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    Home / 7 Simple BBQ Keto Ideas

    7 Simple BBQ Keto Ideas

    Cast Iron Keto
    by Cast Iron Keto
    Updated: Sep 5,2024
    Leave a Comment

    BBQ flavors are all about that smoky, tangy goodness we love, and you don’t need a grill to enjoy them, especially on keto. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun weekend meal, we’ve got some delicious keto BBQ ideas that use keto-friendly BBQ sauce to bring that classic taste to your table. These recipes focus on staying low-carb and easy to enjoy—so you can dig in without worry.

    A photo collage of keto friendly BBQ recipes.
    Jump to:
    • Essential Keto BBQ Ingredients and Tips
    • How to Make BBQ Sauce at Home?
    • Keto BBQ Appetizers
    • Keto BBQ Main Dishes
    • Conclusion
    • Frequently asked questions

    Essential Keto BBQ Ingredients and Tips

    Keeping things keto at a BBQ means having the right ingredients on hand. Opt for sugar-free BBQ sauces, use spice rubs free of hidden sugars, and experiment with smoky seasonings to bring out the best in your dishes. Grilling techniques like smoking and marinating can add depth to your meats without extra carbs. Slow cooking is another great way to tenderize meats while keeping them juicy and flavorful, making your keto BBQ irresistible.

    How to Make BBQ Sauce at Home?

    This keto BBQ sauce is a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that will elevate your dishes without adding unnecessary carbs. It’s super easy to make, and you can whip it up in under 20 minutes.

    Homemade BBQ sauce in a white ceramic bowl.

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup tomato sauce (unsweetened)
    • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ cup water
    • 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (make sure it’s sugar-free)
    • 2 tablespoon powdered erythritol or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener
    • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
    • ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for extra smoky flavor)

    Instructions

    1. Combine the tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir well to blend the liquids smoothly.
    2. Add the Worcestershire sauce, powdered erythritol, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, black pepper, and salt. If you like a bit of heat, toss in the cayenne pepper. For an extra smoky flavor, add the liquid smoke.
    3. Stir all the ingredients together until they’re fully combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
    4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. If it gets too thick, you can add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
    5. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more sweetener for a sweeter sauce or a pinch more salt for extra depth. Then, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
    6. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Chef's pro tip

    If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, or add ⅛ teaspoon of xanthan gum to help it thicken. Don’t be afraid to tweak the flavors. If you like it tangier, add a splash of vinegar. Add more cayenne or add some hot sauce if you want it spicier. 

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    Keto BBQ Appetizers

    Check out the appetizer which is all about big flavors without the carbs, making them perfect for snacking.

    Keto Little Smokies stewing in a cast iron skillet on the stovetop

    Keto Little Smokies 

    These little smokies are a crowd-pleaser, coated in a smoky, tangy keto BBQ sauce that’s irresistible. Once you try one, it’s hard to stop—these appetizers disappear fast.

    View full recipe

    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
    • Total Time: 25 Minutes
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Recipe Makes 12 Servings

    Keto BBQ Main Dishes

    Try these hearty, mouth-watering main dishes with BBQ sauce that are flavorful, low in carbs, and perfect for keeping recipes keto-friendly.

    Keto BBQ Chicken Bake in a cast iron skillet on a black background

    Keto BBQ Chicken Bake

    This dish is like a flavor explosion in every bite. The chicken bakes in a tangy, spicy keto BBQ sauce that keeps it juicy and flavorful—perfect for a hearty, keto-friendly meal.

    View full recipe

    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
    • Total Time: 35 Minutes
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

    Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

    Enjoy all your favorite BBQ flavors packed with a cheesy, bubbly casserole. It’s a showstopper on the dinner table, with that perfect golden crust that makes you want to dig right in. Serve it up and watch everyone’s eyes light up. 

    View full recipe

    • Prep Time: 30 minutes
    • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
    • Total Time: 45 Minutes
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Recipe Makes 6 Servings
    Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole in a cast iron skillet with striped tea towel to the side
    Keto Asian BBQ Meatballs in a cast iron skillet with a bowl of noodles to the side

    Keto Asian Meatballs

    These little meatballs pack a punch of flavor with a blend of savory soy, garlic, and ginger that’s just bursting with umami goodness. They’re juicy, tender, and utterly addictive—perfect for anyone who loves a tasty, bite-sized treat that’s big on flavor. Pop one in your mouth, and you’ll instantly crave another.

    View full recipe

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
    • Total Time: 30 Minutes
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

    Oven Baked Pork Ribs

    These ribs are all about that fall-off-the-bone goodness. They’re baked low and slow with a rich, keto BBQ sauce that gives them a deep, smoky flavor. Perfect for those days when you want to feel like a pitmaster without all the work. 

    View full recipe

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cooking Time: 55 minutes
    • Total Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Recipe Makes 4 Servings
    Keto pork ribs recipe.
    A close-up picture of smoked pork ribs showing it's texture.

    Smoked Pork Ribs 

    Smoked to perfection, these pork ribs are the epitome of BBQ goodness, with that unmistakable smoky aroma and a tender texture that melts in your mouth. You can amp up the flavor by adding a sprinkle of your favorite spices or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick—make it as bold as you like. 

    View full recipe

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cooking Time: 6 hours
    • Total Time: 6 Hours 15 Minutes
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Recipe Makes 8 Servings

    Keto Pulled Pork Slow Cooker 

    This pulled pork is a total game-changer. It’s cooked low and slow in the slow cooker, making it super tender and easy to shred. It’s perfect for topping on a salad, stuffing into keto buns, or just enjoying it on its own.

    View full recipe

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cooking Time: 4 hours
    • Total Time: 4 Hours 10 Minutes
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Recipe Makes 4 Servings
    Keto pulled pork served in a bowl with a fork.

    Conclusion

    BBQ flavors bring a whole new level of excitement to any meal, and with these keto BBQ ideas, you can enjoy all that deliciousness without the carbs. From juicy appetizers to hearty mains, these dishes are perfect for adding flair to your weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Try out these recipes, and see how easy it is to keep things tasty. We’d love to hear how you make them your own—share your tips or photos in the comments!

    Frequently asked questions

    Start with simple dishes like grilled chicken skewers or bun-less burgers. They’re quick, easy, and always a hit.

    Swap out sugary sauces for low-carb versions, use lettuce wraps instead of buns, and choose side dishes like grilled veggies or keto slaw.

    Yes, non-keto guests can enjoy these Keto BBQ dishes. Many of these recipes are naturally delicious and satisfying, so your non-keto guests will love them just as much.

    « 25 Best Keto Lunch Ideas for Easy, Delicious Meals
    Keto Roast Recipe »

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