Best Vegan Barbeque Sauce Recipe: Smoky, Tangy & Irresistibly Easy!

Table of Contents: Vegan Barbeque Sauce

Vegan Barbeque Sauce

Discover the secret to the boldest homemade vegan BBQ sauce that’s ready in 20 minutes and loved by vegans and carnivores alike! Perfect for grilling season, weeknight dinners, or gifting in mason jars.

Introduction: The Ultimate Vegan Barbeque Sauce

There’s something magical about a BBQ sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. This homemade vegan BBQ sauce isn’t just another condiment—it’s a labor of love that captures the essence of classic barbecue without a single animal product. Whether you’re slathering it on Vegan Pulled Jackfruit, grilled veggies, or oven-baked tofu, this sauce is your ticket to unforgettable meals.

Crafted with pantry staples like tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup, our easy vegan BBQ sauce recipe balances complexity and simplicity. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, or holiday spreads where a crowd-pleasing flavor is non-negotiable. Smoked paprika adds depth, while molasses and turbinado sugar create a caramelized glaze that clings perfectly to grilled favorites. Once you taste this best vegan BBQ sauce recipe, store-bought versions will pale in comparison!

Alternate Names & Variations

• Smoky Vegan Barbecue Sauce
• Quick Homemade BBQ Sauce (Vegan)
• Maple-Glazed Vegan Grill Sauce

Try our easy vegan BBQ sauce with a spicy twist by adding 1 tsp chipotle powder!

Ingredients: Vegan Barbeque Sauce

• 1 (5.5 ounce) can tomato paste
• ⅔ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
• 2 tablespoons mustard powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons natural turbinado sugar (such as Sugar In The Raw®)

Chef’s Tip: Use organic tomato paste for the richest flavor base!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and molasses over medium heat until smooth.
2. Add Spices: Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and turbinado sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Adjust Consistency: For a thinner sauce, add ¼ cup water or vegetable broth. For thicker “rib glaze” texture, simmer uncovered for 5 extra minutes.
4. Cool & Store: Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to an airtight jar. Flavors intensify overnight!

Shortcut: Blend all ingredients in a food processor for 30 seconds if you prefer a smoother texture.

Recipe Card Block

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 (Makes 2 cups) | Calories: ~85 per ¼ cup

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This best vegan BBQ sauce recipe shines thanks to its layered flavors: apple cider vinegar delivers tang, molasses adds earthy sweetness, and smoked paprika mimics the char of a live fire. Unlike store-bought sauces loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, ours uses maple syrup and turbinado sugar for a cleaner, caramel-like richness. Perfect as an easy comfort food for family dinners, it’s versatile enough for marinades, dipping, or pizza bases!

Pro Tips:

• Replace maple syrup with date syrup for a lower-glycemic option.
• For homemade vegan BBQ sauce with a fruity twist, add 2 tbsp mashed pineapple or peach preserves.
• Always bloom spices in the saucepan 1 minute before adding liquids for deeper flavor.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months—pop out a cube to thaw overnight for quick grilled tofu or veggie burgers! Reheat gently in a saucepan with 1 tbsp water to restore its saucy texture. Avoid microwaving, as high heat can dull the spices.

People Also Ask: Vegan Barbeque Sauce

What is vegan barbecue sauce made of?

Our vegan BBQ sauce uses tomato paste as a base, sweetened with maple syrup and molasses, and spiced with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and mustard. Unlike non-vegan versions, it contains no honey, Worcestershire sauce (which often includes anchovies), or butter. Apple cider vinegar adds tang while keeping it plant-based and gluten-free. It’s a pantry-friendly easy vegan BBQ sauce that rivals any traditional recipe!

Is most barbecue sauce vegan?

Surprisingly, many store-bought barbecue sauces are accidentally vegan but check labels carefully! Non-vegan ingredients to avoid include honey, fish sauce, or dairy derivatives like butter or milk solids. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s Original or Annie’s Organic offer vegan options, but our best vegan BBQ sauce recipe lets you control the sweetness, salt, and smoke without hidden additives.

How do you make barbecue sauce from scratch?

Creating homemade vegan BBQ sauce involves balancing sweet, tangy, smoky, and spicy elements. Start with a tomato base (paste or crushed tomatoes), add vinegar for acidity, sweeteners like maple syrup, and spices for depth. Simmer until thickened, adjusting flavors to taste. Our recipe uses mustard powder for emulsification and turbinado sugar for a subtle crunch—a chef’s secret for texture!

What makes barbecue sauce tangy?

The tang in BBQ sauce comes from acidic ingredients like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or mustard. In our vegan BBQ sauce, vinegar cuts through the richness of molasses and tomato paste, creating a bright, mouthwatering profile. For extra zing, some recipes use pineapple juice or tamarind paste, but vinegar offers the most consistent and pantry-friendly tang.

Conclusion: Sauce It Up!

Ready to revolutionize your grill game? Whip up a batch of this homemade vegan BBQ sauce and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Share your culinary wins with us on social media—we’d love to see your BBQ masterpieces. Got a tweak that made it even better? Drop a comment below!

You Might Also Like:

• Easy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe | No-Bake & Delicious!
• Easy Meyer Lemon Labne Cake Recipe – Easy, Moist & Zesty Dessert!
• Paleo Pumpkin Monkey Bread – Healthy Fall Dessert You’ll Love
• Low-Carb Zucchini Fritters: The Ultimate Healthy & Crispy Snack Guide

Find Us On Pinterest and Facebook.