Homemade Vegan BBQ Sauce (Sweet & Smoky)

This easy homemade Vegan BBQ Sauce is sweet, tangy and smoky and ready in just minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for brushing on tofu, veggies, or plant-based burgers, it beats store-bought versions every time!

This vegan BBQ sauce is made with simple pantry staples like organic ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.

The brown sugar adds natural sweetness, apple cider vinegar brings tang, and smoked paprika and liquid smoke give it a rich, smoky flavor.

Use this easy sauce to slather on tofu, tempeh, roasted vegetables, veggie burgers, sandwiches, and more!

It will quickly become your go-to plant-based BBQ favorite.

Ingredients

Making homemade bbq sauce is surprisingly easy and customizable.

With pantry staples like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a few spices, you can easily adjust the sweetness, tang, or smokiness to suit your taste!

Organic Ketchup: This is the base of the bbq sauce. Not all ketchups are created equal, so choose a high-quality organic brand for the best flavor. 

Apple Cider Vinegar: While some BBQ sauces call for malt vinegar, we're using apple cider vinegar to keep it gluten-free and to add a bright, tangy flavor.

Brown Sugar: Many recipes use cane sugar, maple syrup, or agave. This recipe uses brown coconut sugar or light brown sugar.

Molasses: Adds depth of flavor and gives the sauce a beautiful rich color. Definitely don't skip it!

Tamari or Soy Sauce: To keep the sauce gluten-free and full of umami, I used Tamari instead of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. But you can use regular soy sauce.

Liquid Smoke and Smoked Paprika: Both contribute a smoky flavor.

Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne make the perfect BBQ blend. Add hot sauce if you want extra heat!

How to Make This Recipe

With just a few pantry staples, common spices, and about 10 minutes, you'll have a thick, flavorful sauce ready to brush on tofu, roasted vegetables, veggie burgers, or sandwiches!

The full recipe can be found in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Whisk together the BBQ sauce ingredients in a large pot and bring to a light simmer over medium heat.

Step 2: Turn to low heat and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Whisking occasionally.

Step 3: Take off the heat and allow it to cool completely.

Step 4: Serve however you'd like!

Note: If you prefer a thicker BBQ sauce, leave it as is. If you prefer a thinner BBQ sauce, add a splash of water until the desired consistency is reached.

This vegan and gluten-free BBQ sauce is versatile and packed with flavor.

Here are some delicious ways to use it:

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches: Jackfruit has a meaty texture, making it a perfect pulled pork substitute. Serve on a bun with coleslaw and pickles.

Baked or Pan-Fried Tofu: Cut tofu into cubes or triangles, season, and bake or fry until crispy. Toss in BBQ sauce and serve.

BBQ Pizza: Use BBQ sauce as the base instead of tomato sauce. Top with onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, vegan cheese, and vegan chicken for a smoky, savory pizza.

Tempeh Tacos: Slice tempeh thin, pan-fry until crispy, and coat with BBQ sauce. Serve on warm tortillas with cucumber salad or other fresh toppings. Soy curls work great here too.

Cauliflower "Wings": Coat cauliflower florets in a simple flour and plant-based milk mixture, bake until crispy, then toss in BBQ sauce.

Or brush on roasted vegetables, use as a sandwich spread, or top off grain bowls.

How to Customize

Everyone has a different preference when it comes to the ideal BBQ sauce so feel free to get creative and adjust as you go!

Make it less sweet by reducing the amount of brown sugar.

Make it smokier by adding a touch more smoked paprika or add in an extra splash of liquid smoke.

Make it spicier by adding more cayenne pepper or add a splash of hot sauce.

Make it thinner by adding a splash of water.

Make it thicker by simmering the sauce for longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Tips & Tricks

Start with a base you like. A good organic ketchup makes a huge difference. It's the easiest way to get rich flavor without extra effort.

Too thin? Simmer for a few minutes. Too thick? Add a splash of water or plant-based milk for creaminess.

Keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from over-thickening and stir frequently for a smooth, even texture.

Storage

This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

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