Healthy Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe (2024)

Last modified: . Originally posted: By Sophia DeSantis

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This vegan BBQ sauce recipe is the perfect mix of tang and sweet. It's easy to make and uses nine simple ingredients!

Healthy Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe (1)
Healthy Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe (2)

This post was originally published on July 6, 2019.

I love making my own sauce, especially barbecue sauce. Store bought versions are either too sweet or too tangy, and this homemade recipe is pure perfection!

When I say easy, I'm not exaggerating. This recipe for homemade bbq sauce is literally a stir all ingredients and serve kind of recipe. You can warm it up if you prefer, but it's not needed, especially if you are using it as part of a bigger recipe.

Ingredients

No overloaded amount of sugar in this healthy BBQ sauce! Here's what you'll need to make this easy recipe:

Healthy Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe (3)

How to Make Vegan BBQ Sauce

Making a healthy homemade bbq sauce is so easy. There are literally two steps:

  1. Mix everything in a bowl.Healthy Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe (4)
  2. Serve!Healthy Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe (5)

Serving suggestions

Put this sauce on everything! If you need some inspiration, I have many recipes that use this sauce in them! It's super versatile so it can be used in many ways.

  • BBQ Cauliflower Bites Bowl
  • Vegan BBQ Pulled 'Pork' Sandwich
  • BBQ Tempeh Sandwich
  • BBQ Chickpea Sliders
  • Black Bean Burger with BBQ Sauce
  • Or use as a dip for Sweet Potato Fries!

Tips and tricks

As easy as this vegan BBQ sauce is, there's a little bit of extra information that will come in handy:

  • If you want to heat it up you can, but it's ready to go as is. Most of the time you are using it in another recipe anyway.
  • Make it spicy by adding some chili powder or cayenne powder!
  • You can use water instead of broth, but I find the broth gives it a bit more flavor.
  • Add more or less broth for the thickness you like.
  • Adjust the amount of salt to taste. The salt content in your tomato paste and veggie broth will affect how much salt to use.
  • This sauce is best if made ahead of time so the flavors are allowed to marinate.Marinating also allows the spices to fully combine with the tomato paste.
  • If your sauce seems a little “gritty,” then allow it to sit longer. You can speed this up by heating it slightly.
  • Store this BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • You can also freeze this sauce for up to 3 months. Put it in an airtight container, then put a layer of plastic wrap over the top of the sauce so it sticks on the sauce itself. Then freeze. When ready to defrost, put it on the counter or fridge.

Common Questions

Can vegans eat barbecue sauce?

As long as a food doesn't have animal products, then it can be eaten on a vegan diet. When it comes to barbecue sauce, the one ingredient that may appear to make it not vegan is honey.

Honey is not something we worry much about, but if you follow a strict vegan diet you need to stay away from it. So always make sure to check the list of ingredients.

What sweeteners can I use in vegan bbq sauce?

In this homemade vegan bbq sauce recipe, I use maple syrup so it stays fully vegan. But there are many other ways to get that level of sweet you like in your bbq sauce. Molasses, brown rice syrup, coconut syrup, coconut sugar, or cane sugar are all good options.

We all have different likes when it comes to bbq sauce. Some like it sweet, others tangy and then there is the level of spice. This version is that perfect medium that we love. Always feel free to adjust the ingredients to get the perfect version for you!

What sauces are vegan?

Sauce are one of my favorite ways to add to a recipe. I feel like it finishes off anything and gives it an extra oomph you wouldn't get otherwise. I am a huge sauce fan and have created so many vegan sauces!

Anything, including sauces, is vegan as long as it has no animal products. This includes dairy, butter, eggs and honey. But as you can see on this site, it isn't hard to recreate your favorites into a vegan recipe!

More Vegan Sauces

Sauces can be the star of the show, so they're always great to have on hand! Here are some of our favorite plant based recipes:

  • Easy Pizza Sauce
  • Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Homemade Sour Cream
  • Garlic Aioli
  • Vegan Alfredo Sauce
Healthy Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe (6)

Healthy Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe (7)

Healthy Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe

Sophia DeSantis

This vegan BBQ sauce recipe is the perfect mix of tang and sweet. It's easy to make and uses nine simple ingredients!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Shop Ingredients

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course 30 Minutes or Less, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 76 kcal

Ingredients

Shop Ingredients on Jupiter

Instructions

  • Put the tomato paste, broth, maple syrup, molasses, vinegar, liquid smoke, chili powder, salt and garlic powder in a bowl and mix well until smooth.

  • People have many different opinions when it comes to the kind of BBQ sauce they like. If you fall in the spicy camp, then add more chili powder ¼ teaspoon at a time to get the level of spice you like.

  • If you are in the sweet camp, add more maple syrup ¼ teaspoon at a time until you get the sweetness you like.

  • But if you are in the tangy camp, add more vinegar, ¼ teaspoon at a time until you get the tang you like.

  • Serve with everything!

Notes

  • Makes 2 cups (473 ml) sauce. Each serving is ¼ cup.
  • You can use water instead of broth, but I find the broth gives it a bit more flavor.
  • Add more or less broth for the thickness you like.
  • This sauce is best if made ahead of time so the flavors are allowed to marinate.Marinating also allows the spices to fully combine with the tomato paste.
  • If your sauce seems a little “gritty,” then allow it to sit longer. You can speed this up by heating it slightly.

Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 76kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 184mgPotassium: 143mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 148IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

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Healthy Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe (8)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Sarah

    I love that there's no refined sugar in this recipe! Tastes so good, and it easy enough to make. Adding to the repeat file!

