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.

Jump to:

• 🍅 Ingredients
• 📖 Instructions
• 🥣 Variations
• ❄️ How to Store
• 💭 Top Tip
• Recipe

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!

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🍅 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.

Recipe