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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
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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.