This homemade vegan BBQ sauce is a blend of tomato sauce, maple syrup, and spices all simmered together to create a smoky and sweet condiment that tastes so much better than store-bought!

bbq sauce in glass jar spilling over the side.

The beauty of this bbq sauce is that it’s super easy to make. Simply stir everything together and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.

I use this healthy bbq sauce regularly in my house to make bbq tempeh, pulled jackfruit sandwiches, vegan ribs and even baked beans. It’s also delicious on pizza, wraps, salads! It’s tangy, sweet and spicy and perfect on just about anything so get creative!

What You’ll Need for This Homemade Vegan BBQ Sauce

Kitchen Essentials:

Nothing fancy is required for this Vegan BBQ Sauce! It comes together in a sauce pan with a whisk or spatula in under 15 minutes!

Main Ingredients:

Tomato Sauce
Tomato Paste
Maple Syrup
Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
Smoked Paprika

Substitutions:

This recipe is very customizable. I made some recipe variation notes below so you can switch up however you’d like and create the best bbq sauce for you.

Here are some common substitutions that I can recommend:

Tomato Sauce: This is a tomato sauce based bbq sauce but you could sub it out for ketchup but you’ll have to adjust the maple syrup if you go this route.
Worcestershire Sauce: This can be hard to find sometimes so if you can’t locate it, use soy sauce or miso paste.
Molasses: I love molasses in this but if you don’t have any, add more maple syrup. Add to taste.
Smoked Paprika: Use Liquid Smoke!

How to Make BBQ Sauce

The full ingredient list & instructions are written below:

Whisk together the bbq sauce ingredients in a large pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cover for 10 to 15 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasonings and add water to thin out the sauce.
Enjoy! (Yes, it’s that simple to make your own bbq sauce!)

tofu nuggets on a wire rack with bbq sauce.

How to Store Vegan BBQ Sauce:

Let cool completely and then store in an airtight jar for up to a week.

Why This Recipe Works

This homemade bbq sauce works because it’s smoky, slightly sweet, with a hint of spice and tons of flavor!

Most homemade bbq sauces are made with ketchup but my homemade vegan bbq sauce is made without ketchup! I went with tomato sauce and tomato paste because I wanted this to have more of a tomato flavor. I chose maple syrup for sweetness!

Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice provide a tangy flavor which is KEY to a balanced bbq sauce. I find that most store-bought bbq sauces lack this element. As for smokiness, I went with smoked paprika but liquid smoke would also work well in this recipe.

I added vegan friendly Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor and unami. And lastly, cayenne pepper for that hint of spice! While this is optional, I think it’s best with it! It doesn’t make it overly spicy but just adds another depth of flavor and helps balance out the sweetness, smokiness and that rich tomato flavor.

bbq tempeh served with grilled veggies and slaw.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free: To make gluten-free BBQ sauce, just be sure to use a gluten-free vegan Worcestershire sauce. The brand Annie’s is what I use but it’s vegan and not gluten free. The Wizard’s is certified gluten-free and vegan.
Sweeter: Add more maple syrup, to taste.
Smokier: Add a touch more smoked paprika or add in a splash of liquid smoke, to taste.
Thinner: Add a splash of water.
Thicker: Simmer the sauce for longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Ways to Use Vegan BBQ Sauce

Vegan Wings: Make Cauliflower, Tempeh, Tofu or Seitan Wings and coat in vegan bbq sauce.
Sandwiches: Pulled vegan jackfruit or soy curl sandwiches, on burgers or on this grilled pineapple seitan sandwich.
Pizza: Bbq vegan chicken pizza topping (yum!!)
Salads/Bowls: Coat a vegan protein in this bbq sauce and use as a topping for salads
Tacos: These bbq tofu tacos are so good!!
Lentil Loaf: Use as a topping for lentil loafs instead of ketchup.
Dipping Sauce: Use as a dipping sauce for vegan nuggets and fries.
Baked Beans: Use to flavor homemade baked beans.

More Sauce Recipes You Might Like:

If You Make This Recipe:

I would greatly appreciate if you share your review in the comments below and leave a star rating. Don’t forget to add if you made any fun substitutions. Thank you!