Craving the bold, tangy kick of A1 Steak Sauce but want to stay on track with your Weight Watchers goals? This Homemade A1 Steak Sauce recipe delivers all the savory, umami-rich flavors you love, with a fraction of the sugar and calories.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Zero Guilt, Full Flavor: Skip the store-bought sauce loaded with hidden sugars and preservatives.
- Weight Watchers-Friendly: Low in calories and sugar, with points that won’t derail your day.
- Versatile: Use it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or glaze for meats and veggies.
- Ready in 10 Minutes: No cooking required—just blend and enjoy!
- Budget-Friendly: Cheaper than buying bottled sauce, with pantry-staple ingredients.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar-free ketchup (or tomato paste diluted with 2 tbsp water)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tang)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (look for a low-sugar variety)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (adds depth)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional, for authenticity)
- 1-2 pitted dates or 1 tsp granulated sugar substitute (optional, for sweetness)
- 2-3 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
Blend the Base
- In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar-free ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cloves.
- Add dates or sugar substitute if using (this balances the acidity—adjust to taste).
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Adjust Consistency & Taste
- Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Add more vinegar for tang, smoked paprika for smokiness, or a pinch of salt if needed.
Store or Serve
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight jar or bottle. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~15
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugar: <1g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- WW SmartPoints: 0 (with sugar-free ketchup) or 1 (if using dates/sweetener).
Tips for Success
- Boost the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Marinade Magic: Use the sauce to marinate chicken, turkey, or tofu for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Sugar-Free Swaps: Stick to sugar-free ketchup and omit dates to keep points at 0.
- Batch Prep: Double the recipe and freeze portions in ice cube trays for easy use.
Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers
Traditional A1 Steak Sauce can contain up to 3g of sugar per tablespoon, but this homemade version cuts the sugar without sacrificing flavor. By using sugar-free ketchup and relying on spices for depth, you get a condiment that’s bold, versatile, and perfect for staying on plan.
Serving Ideas
- Grilled Proteins: Brush on chicken breasts, turkey burgers, or lean sirloin steak.
- Veggie Upgrade: Drizzle over roasted Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms.
- Dip It: Pair with air-fried sweet potato fries or cauliflower bites.
- Salad Dressing: Thin with a splash of water and toss into grain bowls.
Homemade A1 Steak Sauce is proof that you don’t need to compromise on flavor to stay within your points budget. With its smoky, tangy profile and endless uses, this sauce will become your go-to for elevating everything from weeknight dinners to weekend BBQs. Whip up a batch and keep it handy—your grill (and your points tracker) will thank you!
Homemade A1 Steak Sauce: Elevate Your Dishes with This Simple Recipe
16
servings5
minutes10
minutes15
kcalIngredients
½ cup sugar-free ketchup (or tomato paste diluted with 2 tbsp water)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tang)
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (look for a low-sugar variety)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (adds depth)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp ground cloves (optional, for authenticity)
1-2 pitted dates or 1 tsp granulated sugar substitute (optional, for sweetness)
2-3 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Blend the Base
In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar-free ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cloves.
Add dates or sugar substitute if using (this balances the acidity—adjust to taste).
Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. - Adjust Consistency & Taste
Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
Taste and adjust seasonings: Add more vinegar for tang, smoked paprika for smokiness, or a pinch of salt if needed. - Store or Serve
Transfer the sauce to an airtight jar or bottle. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Boost the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Marinade Magic: Use the sauce to marinate chicken, turkey, or tofu for 30 minutes before grilling.
Sugar-Free Swaps: Stick to sugar-free ketchup and omit dates to keep points at 0.
Batch Prep: Double the recipe and freeze portions in ice cube trays for easy use.