Keto BBQ Rub Recipe (Sugar Free, Low Carb Dry Rub)

This keto BBQ rub is a delicious blend of smoky, sweet and savory spices that works for all your favorite meats and vegetables. It takes just a few minutes to make and will infuse your food with a delicious flavor, no matter the cooking method. Store this dry rub in your spice cabinet for quick and easy seasoning action- whether you're grilling pork ribs, chicken wings or steaks!

A blend of simple spices and golden monkfruit sweetener come together to make a keto rub that's better than anything you'd find at the grocery store.

There are no additives or preservatives, and by swapping in golden monkfruit sweetener for brown sugar, this sugar-free BBQ rub is a much healthier alternative to store-bought spice blends. 

why this dry rub recipe works

It's so simple to make your own spice blends and rubs at home using spice cabinet staples and just a few minutes of time!

Similar to my keto fajita seasoning, this low-carb barbecue rub recipe will give you a large batch that you can store in your pantry for easy grilling all season long.

A little heat from chili powder and cayenne pepper gives it a subtle kick, while the golden monkfruit sweetener is the perfect zero-glycemic substitute for traditional brown sugar.

Whether you're looking for a keto BBQ dry rub for ribs, chicken, steak, or more, this is an all-purpose blend that has a sweet, savory, and smoky flavor the whole family will enjoy. 

It is:

• Low carb, sugar free, gluten free and keto diet friendly. A BBQ dry rub recipe with no questionable ingredients, added gluten or sugars!
• A delicious blend of flavors. The perfect balance of sweet and smoky with a touch of heat! Smoked paprika, golden sweetener, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt and pepper are just some of the main ingredients that give this BBQ seasoning the perfect blend of flavors. It's like keto BBQ sauce but in dry form!
• Easy to make and customize. Mix up a small batch (or a double batch) to store in a mason jar for summer grilling season! Want it sweeter or spicier? Adjust the spices to your own liking!

sugar-free bbq dry rub ingredients

Here's a look at what you will need to make a sugar-free BBQ rub in minutes!

• Golden granulated monkfruit sweetener with allulose. This is my favorite low-carb sweetener to use because the mix of monkfruit and allulose give it a clean flavor with no aftertaste. If needed you can substitute it for a Brown or Golden sweetener of your choice as long as it's a 1:1 sugar replacement.
• Kosher salt. A dry rub must! If you don't have kosher salt, substitute it for fine sea salt (but you won't use as much- see recipe notes).
• Black pepper. This adds a light peppery flavor that's not overpowering.
• Smoked paprika. For a smoky, woodsy and lightly spicy taste that is an essential flavor of any BBQ spice blend.
• Garlic powder. A subtle garlic flavor pairs well with the smoky-sweet taste.
• Onion powder. For a touch of savory!
• Ground mustard. Dry mustard is an overlooked spice in my opinion! It gives other spices extra depth with its slightly bitter and sharp flavor. 
• Cayenne pepper and chili powder. I like to use both of these ingredients for a touch of heat but you can definitely omit one or the other or both if you prefer a sweet dry rub mix without any spiciness. 

keto BBQ dry rub recipe

Just a few simple ingredients and a couple of minutes is all you need to prepare homemade spice mixes and this version is no different!

I'm sharing the process below but be sure to check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all of the details and specific ingredient amounts. 

In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Whisk well. This is especially important when using the granulated monk fruit sweetener since it tends to clump. 

You can taste it if you'd like, and adjust if needed, adding any extra salt or other spices to get the blend you like. This is entirely optional, but if you're looking to customize, I recommend doing it by tasting the blend first!

Use immediately or transfer the blend to a mason jar or small spice jar (or similar airtight container). 

tips for the best results

• Sweetener: I like Lakanto Golden Monkfruit Sweetener with Allulose but their original sweetener (preferably the Brown or Golden blend) will also work great. Since the original is made with erythritol instead of allulose, it may have a light cooling aftertaste. I definitely can taste it in baked goods but I haven't ever noticed this to be an issue with spice blends since you're not using as much.

• Transferring: If needed, you can create a funnel with a piece of parchment paper to help you easily transfer the spice mix to the jar. Or pour it into a small plastic bag, then pour it into a mason jar directly from the bag. 

storing keto barbecue seasoning

This recipe makes a small batch - about ½ cup. If you're making something like dry rub ribs or spare ribs, you might need all of it. However, if you're making pork chops or roast chicken, you'll likely only need 1-2 tablespoons. 

Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

recommended uses

Here are a few other recipes that would taste great with this sugar-free BBQ rub!

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