This tangy and delicious Vegan BBQ Sauce comes together in minutes and is the perfect homemade replacement for store-bought. Made without any ketchup or refined sugar, this flavorful sauce pairs well with tofu, chickpeas, potato wedges, and more!
If you've ever thought making your own homemade BBQ sauce is too complicated or time-consuming, think again! This Vegan BBQ Sauce is made with simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly. Just whisk it all together, simmer for 15 minutes, and then cool.
I love adding BBQ sauce to a variety of dishes including tofu, jackfruit (or vegan pulled pork), chickpeas, potatoes, pizza, tacos, and more! It's one of those condiments that feels both nostalgic and exciting.
One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's made without ketchup, so you can control the ingredients and avoid highly processed sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup. This results in a richer, deeper flavor that is superior to sickly sweet store-bought sauces.
Give this one a try and let me know what you think!
Jump to:
You'll love this recipe because it's:
- Quick & Easy
- Made without Ketchup!
- Vegan / Vegetarian
- Kid-friendly
- Easy to make WFPB
- Perfect for Grilling
- Tangy & Delicious
Is this WFPB?
Agave syrup is in the gray zone when it comes to WFPB. If you prefer, you could use date syrup or double the maple syrup.
Can I batch-cook this sauce?
Definitely! Just toggle the recipe card across from "Ingredients" to show 2X or 3X. Store the sauce in freezer-safe jars, containers, or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Ingredient Notes
- tomato puree: This is the main ingredient, and it gives the sauce its tomato-y base.
- water: This just helps the sauce from getting too thick as it reduces.
- tomato paste: For even more flavor.
- maple syrup: I like the maple undertones here. You could also use date paste.
- agave syrup: You could also use vegan honey.
- molasses: For that rich, sweet tell-tale BBQ flavor, not to mention the darker color.
- apple cider vinegar: For tanginess.
- liquid smoke: This adds--you guessed it--smokiness.
- granulated garlic: All of the seasonings give extra depth.
- onion powder
- chili powder
- salt
- mustard powder: This one adds flavor and a little kick of spice. You could use a tablespoon or two of regular mustard if you don't have powder.
*See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized pot. Whisk to combine.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat and let cool for at least 10 minutes (the sauce will continue to thicken up and develop flavors as it cools).
- Serve and enjoy right away or store for later.
Troubleshooting
- Why is my sauce too thin? It probably just needs to cook a little longer. Return to a pot over medium-low heat and reduce. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken after it cools.
- Why is my sauce too thick? It probably reduced too much. Add a few tablespoons of water and stir to combine.
How to serve
This delicious vegan barbecue sauce makes the perfect dipping sauce for classic Tofu Nuggets, Chick-fil-A Style Tofu Nuggets, or Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets. Or go all out and make BBQ Tofu!
But don't just stick with tofu, use it as a sauce for your favorite vegan grilling recipe!
You can also use this sauce to make BBQ Jackfruit, and it would go great with Baked Oven Wedges!
If you want to get creative, this sauce pairs perfectly with chickpeas or lentils and can be added to sandwiches, tacos, pizza, and more!
Can I make it ahead?
Definitely! This is a perfect make-ahead recipe. You can double or even triple this recipe to make several batches of sauce.
How to store
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
More vegan condiment recipes
📖 Recipe
Vegan BBQ Sauce (No Ketchup!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato puree
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a medium pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat and let cool for at least 10 minutes (the sauce will continue to thicken up and develop flavors as it cools). Serve and enjoy right away or store for later.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce. A serving is calculated as 2 tablespoons.
Nutrition
Want access to my Exclusive Meal Planning Tips & Printables page?
Did you try this recipe? Have a question? Just leave a comment below and I'll get back to you ASAP!
Leave a Reply