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This Vegan BBQ Sauce is a simple homemade sauce that is healthier than store bought, and totally amazing! It has a tangy flavor, with a slightly smoky and sweet finish. It works great as a dip, for seasoning veggies, or whatever you enjoy most!If you're not a fan of store bought BBQ sauce, you're in luck! This homemade vegan bbq sauce is easy, and quick to make. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious sauce that also happens to be healthier than store bought versions.
Just because you follow a vegan diet doesn't mean you can't enjoy the summer grilling and BBQ season. There are so many ways to enjoy meat-free recipes that still have that char-grilled flavor, and the sweet and tangy hint of barbecue.
Start by enjoying your favorite vegan burgers, or maybe make a carrot dog. Consider pulled jackfruit, with this homemade bbq sauce!
I promise you that it's easier than you think to make your own BBQ sauce, and it will taste so much better than the lack luster store bought brands. With just a few simple ingredients, this easy recipe will give you one of the best homemade sauces you have ever tried! The best part - it's super easy to customize based on how sweet or spicy you like your sauce to be!
Make this grilling season the best ever by adding a simple sauce that will bring a big WOW to any recipe you choose!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make at home
- Adjust the flavors and seasoning to meet your flavor preference.
- Less sugar than store bought brands
- Uses all whole food ingredients
- Versatile sauce to use for all your favorite recipes!
- No high fructose corn syrup like store bought brands
- Budget friendly!
- Better flavor and texture than store bought versions!
How to Make Vegan Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
This homemade recipe uses simple vegan ingredients, easily found at any grocery store!
Tomato Sauce: Use a plain jar or can of tomato sauce. Avoid sauces with added spices, and herbs. This will detract from the desired smoky flavor of the sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds some tang to the sauce. If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar in its place.
Rice Syrup: Helps to thicken the sauce, and adds a touch of sweetness. You can also try blackstrap molasses if you can't find rice syrup.
Brown Sugar: This sauce uses much less added sugar than typical sauces, but it's still necessary to add a bit to give the sauce that slightly sweet flavor. You can also use coconut sugar, cane sugar, or maple syrup as a substitution. You can adjust the brown sugar down based on your personal preference - depending on how sweet you want this sauce to be!
Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce has an umami flavor. Regular Worcestershire sauce is made with anchovies, so be sure to get the vegan version which you can also find in stores. Check the ingredient label. If you can't find vegan Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce.
Spices: A combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt and fresh ground black pepper round out the flavors of this easy barbecue sauce. If you like a spicy bbq sauce, try a dash of cayenne pepper, chili powder, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Equipment Needed
- Medium Saucepan for heating the ingredients.
- Whisk or Spatula to stir and combine.
- Mason Jar for storing.
Instructions
Heat Ingredients: Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Stir or whisk until combined.
Slowly Simmer: Reduce heat to medium low, simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce is thick. Cook it for longer if you prefer a thicker sauce.
Storing: Store your homemade barbecue sauce in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to one week.
Recipe FAQs
Which BBQ sauces are vegan?
When you go to the store you'll likely find many BBQ sauces that are vegan. While BBQ sauce is usually served with animal products, it isn't actually made with animal products. The main sneaky non-vegan ingredient in some popular brands of bbq sauce is honey. So if you are looking for a store bought version, be sure to take a look at the ingredient list before purchasing.
The Heinz Brand has many sauces that are vegan including their Carolina Mustard Style, Carolina Vinegar Style Sweet and Tangy, Original Sweet and Thick, Hawaii Style Sweet and Fruity, Kentucky Bourbon Style Rich and Savory.
Is sweet baby ray's barbecue sauce vegan?
Yes, Baby Ray's BBQ sauce is vegan. It is also Keto, and gluten-free.
What is the best vegan BBQ sauce?
The best sauce really depends on your flavor preference. There are a few vegan bbq sauce brands out there, but many people like Sweet Baby Ray's sauce (it happens to be vegan and gluten-free). It's a good option if you don't have the time to make your own homemade version.
Serving Suggestions
Expert Tips
- Add some liquid smoke for an extra smoky flavor.
- To make it hotter, add a dash of cayenne pepper, chili powder, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- I chose to use vegan Worcestershire sauce in this recipe. The traditional one would work too but then it wouldn't be a vegan bbq sauce.
- The flavors in this sauce will taste different when the sauce is hot vs. cold, so if you want to adjust any seasonings, wait until the sauce is cold to taste it.
- To make this a super healthy barbecue sauce, cut the amount of brown sugar and rice syrup in half in this recipe. Then each serving will only have 3 grams of sugar and 19 calories!
