Unbelievable Keto Grilling Recipes That Will Transform Your Low-Carb BBQ Game!

Planning a BBQ while staying on keto doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or variety. Many keto-friendly foods are staples at backyard cookouts and summer BBQs. If you are currently on the keto diet or want to easily create a memorable and healthy dish you’ve never had, you simply have to try out some of these tasty keto BBQ recipes.

The Keto BBQ Challenge

Now you might be wondering, is BBQ keto friendly? Store-bought BBQ sauce and marinades tend to be high in added sugar. Most traditional BBQ sauce recipes call for sugar usually in the form of brown sugar, molasses, or honey. Side dish staples, like pasta salad, potato salad, and baked beans pack too many carbs to be keto-friendly. But, that doesn’t mean you have to fill your plate with meat alone. Just because you’re cutting out carbs doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the backyard barbecue invites and fun summer grilling recipes come summer! These low-carb grilling recipes come in at 15g of carbohydrates or less without skimping on flavor.

Keto-Friendly BBQ Essentials

Start by focusing on protein-rich mains like grilled meats and fish. Finally, remember to skip the buns and use lettuce wraps instead. Of course, a list of keto grilling recipes isn’t complete without snacks and appetizers to munch on.

Sauces and Marinades

Sugar-Free Keto BBQ Sauce: Here are 3 sugar-free keto BBQ sauce recipes. There’s a classic tomato based red sauce, mayo based white sauce, and a mustard based yellow sauce. While it is difficult to make a low-sugar BBQ sauce, it is not impossible. Start by mixing together tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and a sweetener of choice (such as monk fruit sweetener). Add in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, and chili flakes. Bring this mixture to a boil and allow it to thicken. Play around with these ingredients to find the right balance for your taste buds. It is that easy. Let it cool or use it right away. Either works. This means that you can make plenty of BBQ sauce ahead of time for any guests who are also on a low-carb diet.
Chimichurri Sauce: Chimichurri sauce is a keto-friendly option to sugary marinades and sauces.
Dry Rubs and Spice Blends: Dry rubs and spice blends are another simple option for adding extra flavor to keto side dishes for BBQ. This recipe includes a homemade cajun spice blend.

