This Vegan BBQ Sauce combines the sweet-and-tangy taste of St. Louis with the thick, rich body of Kansas City sauce!
You might be thinking "isn't BBQ Sauce already vegan?". Well not all of them. BBQ sauce often contains:
- White sugar refined with bone char (not an issue for me but can be for stricter vegans)
- Worcestershire sauce (anchovies)
- Honey
- Fish sauce (in some styles)
With this recipe, you get to the same taste and flavor with the guarantee that no animal products were used. PLUS, you get to control the sugar content more since we are using tomato puree as the base vs ketchup.
Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Vegan BBQ Sauce combines the sweet-and-tangy taste of St. Louis with the thick, rich body of Kansas City sauce!
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Servings: 28 tablespoons
Calories: 27kcal
Ingredients
- 1 15 ounce canned tomato puree note 1
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce note 2
- ½ cup sugar-free brown sugar note 3
- ¼ cup light brown sugar note 3
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup pineapple juice optional
- 1 teaspoon corn starch note 4
- 1 tablespoon water note 4
Equipment
Medium Skillet or Pot
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium-sized pot (except tapioca or corn starch) and mix well. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat continue simmering for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as you go.
- After 15 minutes have elapsed, take 1 teaspoon of tapioca or corn starch with 1 tablespoon of water and mix well. Then add the starch slurry into the pot of the BBQ sauce. This is to help thicken the sauce. Allow to simmer for 5 more minutes then remove from heat. For an even thicker and deeper color and flavor, allow to simmer for 15 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour sauce in a mason jar or airtight container. Serve at room temperature or place in the refrigerator, stored for later use.
Video
Notes
This is one of those sauces that you’ll need to taste and adjust as you go. You can start off with less sugar or vinegar if you know you lean more towards sweet or tang and adjust as you go. The same is with the seasonings. Taste as you simmer your sauce and make the recipe your own!
Note 1: Ketchup can be substituted for tomato puree if you want smoother, store-bought texture of BBQ Sauce. Be sure to adjust sugar, vinegar, and macros as ketchup is typically already flavored. If using tomato puree, be sure the can/bottle states tomato puree and NOT tomato sauce.
Note 2: Vegan Worcestershire sauce contains no anchovies. I am typically able to find this at my local whole foods. It is also available for purchase online. You can also make your own by following this vegan Worcestershire sauce recipe.
Note 3: If using regular brown sugar only, start with ½ cup and increase from there based on your taste buds. If using sugar free brown sugar only, also start with ½ cup and increase from there if needed based on your liking. Other great alternatives can include Bee Free Honey, agave or even coconut nectar.
Note 4: Corn starch is a sure fire way to help thicken the sauce. Other ways for thicken your BBQ sauce includes;
- simmering your sauce long and uncovered allowing the sugars to caramelize and the sauce to reduce down (this works best if you aren't using sugar alternatives).
- sing a skillet vs a pot as the sauce covers more surface area which thins it out helping it thicken faster as it simmers. (To read more about other ways to thicken your BBQ sauce, check out How to Thicken BBQ Sauce.)
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 tablespoons)
Calories 27
% Daily Value*
Sodium 46mg2%
Potassium 145mg4%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Sugar 5g6%
Vitamin A 50IU1%
Vitamin C 0.8mg1%
Calcium 35mg4%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Be sure to PIN IT on Pinterest, leave a comment below, rate it, and mention @_VeganWithCurves using #veganwithcurves hashtag on Instagram so I can see it!
Vegan BBQ Sauce Customizable Ingredients
- Base: This can be anything from tomato paste, tomato puree, ketchup, mustard like my Mustard BBQ Sauce, vinegar, or even mayo. Because this is Kansas City/St. Louis inspired, I went with a tomato base and chose tomato puree to control the sugar content
- Vinegar: This is where the St. Louis style comes into play. We like a lot more tang here in the 314 than a traditional KC sauce. You can use anything from white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, mustard (has vinegar in it), or a combination of these. For this recipe, I used apple cider vinegar and mustard.
- Sweetener: The amount of sweetener you use will largely depend on how sweet you desire your BBQ sauce and how aware you are about the macros. For this recipe, I used molasses, maple syrup, regular light brown sugar, and sugar-free brown sugar.
- Spices and flavors: This will largely depend on your flavor profile and how spicy you like your BBQ Sauce. For this recipe, I used garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and vegan Worcestershire Sauce.
- Thickeners: Since we are not using ketchup, we want to ensure our sauce has that Kansas City thickness to it (unless you prefer it thinner.) I used corn starch.
- Extras: To make your BBQ sauce your own (customize it till your heart's content), you can add fruit (dried or fresh) or fruit juices to it! I added some pineapple juice, but that is completely optional.
Vegan BBQ Sauce Step-by-Step Photos
What to use this Vegan BBQ Sauce on?
