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    Home » Popular » Dips, Sauces, and Condiments

    Vegan BBQ Sauce

    Published Sep 4, 2020 · Updated Sep 16, 2020 · 2 Comments

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

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    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.

    A jar of vegan BBQ sauce with a spoon in it.
    This vegan BBQ sauce is tomato-based.

    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.

    Ingredients for barbecue sauce on a table
    You can use any sweetener as an alternative to the brown sugar.
    • 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.

    Barbecue sauce in a sauce pan with a whisk. Writing reads: "1) Whisk everything together in a pot. 2) Simmer for 10 minutes."
    For a nice thick BBQ sauce, I like to simmer it for a bit.
    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.
    A spoonful of BBQ sauce on a spoon.
    My favorite way to use barbecue sauce is to smear it on some tofu slices and bake 'em.

    💭 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.

    Did you enjoy this recipe? Please leave a comment and a ⭐ star review below!

    Recipe

    BBQ sauce in a jar

    Vegan BBQ Sauce

    Karissa Besaw
    10-minute vegan BBQ sauce made with simple ingredients. Smoky, sweet, and delicious.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine Vegan
    Servings 8
    Calories 107 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
    • ⅔ cup brown sugar
    • ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ cup tomato paste
    • 2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
    • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
    • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼-1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • salt to taste
    • optional: hot sauce or cayenne pepper for more spice

    Instructions
     

    • Whisk all ingredients together in a medium-sized pot.
    • Bring to a simmer on medium heat. Lower to medium-low heat, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes so the sauce doesn't burn on the bottom of the pan.
    • Remove from the heat and use, or store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 7 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 572mgPotassium: 446mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 739IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 2mg
    Did you try this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    about karissa

    About Karissa

    Hey! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen. Read more...

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sina says

      February 05, 2023 at 7:00 pm

      5 stars
      This bbq sauce is bomb! I linked to it from your bbq tofu recipe, and am I happy I did! You're right, homemade IS better. I also was drawn to your recipe because unlike most, it didn't call for ketchup, which for some reason turned me off.
      I did have to make a change because I was cooking for someone gluten-intolerant. I looked at the ingredients in Annie's vegan Worcestershire sauce and noted two key ingredients I'd be missing were I not to use it: molasses and tamarind. I added a tablespoon of molasses and about 2 tsp. of tamarind paste. I also used tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
      Anyway, this recipe is a keeper. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    2. Harriett says

      August 22, 2021 at 2:27 pm

      I really like your barbecue sauce. Question , have you canned your sauce? If yes, How long long do you leave in the water bath during canning?
      I am really interested. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

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