Vegan BBQ Sauce

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Easy vegan BBQ sauce you can make in just 10 minutes. This recipe is a little sweet, a little smoky, and perfect for all of your summer grilling needs.

This recipe for easy vegan BBQ sauce can be made in about ten minutes and only calls for simple ingredients. Sweet and smokey, and a little spicy if you add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper. This versatile sauce can easily be customized. It's gluten-free, nut-free, and oil-free.

There are some delicious store-bought vegan BBQ sauces (we love Sweet Baby Ray's!) But there is really nothing better than a fresh and homemade recipe.

I love using it to make my baked barbecue tofu, served alongside vegan mashed potatoes, grilled corn on the cob and green beans. The ultimate summer meal!

🍅 Ingredients

This vegan BBQ sauce recipe calls for easily-accessible, simple ingredients.

• Tomato sauce: A 15-ounce can of plain tomato sauce.
• Brown sugar: Did you know brown sugar gets its brown color from molasses? It has more flavor and richness than granulated sugar.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a depth of acidity and brightness.
• Tomato paste: Helps thicken the sauce.
• Vegan Worcestershire sauce: Many Worcestershire sauces contain anchovies, but the Kroger brand and Annie's do not. You can also make homemade vegan Worcestershire sauce.
• Yellow mustard: Adds more flavor. Can also use a little ground mustard seed.
• Smoked paprika: Essential for a smoky flavor!
• Garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt

📖 Instructions

Find the printable version in the recipe card below.

1. Whisk all ingredients together in a medium-sized pot.
2. Bring to a simmer on medium heat. Lower to medium-low heat, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Stir frequently.
3. Remove from the heat and use or store.

🥣 Variations

The great part about homemade BBQ sauce is that you can easily swap ingredients or add your own spin to the recipe.

• Sweetener: Instead of brown sugar, you can use molasses, maple syrup, or white granulated sugar. You could even use fruit jam, which would add another delicious flavor! For a natural sweetener, blend 6-8 pitted Medjool dates with the tomato sauce before adding to the pot.
• Smokiness: You can use liquid smoke in place of the smoked paprika.
• Spicy: Add some hot sauce, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for a spicy BBQ sauce.

❄️ How to Store

This is an excellent recipe to make ahead for meal prep purposes.

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 7 days.
• You can freeze BBQ sauce for up to 3 months. Make sure to store in an airtight container or freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.

💭 Top Tip

Make sure to stir frequently while the sauce is simmering. Because it's tomato-based, it can burn easily. I stir every couple minutes or so.