    Reply

    • veggiesdontbite

      So glad you liked it!

      Reply

  2. Noemi

    Hi Sofia! What can I use if I don't have molasses?
    Thanks!

    Reply

    • veggiesdontbite

      Ho Noemi! Molasses has a unique flavor and does contribute to the end result here, but you can add a touch more maple syrup if you don't have it. Just keep in mind the flavor won't be exactly the same! Let me know how it turns out!

      Reply

  3. Pamela Duel

    Hi Sophia,
    How long will your BBQ sauce last in the fridge please?

    Reply

    • veggiesdontbite

      Hi Pamela! I'd say about 5-7 days!

      Reply

Healthy Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a healthy substitute for BBQ sauce? ›

Fruit-based sauces are a great option for people looking to cut down the acid content in tomato base sauces like the BBQ. These sauces use fruits like pineapples, mangos, apricots, apples, and even peaches to enhance the taste while doing away with the need to add granulated sugar.

Is Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce vegan? ›

You've likely come across Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce at the grocery store. So, you'll be happy to know that the majority of this budget-friendly condiment's flavors are vegan. We're talking Original, Sweet Golden Mustard, No Sugar Added, Hickory and Brown Sugar, and more.

Is Stubb's barbecue sauce healthy? ›

A delicious sauce made from real ingredients - you won't find artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, preservatives in Stubb's Bar-B-Q Sauce. And it's gluten free too! Packaged in a easy to hold handled jug. *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

What is the substitute ingredient for 1 cup of barbeque sauce? ›

Good substitutes for barbecue sauce include dry rubs made from a mix of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and chili powder. You can also use a marinade of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for an Asian twist, or a balsamic vinegar and honey glaze for a tangy-sweet flavor.

What is the healthiest sauce option? ›

What is the healthiest condiment?
  • Guacamole.
  • Mustard.
  • Balsamic Vinegar.
  • Salsa.
  • Hot sauce.
  • Tzatziki.
  • Hummus.
  • Pesto.
Mar 17, 2024

Is it worth it to make your own BBQ sauce? ›

Skip the store-bought stuff! Homemade barbecue sauce is delicious, incredibly versatile, and oh-so easy to make with pantry staples. Trust us — you're going to want to bookmark this top-rated recipe for classic barbecue sauce.

Is Chick Fil A barbecue sauce vegan? ›

5 Sauces. When it comes to adding a bit of extra flavor to your veganized menu item, a little sauce or dressing goes a long way. Chick-fil-A has quite a few animal-free options to choose from, including the standard ketchup, mustard, and BBQ, but also chili lime vinaigrette dressing and sweet and spicy sriracha.

Why is barbecue sauce not vegan? ›

Store bought barbecue sauces can be great, but they are not always vegan (think Heinz and some of sweet baby ray's barbecue sauce recipes); some brands do contain anchovies or honey, both of which are not considered vegan.

What is the healthiest BBQ? ›

Smoked Turkey or White Meat Chicken: Four ounces of turkey or chicken breast are around 160 calories and 24-27 grams of protein. Naked Brisket or Pulled Pork: Without a heavy bbq sauce (instead opt for a vinegar-based sauce) these two options have more fat but are still reasonable choices.

What barbecue sauce is healthy? ›

Look for brands with the lowest amount of added sugars, and resist the temptation to overpour. Look for brands that are low in sugar, and search out ingredient lists that are free of highly processed ingredients. Examples that foot the bill include The Shed, Stubb's and Trader Joe's.

Is BBQ sauce healthier than mayo? ›

Barbecue sauce contains less amount of calories as compared to mayonnaise, but it is high in sodium and sugar. Two teaspoons of barbecue sauce contain 60 calories. The quantity of sodium and sugar depends on the brand of sauce you are using.

What can I put on ribs instead of barbecue sauce? ›

If your palette desires something different from the typical barbecue sauce, Thai Peanut Sauce is an excellent way to enhance your pork ribs. Ingredients: 1/2 cup Soy Sauce. 1/2 cup Ketchup.

How do you thicken BBQ sauce without changing the flavor? ›

You can use cornstarch or flour to accomplish this without disturbing the flavor of your sauce. Add 2 tbsp. of flour to 1/4 cup of cold water, for each cup of sauce you wish to thicken.

What can I eat instead of BBQ sauce? ›

Hoisin sauce provides a similar consistency to BBQ sauce with a sweet and salty profile. Steak sauce or HP sauce offers a tangy and slightly sweet taste. Anchovies (What wine goes well with anchovies?) might seem unconventional but they are excellent for adding a hit of umami.

What is the best alternative to BBQ? ›

Cast iron skillets, griddle pans and grill pans with ridges all help to replicate grilled textures and flavors. No matter which pan you use, be sure to preheat it before adding your food to get a spectacular sear on your meats and veggies.

What can I use instead of sauce? ›

7 Substitutes for Tomato Sauce If You Run Out of the Pantry Staple
  • Canned Tomatoes.
  • Fresh Tomatoes.
  • Tomato Paste.
  • Tomato Soup.
  • Ketchup.
  • Tomato Purée.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Apr 27, 2024

Is BBQ sauce just ketchup and sugar? ›

You can make bbq sauce with ketchup as one of many other ingredients to be added, but not by itself as bbq sauce. Most bbq sauce has a higher sugar content, using brown or white sugar or molasses.

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