Protein Options

Skirt Steak: Skirt steak is often an overlooked piece of meat, but a well-prepared marinated skirt steak comes out incredibly tender and packed full of flavor. Best of all, it is low-carb and gluten-free. It’s perfect for fajitas, stroganoff, and even steak sandwiches. Try marinating the steak with a zesty lemon, soy sauce, and ginger combination. Allow it to sit for a few hours before cooking to ensure that the flavor is completely soaked into the meat. Then sear it on a hot skillet or grill, making sure to cook it to your preferred temperature. Slice the skirt steak across the grain, and use it however you like. If you are looking to change things up, try searing the meat with a generous crust of black pepper, and then slice thinly. Add in some butter, mushrooms, and garlic to start sautéing. Once the mushrooms are cooked, add heavy cream and season to taste.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Pulled pork is not only one of the most delicious and comforting barbecue meals, but it can also be incredibly easy to make if you need to save time or don’t have access to a smoker. Using a slow cooker, you can make this pork fork-tender and juicy without having to spend much time cooking. Throw your pork loin into the slow cooker with some stock, season it to your liking (there are rub options!), and allow it to cook for 6 to 8 hours on low heat. When done, shred the meat with two forks, and season further to your liking.
Bunless Burgers: Following a keto diet doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the simple pleasure of a backyard barbecue burger. Bunless burgers are a simple twist on the classic hamburger, replacing the buns with lettuce wraps, cheese, or even portobello mushrooms. With many savory options to choose from, this dish is a good spin on the original. Start with premium ground chuck. You want a nice, fatty meat to provide the juiciest burger possible, so we’d recommend the 80/20-ratio chuck. Take your meat and mash it up a bit to get the consistency right. Some people also like to add an egg here, fresh parsley, or sautéed onions, but there are no wrong answers here. Now you need to form your patties, season them liberally with salt and pepper, and throw them on the grill. Sit back and enjoy your backyard barbecue party while your burgers get nicely seared on one side. You want to cook the burgers over high heat, so they get nice and crispy quickly, allowing the inside to stay nice and tender. Flip the burger once it’s ready, and throw a slice of cheese on top (if you like it that way). Top it off with fresh veggies or condiments, and wrap it all up in pieces of lettuce.
Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos: An extremely simple keto recipe that you can make in large quantities is grilled lime chicken tacos. This marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, and sliced thin to make a perfect taco. The only difference here is that you will need to use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas, making this recipe completely gluten- and carb-free.
Grilled Buffalo Wings: Classic buffalo wings will forever rank among the greatest barbecue party foods. They are delicious, fun to eat, and most importantly easy to make! Take your drumsticks and wings, and thinly coat them with a mixture of melted butter, salt, pepper, and your choice of hot sauce. Throw them on the grill and let them get nice and smokey.
Balsamic Chicken Kabobs: Nothing is more fun to eat while grilling than chicken kabobs. These hot skewered chunks of juicy chicken are made with a balsamic glaze that gives them a unique flair. Start by removing any excess fat from your chicken breasts, and cutting them into bite-sized chunks. Once all of your meat has been chopped up, place it in a bowl or Ziploc bag and fill it with a balsamic-and-rosemary marinade. Add plenty of olive oil to ensure the chicken retains its moisture, and refrigerate it for at least an hour. Skewer them up and throw the chicken directly onto the grill. Rotate as needed, and try to get a nice seared crust on the outside.
Smoked Brisket: This smoked brisket recipe is always a crowd favorite-it really melts in your mouth! 4 ounces cooked beef: 252 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
Grilled Salmon Fillet: Growing up at a family-owned resort, I was expected to help around the kitchen. This grilled salmon fillet recipe became my specialty. 3 ounces cooked salmon: 193 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
Sirloin Tip Roast: If you're looking for a flavorful cut of meat that's still pretty lean, give this sirloin tip roast a try. I like to cook it slowly over indirect heat, mopping it frequently with red wine sauce.
Grilled Lime Chicken: A wonderful citrusy marinade makes this grilled lime chicken tangy and tasty. A few hours before dinner, simply marinate the chicken for a fuss-free meal later on. 1 chicken breast half: 127 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
Pork Chops: A little brining and a special dry rub go a long way to making the perfect pork chops. Once you've mastered the techniques, you'll be enjoying these chops all summer long. 1 pork chop: 300 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
Grilled Chicken: My family loves this grilled chicken, and I love having a healthy, tasty recipe that keeps my kitchen cool. 1 each: 207 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
Steak Kabobs: This steak marinated in beer and lime juice honors their passion for cooking. 1 serving: 288 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
Meyer Lemon Chicken Kabobs: I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. 1 kabob: 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
Lime Butter Grilled Chicken: This grilled chicken gets a lovely pop of color and flavor from the lime butter-don't skip it! 1 chicken breast half with 1 tablespoon lime butter: 430 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 411mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein.
Peppered Steaks: These tender peppered steaks get plenty of zip from a quick-to-fix sauce flavored with mustard and Worcestershire. We enjoy the tart, peppery taste of capers. No one likes a bland veggie, and caper butter helps peppers, squash and zucchini shine. 1 serving: 117 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Loin Chops: I whip up the pork chop marinade and let them soak overnight to get them tender. 1 pork chop: 452 calories, 32g fat (8g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
Flank Steak: This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef. 3 ounces cooked beef: 186 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
Pork Tenderloin: This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavor thanks to its special spice blend, and it doesn't get much easier to make. My wife especially likes that she doesn't have to do the cooking! 3 ounces cooked pork: 135 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
Stand-Up Chicken: Treated with a savory rub and then roasted over a beer can for added moisture, it’s so tasty you’ll want to call dibs on the leftovers! 7 ounces cooked chicken: 415 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 366mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein.
Glazed Pork Chops: Rosemary adds a special touch to these beautifully glazed pork chops that are just right for any meal. 1 pork chop: 246 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
Grilled Steaks: The seasoning rub makes a wonderful marinade, and nothing beats the summertime taste of these flavorful grilled steaks. 3 ounces cooked beef: 257 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
Herb Pork Chops: Herbs are a fast and flavorful way to dress up pork. Plus, they make the chops look so pretty on a platter. I prepare these year-round as a way to capture the taste of summer. 1 pork chop: 154 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein.

