Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan) in 15 Minutes

Oh, my dears, there’s nothing quite like the irresistible tang and smoky sweetness of a truly amazing barbecue sauce, especially when it’s an Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan) that comes together in a flash. This sauce isn’t just about covering your favorite grilled veggies or plant-based proteins; it’s about infusing every bite with a warmth that reminds you of summer cookouts and joyful gatherings. It’s that magical touch that transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary, with a rich, velvety texture that clings perfectly.

I remember countless afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of simmering tomatoes and spices. While she often made her famous chili sauce, it was those early experiments, blending different vinegars and sugars, that first sparked my love for crafting flavorful condiments. There’s such a simple joy in creating something from scratch that elevates an everyday meal into a special occasion.

This particular recipe is a godsend for busy weeknights, offering incredible homemade flavor with minimal effort. It’s family-friendly, naturally vegan, and adds a heartwarming gourmet touch to any dish. My top tip for sauces like these? Always taste and adjust as you go – your palate is your best guide!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful sauce begins with kitchen staples like a good quality ketchup, bright apple cider vinegar, and the deep sweetness of dark brown sugar. It’s these foundational ingredients, along with the umami of vegan Worcestershire sauce, that build the incredible depth of this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan). You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card just below.

How to Make Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan)

Whipping up this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan) is wonderfully straightforward, truly a quick kitchen triumph! You’ll simply combine all your ingredients in a saucepan, bring them to a gentle simmer, and let the flavors meld and deepen over a short cook time. Stir occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully, transforming from individual components into a harmonious, smoky-sweet concoction ready to elevate any meal.

Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce (Vegan)

Craft a tangy, smoky, and sweet homemade vegan BBQ sauce that’s incredibly easy to make. Perfect for grilling, dipping, or slathering on your favorite plant-based meals.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 16 servings (2 tbsp each)

Course: Condiment, Sauce

Cuisine: American

Calories: 55

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups Ketchup choose a brand without high-fructose corn syrup if preferred
• 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar packed, or use maple syrup for refined sugar-free option
• 2 tbsp Vegan Worcestershire Sauce ensure it’s fish-free; Henderson’s Relish is a good option
• 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground preferred
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional, for a little heat
• 1/2 tsp Liquid Smoke optional, for an intense smoky flavor

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Airtight Jar or Container

Method

 

1. In a medium saucepan, add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar (or maple syrup), vegan Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and liquid smoke (if using).
2. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and smooth, ensuring no lumps of brown sugar remain.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking to the bottom.
4. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce continue to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will gradually thicken as it cooks to your desired consistency; it should coat the back of a spoon.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the BBQ sauce to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight jar or container.
6. Use immediately on your favorite grilled vegetables, tofu, tempeh, or as a dipping sauce. Store any unused sauce in the refrigerator.

Notes

This homemade BBQ sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. Adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or maple syrup to taste, or increase the heat with extra cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a thicker sauce, simply simmer for a few extra minutes until desired consistency is reached. For a thinner sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of vegetable broth or water.

Pro Tips for Making This Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan)

Getting that perfect barbecue sauce just right is a delightful adventure, and I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years for this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan).

• My Secret Trick: I always let my sauce simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes beyond what feels necessary, especially on low heat. This slow cooking allows the flavors to truly marry and intensify, creating a much richer, more complex sauce. It’s worth the wait, I promise!
• Don’t be afraid to adjust the heat level. If you love a little kick, a touch more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can take this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan) from mild to magnificently fiery.
• For an even smoother consistency, once the sauce has cooled slightly, you can give it a quick pulse with an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender. This is especially lovely if you prefer a silkier finish.
• Taste, taste, taste! While the recipe provides a wonderful foundation, your personal preference is key. Add a pinch more sugar for sweetness, a splash more vinegar for tang, or a bit more smoked paprika for depth until it sings to you.

Fun Variations for Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan)

One of the greatest joys of making your own sauces, especially this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan), is the freedom to play and personalize! My kitchen is always buzzing with new ideas, and I encourage you to get creative too.

Spicy Kick

For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a finely minced jalapeño or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce while it simmers. My friend Sarah always begs for an extra fiery version, so I sometimes add a pinch of ghost pepper powder for her – but that’s only for the bravest!

Maple Sweetness

Swap out a tablespoon or two of the dark brown sugar for pure maple syrup. This not only adds a lovely, nuanced sweetness but also a delightful maple aroma that complements the smoky notes beautifully. It’s a subtle twist that brings a touch of rustic charm to the Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan).

Herbaceous Twist

Infuse your sauce with fresh herbs! A sprig of rosemary or a few sprigs of thyme added during the simmering process can lend a wonderfully aromatic depth. Just remember to remove them before serving. My grandma always swore by a bay leaf in her sauces for an extra layer of flavor.

What to Serve With Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan)

This delightful Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan) is so versatile, it practically begs to be paired with an array of delicious dishes! It’s not just for slathering on grilled corn on the cob during summer BBQs; think beyond the usual and let your culinary imagination soar.

I love serving this sauce with crispy baked tofu or tempeh, turning a simple protein into a showstopper. It’s also absolutely divine drizzled over roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots, bringing a smoky-sweet glaze that makes them truly irresistible. For a quicker option, my mom always suggests tossing it with some black bean burgers for an instant flavor upgrade. Don’t forget, it’s also perfect as a dipping sauce for potato wedges or even as a flavorful spread on your favorite sandwiches.

How to Store Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan)

Once you’ve made a batch of this wonderful sauce, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and delicious for future meals. Proper storage is key to enjoying your Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan) time and again!

Fridge Storage

Once your sauce has completely cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or a glass jar. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. I always make sure to label my jars with the date, a little tip I learned from my grandmother’s organized pantry, so I know exactly how long it’s been there.

Freezer Tips

For longer storage, this sauce freezes exceptionally well! Pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or gently warm it on the stovetop from frozen. A light whisk after thawing brings back its perfect consistency.

Nutritional Benefits

While this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan) is undeniably a treat for the taste buds, it also offers some lovely aspects to feel good about. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like tomatoes (from ketchup!) and apple cider vinegar, it provides a flavorful boost to your meals. It’s a wonderful way to enhance the taste of plant-based dishes, making them even more enjoyable and encouraging you to embrace more vegetables and legumes in your diet, aligning perfectly with a balanced and satisfying approach to eating.

FAQs

Faq 1

How long does this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan) last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, your homemade sauce will happily last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Just be sure it’s completely cooled before storing it away!

Faq 2

Can I make this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan) spicier?
Absolutely! To add more heat, simply increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce while the sauce is simmering. Taste and adjust to your preferred spice level.

Faq 3

Is liquid smoke essential for this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan)?
Liquid smoke provides that classic smoky barbecue flavor without needing a smoker. While you can omit it, it truly enhances the authentic BBQ taste. I always recommend using it for the best results.

Faq 4

Can I use a different type of sugar in this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan)?
Yes, you can experiment! While dark brown sugar offers a rich, molasses-like depth, you could use light brown sugar for a milder sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar can also work as liquid sweeteners.

Conclusion

Creating this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe (Vegan) in your own kitchen is more than just making a condiment; it’s about infusing your meals with love, flavor, and a touch of homemade magic. It’s truly a delight to watch simple ingredients transform into something so delicious and versatile. I genuinely hope this recipe brings a little extra joy to your table and inspires you to create sweet and savory memories with those you cherish. Happy cooking, my dears, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth and wonderful aromas!