If you’re following a carnivore diet, you might think BBQ sauce is out of reach due to its typical sugar and plant-based ingredients. However, this carnivore BBQ sauce recipe brings all the smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors you love in a BBQ sauce, without any sugar, tomatoes, or plant ingredients. With just a few simple animal-based ingredients, you can create a delicious sauce that’s perfect for your favorite grilled or smoked meats.
This carnivore BBQ sauce is simple, flavorful, and fits right into a meat-based lifestyle. It uses a combination of animal fats, bone broth, and spices to create a bold, flavorful sauce that enhances the taste of any meat dish. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how you can make a batch of delicious, sugar-free BBQ sauce that’s 100% carnivore.
Why Carnivore BBQ Sauce?
While traditional BBQ sauces are often loaded with sugars, tomatoes, and spices, carnivore BBQ sauce focuses purely on animal-based ingredients. The richness of beef tallow and butter, combined with bone broth and a touch of vinegar, creates a mouth-watering flavor that complements grilled meats beautifully. It’s perfect for those on a strict carnivore or zero-carb diet who still want to enjoy the familiar flavor of BBQ.
Ingredients for Carnivore BBQ Sauce Recipe
- 1/4 cup beef tallow (or lard, or butter)
- 1/2 cup bone broth (preferably beef or chicken)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional, for a bit of tang)
- 1 teaspoon smoked sea salt (or regular salt if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, depending on strictness of the carnivore diet)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Carnivore BBQ Sauce
Step 1: Melt the Fat
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt beef tallow (or butter). Allow it to fully melt, giving the sauce a rich, creamy base.
Step 2: Add Bone Broth and Vinegar
Once the tallow has melted, add the bone broth to the saucepan and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes. If you want a bit of acidity to cut through the richness of the fats, add the apple cider vinegar at this stage. The vinegar adds a nice tanginess that’s often found in BBQ sauces.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Next, add smoked sea salt, smoked paprika (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors. If you’re following a very strict carnivore diet, you can skip the smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders. The smoked sea salt is enough to impart a smoky depth to the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer and Reduce
Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until it reduces slightly and thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Transfer the BBQ sauce to a jar or container and store it in the refrigerator. It will thicken further as it cools.
Serving Suggestions for Carnivore BBQ Sauce
This carnivore BBQ sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs well with various grilled or smoked meats. Here are some ideas on how to use it:
- BBQ Chicken Thighs: Brush the sauce over grilled chicken thighs during the last few minutes of cooking for a smoky, tangy glaze.
- Beef Ribs: Coat smoked beef ribs with the BBQ sauce to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Pulled Pork: Mix the BBQ sauce into shredded pork for a carnivore twist on classic pulled pork.
- Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dipping sauce for carnivore chicken nuggets, steak bites, or any other meat dish.
Tips for Making the Perfect Carnivore BBQ Sauce
- Bone Broth Quality: Use a high-quality bone broth that has a rich flavor, as it forms the base of this sauce and adds essential nutrients.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a longer time to reduce and concentrate. If it becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of bone broth to reach the desired consistency.
- Smoked Sea Salt: Smoked sea salt adds a unique depth to this BBQ sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can use regular sea salt with a touch of smoked paprika for a similar flavor.
Variations for Carnivore BBQ Sauce
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: If you want to add a bit of heat to your BBQ sauce, mix in a small amount of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. This will give your sauce a nice spicy kick while still keeping it carnivore-friendly.
- Butter-Based Sauce: Replace the beef tallow with butter for a slightly different flavor. The butter adds a creamy richness and a hint of sweetness that pairs well with grilled chicken or pork.
- Extra Smoky Sauce: For a more intense smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke (if allowed in your diet). This will enhance the smoky profile without any plant-based ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this BBQ sauce completely without spices? Yes, if you’re on a strict carnivore diet, you can leave out all the spices except for salt. The richness of the bone broth and beef tallow or butter will still provide great flavor. You could use smoked sea salt alone to create a smoky effect without additional spices.
How do I store carnivore BBQ sauce? Store the BBQ sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Since it doesn’t contain preservatives like sugar or vinegar in large amounts, it won’t last as long as regular BBQ sauce.
Can I freeze this BBQ sauce? Yes, you can freeze the BBQ sauce in a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and using.
Can I make this sauce sweeter? If you’re on a less strict carnivore diet or leaning more toward keto, you can add a small amount of erythritol or stevia to make the sauce sweeter, reminiscent of a traditional BBQ sauce.
What other fats can I use besides beef tallow? You can use lard, ghee, or butter as a substitute for beef tallow. Each fat brings its own flavor profile, so feel free to experiment with what you prefer.
Conclusion
This carnivore BBQ sauce is a fantastic way to bring the smoky, tangy flavor of traditional BBQ to your carnivore lifestyle. With a base of beef tallow or butter and bone broth, it’s a flavorful, nutrient-dense condiment that perfectly complements grilled meats. Whether you’re slathering it on chicken thighs, ribs, or simply using it as a dipping sauce, this BBQ sauce will elevate your meat dishes to the next level.
Making BBQ sauce carnivore-friendly may seem like a challenge, but with a few tweaks, you can create a delicious, zero-carb version that satisfies all your smoky cravings without deviating from your meat-based diet. Enjoy the smoky, tangy, and satisfying taste of this sauce at your next BBQ and share the flavors with friends and family!
