaw completely before reheating to maintain the best flavour and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carnivore BBQ Sauce Keto-Friendly?
Yes, it’s made without added sugars and uses low-carb sweeteners, making it suitable for keto diets.
Can This Sauce Be Used On Non-Meat Dishes?
While designed for meat, it can also complement low-carb vegetables or eggs if desired.
Is This Sauce Spicy?
It has a mild to moderate smoky heat, thanks to ancho chili and chili powder.
Can I Make It Sugar-Free?
Yes, using monk fruit or erythritol-based sweeteners keeps it sugar-free and carnivore-friendly.
What Meats Pair Best With This Sauce?
Beef, pork, chicken, and smoked meats all work excellently with the sauce’s bold flavour.
Conclusion
This Carnivore BBQ Sauce was an easy and delicious success that I truly enjoyed making. I hope it inspires you to try it too.
With simple ingredients and bold flavour, it’s a recipe anyone can enjoy. Give it a shot soon, and once you’ve made it, let me know how much you loved the taste.
I’m sure you’ll be surprised by how flavourful and satisfying it turns out!
You Might Also Like
KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce | You’ll Love
Whole30 BBQ Sauce Recipe | Sugar-Free
Easy Red Velvet Cake Recipe Waldorf Astoria
Guajillo BBQ Sauce || Complex Flavour
Carnivore BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jar or bottle (for storage)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups sugar-free ketchup keto-friendly
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free syrup e.g., allulose or monk fruit-based
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dark chili powder such as ancho
- 1 tablespoon monk fruit sweetener golden, with erythritol blend
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small cubes
Instructions
Mix the base
- Pour the sugar-free ketchup, apple cider vinegar, syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and monk fruit sweetener into a medium saucepan.
Add the flavor
- Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, cumin, onion powder, and dark chili powder. Add the butter, cut into small cubes.
Heat it up
- Set the pan over medium heat. Keep stirring as the butter melts and everything starts to come together. Make sure it doesn’t come to a full boil just a gentle simmer.
Let it cook
- Let the sauce simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir every now and then. You’re looking for it to thicken slightly and smell rich and flavourful.
Cool and store
- Take it off the heat and let it cool down. Once cooled, pour it into a clean jar or bottle. Store it in the fridge. It’ll thicken a bit more as it chills.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 18 | Fat: 1.5g | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Fiber: 0.5g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”