Keto-Friendly Side Dishes

Grilled Salad: If you’re in need of keto BBQ sides for grilled chicken or fish, try this grilled salad. Romaine hearts are grilled until lightly charred and topped with parmesan cheese and an easy Caesar salad.
Cauliflower Potato Salad: This creamy salad has all the flavors of traditional potato salad, but is made with low-carb cauliflower instead of potatoes.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: There’s no need to go without a side of mac and cheese with your BBQ ribs. Pasta is replaced with low-carb cauliflower in this next of our recommended keto grilling recipes.
Green Beans: Traditional baked or BBQ beans aren’t keto-friendly since most beans are high in carbs. This recipe used green beans, which are lower in carbs.
Grilled Cabbage: I never thought I’d skip dessert because I was full from too much cabbage. 1 wedge: 98 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
Grilled Salad: For a great-tasting salad, try this recipe on the grill! It's equally good with any dressing of your choice. 3/4 cup: 98 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: I serve this grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal.
Grilled Mushrooms in Foil: Steamed in its own juices, this grilled salmon in foil is incredibly tender. Curry adds a punch of flavor that's perfectly balanced by onion and tomato. 1 packet: 199 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
Chicken Caesar Salad: After tasting this easy chicken Caesar salad at a friend's going-away party, I made sure to request the recipe. Now I fix it for my husband just about every week. It's great with a potato or pasta side dish and chunks of crusty bread. 1-1/2 cups: 318 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
Grilled Mushrooms: Mushrooms cooked over hot coals always taste good, but this easy recipe makes them taste fantastic. As a mother of two children, I love to cook entire meals on the grill. It's fun spending time outdoors with the kids.
Deviled Eggs: Give all those leftover Easter eggs a flavor upgrade. The grilling step gives these deviled eggs a distinctive smoky taste that will have everyone talking.
Eggplant: Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. 1 serving: 88 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein.
Grilled Nectarines: At our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. 1 appetizer: 48 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Grilled Zucchini: Give it a sizzle and a little heat with this healthy side. It’s also an easy recipe to double or triple for summer cookouts. 3 zucchini halves: 73 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Caper Butter Peppers: No one likes a bland veggie, and caper butter helps peppers, squash and zucchini shine. 1 serving: 117 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Salmon in Foil: The capers really give it a burst of flavor. And since the salmon are grilled in foil, there’s almost no cleanup! 1 packet: 225 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
Grilled Guacamole: If you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. 1/4 cup: 85 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
Chicken Roulades: You can change the filling any way you like-I have used feta instead of Parmesan or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. 1 appetizer: 24 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Roasted Peppers: We grill peppers with rosemary and garlic, then blend them with sun-dried tomatoes for a creamy spread to pass with pita chips. 1/4 cup: 127 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Grilled Shrimp: A quick garlicky lime marinade works magic on these juicy shrimp. They come off the grill with huge flavors perfect for your next cookout. 1 kabob: 167 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
Mushroom Steaks: These tender mushroom steaks have a simple four-ingredient marinade of garlic, liquid smoke, balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Baste the steaks with any remaining liquid. 1 mushroom: 105 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Lemon-Sauce Mushrooms: I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. 1 serving: 94 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Spinach-Stuffed Chicken: I wow family and friends with this impressive-looking dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious. Even those who don't like spinach seem to like this dish! 2 each: 320 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 271mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
Olive-Stuffed Chicken Breast: I created this recipe for my husband, who absolutely loves olives. I usually make a larger batch of the olive tapenade and serve it with bread or crackers as a snack or appetizer. 1 stuffed chicken breast half (calculated without cheese): 264 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.

Keto Grilling Strategies

Foil Packets: Packing foil packets for the grill is an easy tactic that locks in flavor and aroma-and saves you time and cleanup. To prep, simply wrap up your food, roll the top and bottom edges and ensure each side is sealed. Place the foil packets on the grill and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. Tempt your taste buds with some of these great combos:
- Chicken Fajitas: 1 chicken breast, ½ cup bell peppers, ¼ cup onion, ½ lime and low-sodium fajita seasoning
- Lemon-Garlic Salmon + Asparagus: 1 salmon filet, 1 garlic clove, ½ lemon, 1 tablespoon butter, 4 ounces asparagus and a pinch of salt and pepper
Grilled Cauliflower Nachos: From steaks to nachos, this customizable recipe keeps the net carbs low and the fiber high-an important component to the keto diet. Slice cauliflower into 2”-thick “steak cuts.” Brush with oil and sprinkle with spices of your liking. Grill on each side 3 to 4 minutes or until grill marks are achieved. Remove from grill and let cool. Cut cauliflower into smaller pieces, resembling chips. Top with additional protein, vegetables, cheese and/or nuts.
Cloud Bread: Cloud bread continues to be a keto showstopper as it’s simply made with eggs, cheese and cream of tartar. Put a spin on the popular recipe by toasting the finished product right on the grill. Preheat oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In two bowls, separate egg whites from yolks. Add cream of tartar and salt to egg whites, then using a hand mixer, beat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add cream cheese to egg yolks and, using a hand mixer, mix yolks and cream cheese until combined. Gently fold egg yolk mixture into egg whites. Divide into 8 to 10 mounds and arrange each on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes, until golden. Sprinkle each with cheese and toast on the grill for 2 to 3 minutes.
Blended Burger: A cooking technique that combines chopped mushrooms with ground meat, the blended burger is a great way to optimize your vegetable consumption while also keeping total calories lower. Mushrooms provide umami taste and take on the flavor of the meat they’re paired with, making them the perfect vegetable for the blend. To switch things up, make meatballs and grill them for meatball subs.
Blistered Shishito Peppers: Trendy shishito peppers bring a deliciously hot kick to the table. Toss the peppers in olive oil, salt and pepper then place them in a pan on the grill. Grill, tossing peppers often, until their skin is slightly blistered. Pair them with a dipping sauce, blend them into a soup or turn them into a spicy dressing.

