Keto Mole

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published May 7, 2021 • Updated February 2, 2026

Reader Rating
4.7 Stars (3 Reviews)

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

This savory Mexican-inspired keto mole sauce is rich, smoky, and surprisingly easy to make. Use it as a base for beef or chicken mole, enchiladas, or taco bowls. The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.

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Keto Mole

4.7 (3) Prep 5m Cook 4m Total 9m 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup sugar free chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, optional
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Bloom spices

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon. Cook while stirring for 30 seconds to bloom the spices and develop their flavor.

stirring spices in a skillet to bloom the aroma
2
Finish it with tang, chocolate and spice

Add remaining ingredients – tomato sauce, chicken broth, sugar free chocolate, almond butter, adobo sauce and salt. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for additional 3 minutes.

chocolate and almond butter in a mole sauce skillet
Nutrition Per Serving
143 Calories
12g Fat
2g Protein
3g Net Carbs
9g Total Carbs
4 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Keto Mole

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes! Olive oil or coconut oil both work. Coconut oil adds a slightly sweeter note that pairs well with the chocolate.

What can I use instead of sugar-free chocolate chips?

If you don't have sugar-free chocolate chips, you can use unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with a low-carb sweetener to achieve a similar taste.

How long can I store the keto mole sauce in the fridge?

It lasts up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it cool completely before you refrigerate it.

Can I make this mole sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the mole sauce a day in advance. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

Yes! There's no dairy in this recipe at all, so it works for dairy-free diets.

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Low Carb Mole Recipe

keto mole beef over cauliflower rice

Traditional mole can seem intimidating, but this version comes together in under 10 minutes. Sugar-free chocolate and almond butter give it that signature rich, thick consistency, while bloomed spices bring a warm blend of heat and sweetness. I love serving this over ground beef on a bed of Spanish cauliflower rice. Pour it over chicken for an easy chicken mole, or use it as a dipping sauce. Either way, it’s filling enough for dinner and great for meal prep.

spoonful of keto mole sauce from a cast iron skillet

What is Mole Sauce?

Mole is a deep brown, thick sauce with a consistency similar to adobo. This version balances spicy, smoky flavors from the seasoning with chocolate and nutty notes. Some recipes call for fresh chilies instead of dried seasoning, which amps up the heat. If you want more spice, throw in a fresh chili or two.

This sauce has been a staple in Mexican cooking for generations. The first written recipe dates to the early 1800s, though one popular legend says nuns at a convent in Puebla threw it together from pantry ingredients when an archbishop showed up unannounced. Puebla and Oaxaca are still the two most famous regions for authentic mole.

Sugar Free Chocolate

In traditional mole, chocolate tames the spicy ingredients and rounds out the whole sauce. You won’t taste “chocolate” exactly – it just adds depth. The key is finding good sugar-free chocolate. My go-to is ChocZero – no sugar, no sugar alcohols, and it melts perfectly into the sauce.

a plate with cauliflower rice and mole on top with cilantro

What Can I Serve with Keto Mole Sauce?

Mole is one of those sauces that goes with everything. Traditionally it was served with turkey, but it works as a marinade or finishing sauce for beef, chicken, lamb, or pork. Spread it on low-carb tortillas for tacos, or try it over a fajita cauliflower rice bowl.

However you serve it, this mole is a crowd-pleaser. And if you really want to go all out, make a batch of keto margaritas to go with it!

Storage and Reheating Suggestions

This sauce keeps in the fridge for up to five days in a sealed container, or freeze it for up to three months. I like making a double batch and freezing half for easy future meals. To reheat, stir it over low-medium heat for about ten minutes. If frozen, let it thaw completely before reheating.

About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

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Reviews 3
4.7 Stars (3 Reviews)
  1. J
    Jamie on a journey! Feb 26, 2025

    Just made this for my husband and I . Very good over chicken and cauliflower!! It was even good dipping the raw cauliflower in! Thanks for sharing this recipe!

  2. S
    Sarah Jan 14, 2024

    My husband and I truly enjoyed this! I'm doing a candida diet that is modified with keto aspects and looking for a specific recipe is work. I was craving mole for a few days and found and saved this recipe. Got ingredients at store and made it my own way (no adobo sauce so used chipotle powder/used cacao powder and added a few lilys stevia chocolate chips/no tomato sauce so used tomato paste/olive oil in place of avocado oil). It turned out great and surprisingly my husband liked it as well. Will keep this when I'm craving mole :) Thanks!!

  3. L
    Lisa Nov 20, 2022

    This was really good! We added a little stevia-based brown sugar substitute and a bit of additional salt. My husband used low carb spinach tortilla and some sour cream. The sauce was a little gritty and I think that might have been due to the spices, but not a deal-breaker. We’ll definitely make it again. Thank you so much for keeping our Keto diet from getting boring!

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