Vegan BBQ Sauce (Easy Healthy Recipe)

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This vegan BBQ sauce is simple, delicious, and rivals traditional BBQ sauce recipes. I make mine with tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika for that robust balance of sweet and tangy flavors synonymous with a good BBQ sauce. It comes together in just 25 minutes and becomes thick and glossy as it cooks, ready to adorn anything from sandwich fillings to pizzas. 

This vegan BBQ sauce has changed the way I approach my tofu and tempeh meals, the same way my vegan tartar sauce changed the way I served breaded entrees. I start with a tomato base and layer in all the classic ingredients, and get a sauce that tastes way better than anything that comes out of a bottle, while remaining part of a plant-based diet.

It always fascinated me how barbecue sauces differed between regions, each with its own signature twist, yet despite all the variations, it remains one of the most universally loved sauces. I started making this vegan BBQ sauce when I wanted a cleaner option for my family cookouts, without losing the trademark sweet and smoky flavor. The first time I served it with my vegan buffalo cauliflower wings, my friends all asked which brand I bought, and could not believe that I made it myself, and that it is not something that needs to be cooked all day. After all these years, you would think my friends would know me better by now. Ha!

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🥘 Ingredients

For this vegan BBQ sauce, I use simple pantry ingredients and create a sauce that tastes like it was made by a gourmet chef. This is what I use:

Tomato sauce: I use plain tomato sauce as the base so I can control the thickness and sweetness. 

Apple cider vinegar: This adds a sharp tang that balances out the richness of the sauce.

Rice syrup or maple syrup: I include a small amount for sweetness and a smooth texture. 

Brown sugar: I use just enough to round out the acidity without creating a cloying sauce.

Vegan Worcestershire sauce: This adds a savory note. 

Smoked paprika: I use this for a signature smoky flavor without needing a grill.

Seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper build a savory base and bring all the flavors together without overwhelming the true taste. 

🔪 How To Make

This vegan BBQ sauce comes together in one saucepan with minimal prep. This is how I make it:

Heat ingredients: I place all my ingredients in a medium saucepan over a medium heat, and stir or whisk to combine. 

Simmer: I simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened. If it bubbles too much, reduce the heat. 

Store: I allow the sauce to come to room temperature, then either enjoy it with my meal or store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

📖 Variations

These are a 3 variations of this vegan BBQ sauce that do not stray too far from the original flavors, but have enough of a difference to make them distinctive:

Spicy version: I use either 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce. This is my sister’s favorite sauce, especially on pizzas. 

Extra smoky boost: For a more intense smokiness, I stir in 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke for a deeper grilled flavor. I love using this on tofu kebabs. 

Low sugar: I reduce the sugar by half and add 1-2 tablespoons of extra tomato sauce for balance. This version may need a few extra minutes on the stove to thicken up, but my husband and I love it when we are trying to eat clean. 

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Summer is a time for cookouts, and this summer, I highly recommend using this vegan BBQ sauce to elevate your meals. In my experience, it does exceptionally well on my BBQ flatbread and in my BBQ jackfruit burrito bowl. Also, be sure to add a BBQ tempeh sandwich to the menu, but be prepared for your family to request lunch all the time. 

This vegan BBQ sauce is versatile and works well in dishes that are not necessarily designed to have a specific BBQ flavor. For instance, I needed to make myself a quick lunch while I worked from home last week, and threw random bits together like a few pieces of crispy air fryer tempeh, miso mushrooms, and some leftover 4 ingredient cilantro lime rice. I mixed all of these things in a bowl and poured over some BBQ sauce. Maybe I was just very hungry, but this combination had me going back for seconds. 

🧊 Storing And ♨️ Reheating

Refrigeration: I store the sauce in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing: I freeze small portions in small containers for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before using. 

Reheating: I warm the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring until smooth.

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