Pit Barrel Cooker Keto Recipes

The Ketogenic, or Keto diet, has gained a lot of attention over the last few years, partly due to the dramatic results in weight loss and partly because many people report a huge change in their overall energy levels. The basis for the Keto diet includes very low levels of carbohydrates - no bread or refined sugar, a healthy amount of protein, and foods that are high in fat. Because this diet is high in protein and fat, it naturally lends itself to grilling and smoking. A Pit Barrel Cooker can elevate your grilling, and with various sizes, you can cook just for your family or enough for a whole party! Unlike a traditional grill, Pit Barrel® Cookers can be used to prepare many types of dishes, not just grilled food.

Smoked Pimento Cheese Dip: Rich, melted cheddar and jack cheeses, combined with tangy pimento peppers and creamy mayonnaise, make this dip a party favorite. One of our easiest keto smoker recipes, it's made by simply blending the ingredients together in a bowl, then smoking in a cast iron pan. The dip can be served with raw vegetables, such as celery or zucchini sticks, keeping it keto-friendly.
Cajun Deviled Eggs: Deviled eggs are the life of any party, and with our elevated Cajun-style recipe, these eggs are enough for a meal. They're perfect for a keto-friendly appetizer, with the traditional deviled egg filling and the addition of sliced Andouille sausage or grilled shrimp. We like to use both, and grill the shrimp skewers in the Pit Barrel® Cooker, plus smoke the egg whites for a delicious, smokey taste.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip: We wouldn't blame you if you decided to just dig into this tangy, creamy dip with a fork. Keto-friendly chicken bacon ranch dip is elevated when cooked in a Pit Barrel® Cooker. The smoky wood improves the flavor of the bacon, and when you opt to grill or smoke the chicken in your cooker, you add even more depth of flavor.
Ghost Pepper Bacon Meatloaf: Turn your meatloaf from boring to banging with the addition of ghost peppers and bacon. This recipe uses both ground beef and pork, and the addition of cheese chunks into the meatloaf mix not only helps keep the loaf moist and juicy but adds the extra fat that many keto recipes need. When mixing the peppers, either jalapeno or ghost peppers, make sure to incorporate them with the egg mixture so that the flavor is distributed evenly throughout the meatloaf. Wrapping the meatloaf with bacon helps keep it together while cooking in your Pit Barrel® Cooker, plus the fat from the bacon adds moisture to the meatloaf.
Roasted Sea Bass: Fresh, whole fish and a light spring salad are delicious, refreshing meals on a hot summer's day. Serve an entire roasted sea bass stuffed with fresh lemongrass and thyme for an elegant, easy summer luncheon. The fish may be grilled on the grill portion of your Pit Barrel® Cooker, but be sure to generously grease the grill so that the fish's skin doesn't stick.
Pork Belly: Pork belly is a delicious, high-fat cut of meat, perfect for the bacon-loving keto diet follower. When you slow cook pork belly in your Pit Barrel® Smoker, you infuse the delicious scent of your chosen smoking wood into the pork. The finished product has beautifully rendered fat and fork-tender texture.
Smoked Ham: Make the holidays special with this foolproof smoked ham recipe. Or, meal prep for a week's worth of low-carb grilled meals by smoking an entire ham in your Pit Barrel® Cooker, then portioning the ham into smaller containers to eat throughout the week.
Top Sirloin Steaks: Top sirloin is a naturally lean cut of meat with marbled fat that creates a richness of flavor. When prepared on the grill of your Pit Barrel® Cooker, the steaks benefit from the slow, low cooking temperatures and the delicious flavors from your game rub and wood.

Your Pit Barrel® Cooker makes Keto meal preparation simple. From grilling high-protein steaks to preparing delicious creamy, cheesy dips for a party, your Pit Barrel® Cooker can help you stick to your keto diet with easy to prepare, fresh recipes. We offer three different sizes to fit your smoking needs, each one with flexible grilling space, hooks for smoking larger cuts of meat, and the right accessories to make your grilling and smoking a success.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

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