Is this barbecue sauce gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your soy sauce is labeled gluten-free or use tamari.

Can I use this sauce as a marinade?

Absolutely! Brush it generously on chicken, pork, or tofu before grilling or baking for a tangy, flavorful crust.

How do I adjust the consistency?

If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of water, cider vinegar, or unsweetened almond milk until it reaches your desired thinness.

Miniketo

Keto Sauces

Carolina Style Low Carb Barbecue Sauce

Name: Carolina Style Low Carb Barbecue Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: Keto
Ingredients: cup prepared yellow mustard; /2 cup granular no-calorie sucralose sweetener (e.g., Splenda®); /4 cup cider vinegar; tablespoons chili powder; teaspoon ground black pepper; teaspoon ground white pepper; /4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; /2 teaspoon soy sauce; tablespoons butter; tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring

Growing up in the South, I always loved the sharp, tangy punch of Carolina-style mustard barbecue sauce. This keto version captures that same vibrant flavor without any sugar, using a smart sweetener swap. It’s perfect for slathering on pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even as a zesty dipping sauce, all while keeping carbs firmly in check.

10 min Prep time 40 min Cook time 50 min Total time 16 Servings 30 Calories

Instructions

Step 1

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the mustard, sweetener, cider vinegar, chili powder, black pepper, white pepper, and cayenne. Whisk until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble softly for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken and deepen in color. Stir in the soy sauce, butter, and liquid smoke, then simmer for another 10 minutes until the butter melts completely. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. I always transfer it to a glass jar and refrigerate overnight. This resting period is when the magic happens—the mustard tang, smokiness, and gentle heat meld into a balanced, bold flavor. Before using, give it a good stir. If it becomes too thick after chilling, simply thin with a splash of water or extra vinegar.

Chef's Tip

For an even deeper smoke note, I like to add a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other spices. If you prefer a spicier sauce, bump the cayenne up to half a teaspoon, but taste as you go—the heat builds as the sauce rests.

Storage Tips

Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.

Variation Tips

For a different sweetness profile, swap sucralose with an equal amount of allulose or powdered monk fruit sweetener. To create a creamy Carolina-style dipping sauce, whisk in 2 tablespoons of avocado oil mayonnaise just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition

Calories	30 kcal \| Protein: 0g \| Fat: 2g \| Net Carbs: 1g