If you’re looking for the perfect accompaniment to your barbecue, a blueberry BBQ sauce can’t be beat. Blueberry BBQ sauce has a unique and balanced flavor profile that combines the sweetness of blueberries with the tanginess and smokiness of traditional BBQ sauce.
This is a BBQ sauce that is not ketchup based and has it's own unique smoky and tart flavor.
We were pleasantly surprised at our first attempt with this blueberry barbecue sauce recipe and the Chief Taster is now muttering about having this for a BBQ chicken pizza topping.
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Carbs in Blueberries
Blueberries are a nutritious fruit that also happens to be relatively low in carbohydrates. In fact, they make a smart choice for anyone watching their carb intake.
On average, a half-cup (about 75 grams) of fresh blueberries contains:
- Total Carbohydrates: 10–11 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2–3 grams
Therefore, the net carbohydrate content in a half-cup of blueberries comes out to approximately 7–8 grams.
Most of these carbs come from natural sugars, along with some dietary fiber and a small amount of starch. In addition, blueberries are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and even more fiber.
All in all, they’re a flavorful and health-boosting option that fits well into a balanced, low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients
A few classic low carb BBQ ingredients with the addition of blueberries make this tasty sauce.
- Blueberries - fresh are preferable, but frozen blueberries can be used too.
- Sweetener - we use a brown monk fruit sweetener as a healthier alternative brown sugar but this can be substituted with another low carb sweetener.
- Shallot - a sweeter onion flavor but red onion can be used too.
- Liquid smoke - gives a great BBQ smoky flavor.
- Tamari sauce - a gluten free alternative to soy sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar - adds tartness to the sauce.
How to make blueberry BBQ sauce
This is an easy recipe to make ahead of a BBQ.
Cook onion and garlic in pan.
Add remaining ingredients and cook.
Blend.
Serve with grilled meats or chicken.
Storage
Blueberry BBQ sauce should be stored in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator. Make sure the sauce has cooled down to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating it. Homemade BBQ sauce can generally be stored in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 weeks
How to use your BBQ sauce
Blueberry BBQ sauce can add a unique and delicious twist to a variety of dishes. Here are some creative ways to enhance your dishes:
- Grilled Meats: Use blueberry BBQ sauce as a glaze for grilled meats such as chicken, pork chops, ribs, or even burgers. Brush the sauce onto the meat during the last few minutes of grilling to caramelize and create a flavorful, slightly charred coating.
- Baked Chicken or Pork: Coat chicken pieces or pork tenderloin with blueberry BBQ sauce before baking them in the oven. The sauce will infuse the meat with a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread blueberry BBQ sauce on sandwiches, wraps, or sliders. It can work well with both meat and vegetarian options, adding a burst of fruity flavor.
- Pizza: Use blueberry BBQ sauce as a unique pizza sauce base instead of the traditional tomato sauce. Top it with your favorite cheese, meats, and vegetables for a different take on pizza.
- Salad Dressing: Create a dressing by thinning the blueberry BBQ sauce with a bit of olive oil and vinegar. Drizzle it over salads to add a sweet and tangy element to your greens.
- Sides: Use blueberry BBQ sauce as a dipping sauce for items like chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, or onion rings. It can provide a flavorful contrast to the savory sides.
- Marinade: Use the blueberry BBQ sauce as a marinade for meats before grilling or cooking. Let the meat soak in the marinade for a few hours to infuse it with flavor.
- Stir-Fry: Incorporate blueberry BBQ sauce into stir-fry dishes for a fruity twist. Combine it with vegetables, protein, and your choice of stir-fry sauce for a unique flavor combination.
- Charcuterie Board: Serve blueberry BBQ sauce as a dipping sauce alongside charcuterie items like cured meats, cheeses, and crackers. Its sweet and tangy flavor can complement the savory and salty components.
- Glaze for Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables in blueberry BBQ sauce before serving. The sauce can add a touch of sweetness and color to the vegetables.
More low carb BBQ sauce recipes
Enjoy a selection of BBQ sauces with these recipes:
Blueberry BBQ Sauce
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Ingredients
- 2 cups blueberries
- ¼ cup brown monk fruit sweetener or other low carb sweetener
- 1 shallot chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tamari sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan on a medium heat and cook the shallot until soft.
- Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes. Adjust the flavors to your own taste if need be.
- Use a hand blender to blend for a smoother sauce.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
