This 5-minute vegan BBQ sauce is a must-have for all your grilling needs. It is smoky, a bit sweet, and simply delicious. Plus, it is 100% vegan and guaranteed to be better than any store-bought version you have tried.
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Making a vegan BBQ sauce that tastes authentic can be challenging. But this recipe has been my go-to for years, and no one ever believes it is vegan. It gets its deep flavor from a smoky twist without any liquid smoke.
There is nothing better than homemade condiments. I highly recommend trying out my vegan sour cream, vegan peppercorn sauce, vegan tzatziki, and vegan French onion dip.
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❤️ Why you’ll love it
I absolutely love this barbecue sauce recipe for its rich, tangy, and sweet flavor, which is perfect for grilling, dipping, or using as a marinade. The combination of tomato puree, maple syrup, and molasses creates a lusciously thick and smooth texture that is just irresistible.
I also appreciate how simple and easy it is to make. Just mix all the ingredients in a bowl, and you are done. There is no need for cooking or simmering time, making it a quick and convenient option for any meal.
What makes it even better is that you can customize the heat level and flavor to your liking. Add more chili powder for a spicy kick or adjust the sweetness and tanginess by playing with the maple syrup and vinegar. It is a versatile recipe that you can truly make your own.
🧾 Key ingredients
This homemade vegan BBQ sauce calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. You can easily customize this recipe to your preference with a few ingredient swaps or additions.
Tomato puree is the heart of this BBQ sauce. It provides a rich, thick base for the sauce, and its natural sweetness is key to achieving that classic BBQ flavor. You can use sieved tomatoes or tomato sauce.
Maple syrup and molasses are the sweeteners in this recipe. Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, while molasses gives the sauce its deep, rich flavor.
Apple cider vinegar and soy sauce add a tangy and savory element to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients. You can use gluten-free vinegar and soy sauce if you prefer.
Worcestershire sauce is a secret ingredient that adds a depth of flavor to the sauce. Look for a vegan and gluten-free variety to keep the sauce plant-based.
Onion powder, garlic powder, and sweet smoked paprika are the key spices in this recipe. They add a warm, smoky flavor that is characteristic of traditional BBQ sauce.
🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
🥘 Equipment
To make this simple and delicious vegan BBQ sauce, the most important piece of equipment you will need is a good-quality mixing bowl. This is where all the magic happens, as it allows you to easily combine all the ingredients and mix them thoroughly until you achieve the perfect, smoky, and sweet flavor.
👩🍳 Instructions
Preparing the ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and get a mixing bowl. This will make it easier for you to combine the ingredients later on.
Making the vegan BBQ sauce
STEP 1
Start by adding all the ingredients to your mixing bowl. These include tomato sauce, maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin.
STEP 2
Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, mix them well. You want to make sure that all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
STEP 3
After mixing, it’s time to check the seasoning. This is where you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, or chili if needed. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it out, so start with a little and increase as necessary.
STEP 4
If you find that the sauce is not thick enough, don’t worry. This can depend on the type of tomato sauce you used. Simply transfer the sauce to a stove top and simmer it with a little bit of starch. This will help thicken it up and give it a better consistency.
💡 Expert tip
The thickness of your tomato puree can significantly impact the consistency of your BBQ sauce. If you are using a thin tomato sauce, you may need to simmer the mixture with a thickening agent, such as arrowroot or cornstarch, to achieve the desired thickness.
🔄 Variations
If you prefer your BBQ sauce to have a bit of a kick, consider adding some hot chili powder or flakes. This will give your sauce a spicy twist, perfect for those who like a little heat in their food.
If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or add a touch of agave nectar. This will give the sauce a slightly sweeter flavor without being overpoweringly sweet. Just a little bit more of maple syrup or molasses will do the trick.
You can also experiment with different types of vinegar. I used apple cider vinegar in this recipe, but you can try balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor. Just remember to adjust the other ingredients accordingly, as different types of vinegar can vary in strength and acidity.
🥣 Serving ideas
This versatile vegan BBQ sauce is the perfect addition to a variety of dishes. It is a great condiment for your favorite plant-based burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. I also love to use it as a dipping sauce for air-fried or baked tofu nuggets, roasted vegetables, or even on a vegan cheese board.
It can also be used as a glaze for tofu, tempeh, or seitan. You can even add a few tablespoons to a stir-fry or a veggie bowl for a delicious smoky flavor.
In addition, it is a great sauce for a classic barbecue platter. Serve it with your favorite vegan mac and cheese, coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad for a delicious and satisfying meal.
And of course, it is a must-have at any barbecue or cookout. Whether you are grilling some vegan sausages, vegan chicken wings, vegetable skewers, or corn on the cob, this sauce is the perfect accompaniment.
❄️ Storing tips
This vegan BBQ sauce is a great make-ahead condiment, and the flavors actually intensify after a day or two in the fridge.
To store, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 to 14 days. However, make sure to check the expiration dates of the individual ingredients used in the sauce and use the earliest date as a guide for storage.
You can also freeze the BBQ sauce in an airtight container for up to three months. I like to freeze it in small portions using an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the sauce cubes to a resealable or a freezer-safe container. This way, you can thaw only the amount you need for a particular meal.
🤔 FAQs
Is this BBQ sauce recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness in this BBQ sauce can be adjusted to suit your preferences. If you like a spicy sauce, you can add the optional hot chili powder or flakes. If you prefer a milder sauce, simply omit this ingredient.
What can I use as a thickening agent for this sauce?
If you find that your BBQ sauce is not thick enough, you can add a little bit of starch to it. The best way to do this is to mix a small amount of starch with a few tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Then, add this slurry to the sauce and simmer it for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use regular soy sauce in this recipe?
Yes, you can use regular soy sauce in this recipe. However, if you are following a gluten-free diet, it is important to note that most soy sauces contain gluten. Therefore, if you need to make this recipe gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
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Vegan BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sieved tomato puree aka Tomato sauce thick not thin
- ⅛ cup Maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp Molasses
- 2 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce -> vegan gluten-free brands
- ½ tsp Onion powder
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Sweet smoked paprika powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Optional
- ⅛ tsp Hot chili powder or flakes optional
Instructions
- Take a mixing bowl and add all ingredients in it. Mix until combined. Check seasoning and adjust salt, pepper and chili amount to your taste.
- If the sauce is not thick enough (this depends on the tomato sauce you choose), simmer it on a stove top with a little bit of starch.
Frances
Haven’t made the recipe yet cause I’m trying to figure out why it says it makes 4 cups when you only use 3 cups of liquid and not even a whole 3 cups?
Nandor
Appreciate you flagging this! We fixed the cup count and the recipe is now updated.