Anything you normally use store-bought BBQ sauce on, you can use this recipe on including:
- Cookout classics like in my Stove Top Baked Beans or brushed onto vegan bean burgers and vegetable skewers on the grill for the summer
- Popular meal prep recipes on this blog like BBQ Lentil Meatballs or Beefy Lentil Loaf
- Use on top of some soulful "fall apart" tender vegan BBQ ribs (trust me; that recipe SLAPS!)
- Use as a dipping sauce for some fried oyster mushrooms or Impossible nuggets!
Making it Work for Your Vegan Curves
- Bulking Tips (Gaining Vegan Curves/Muscle Gains): Stir in a tablespoon or two of vegan butter while the sauce is still warm, which is the traditional way to finish a BBQ sauce and adds richness plus extra calories.
- Maintenance Tips (Maintaining Vegan Curves): Use the base recipe as written. A few tablespoons over your meal prep gives you all the smoky-sweet flavor you need.
- Cutting Tips (Lose the Gut, Keep the Butt!): Cut out the maple syrup and light brown sugar (keep the molasses though). Instead use only alternative brown sugar (like Swerve) as your base sweetener.
Make-Ahead Prep & Storage Tips:
- Make-Ahead: I recommend making this a day ahead (or at least a couple of hours ahead) before you plan to use it, as chilling gives the flavors time to deepen and fully come together.
- How to Store: Store BBQ sauce in an airtight container (I like mason jars) for up to 10 days. Be sure to label and date your sauce.
- Freezer Friendly? Yes and no. It does not freeze solid, BUT you can store it in in the freezer for up to 3 months. The texture my change a bit so if you have to freeze, when ready to use, allow it to thaw out fully before use.
More Sauce Recipes
Visit my Dips and Sauces page for other homemade sauces and dips.
Update Notes
- Original Publication: 17 Jun 2019
- Updated Publication: 4 Jun 2022 (republished with new photos, updated recipe, step by step instructions, tips, and a video.)
- Recent Update: 22 Apr 2026 (republished with updated recipe to make sauce thicker and storage tips)
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© Gina Marie Hoskins. Vegan With Curves. All Rights Reserved. Unless noted otherwise, all images, recipes, & content are copyright protected and registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. My images and written content are NOT to be used without prior permission. Read full Copyright Disclosure.
Maria
A bit too sweet. I might reduce the brown sugar by half next time. I added the some liquid smoke (1/4 tsp) to add some smoky flavor..
Elana Fariss
These came out delicious, but unfortunately due to my oversight, I put all of the lentils in the food processor, and they came out too moist and didn't hold their shape. I put some in a pan, those fell apart more so than the ones that I baked. I did use a jar of Stubb's barbeque sauce and even though it doesn't specify vegan, the ingredients are wholesome with less sugar and no high fructose with a bit of zip. I will definitely be adding these to my meal planning repertoire, thanks for sharing!
Jenny
This recipe is so good. I love the ingredients!
Veronika
This BBQ sauce was amazing! The pineapple juice added a delicious flavor I'm not used to in our regular bbq sauce. Can't wait to use it on some grilled veggies!
Gina Marie
So glad you enjoyed it!
Luke Ratford
Thank you for this recipe; we made this for a family BBQ, and it went down a treat with everyone 🙂
Gina Marie
Yay! thank you for the feedback!
Sean
So tasty and easy to make. This is a great recipe!
Gina Marie
thank you!
Debbie
WOW what a simple sweet and tangy BBQ sauce ! I have finally found one I love ! Thanks do much.
Gina Marie
You are welcome!
Ann
I love making homemade BBQ sauce, but have never added tomato puree to the mix. I bet it give the BBQ sauce a thicker consistency. Will have to give it a try!
Gina Marie
Yes the tomato sauce def gives it a thicker consistency! Let me know how it turns out for you!
Slavka
Hello,
what kind of molasses are you using for this recipe, please?
Blackstrap, dark or light?
Thank you,
Slavka
Gina Marie
Whatever you prefer it really does not matter. Whichever one you like best.😊
Melissa Ruhland
Is there something I could sub for agave nectar? Maple syrup?
Gina Marie
That will work!
Andrea
Hi! How much liquid smoke should be used - it’s listed twice in the ingredients list shows it twice. Can’t wait to try this with the bbq lentil meatballs.
~Andrea
Gina Marie
Oops sorry about that! I fixed it. You only need 1/4 teaspoon.
Jenn
How big of a can of tomato puree is needed?
Gina Marie
Sorry about that. About 15 ounces
Abbie
Hello, I am looking forward to trying this recipe, I'm relatively new to eating vegan meals and I'm finding all the different types of lentils confusing. What type of lentils are used in this recipe? red? green? brown? etc
Thanks,
Abbie
Gina Marie
Hi Abbie. So this BBQ sauce recipe doesn't use lentils. I'm not sure what recipe you are referring to but my BBQ Lentil Balls recipe uses brown lentils if that is what you are referring too.
Varun Sharma
Made this today! The sauce is so good. Gonna give it a try with Tasty’s recipe for vegan pulled pork burgers
Gina Marie
Awesome! So glad you loved the recipe!!