How to Make BBQ Sauce (Vegan Flavor Prep Basics)
This Vegan BBQ Sauce combines the sweet-and-tangy taste of St. Louis with the thick, rich body of Kansas City sauce! It's simple to make and easily customizable with ingredients you already have on hand.
Servings 28 tablespoons
Calories 27kcal
Equipment
- Medium Skillet or Pot
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 (or orange juice) optional
- 1 teaspoon tapioca or corn starch note 4
- 1 tablespoon water note 4
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: Tapioca or corn starch is optional if you find your sauce not thick enough. Also don't sleep on cooking techniques. For instance, allowing your sauce to simmer longer, uncovered allowing the sugars to caramelize and the sauce to reduce down (this works best if you aren't using sugar alternatives). Or even using 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
Serving: 1tablespoons | Calories: 27kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 145mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 0.4mg