Apricot Barbecue Sauce Recipe Vegan and Delicious Ideas

Are you craving a barbecue sauce that’s bursting with fruity flavor but completely vegan-friendly? Look no further than this delightful apricot barbecue sauce recipe!

Combining the natural sweetness of ripe apricots with the tangy and smoky goodness of classic barbecue flavors, this sauce will elevate any plant-based dish. Whether you’re grilling tofu, drizzling over roasted vegetables, or using it as a dipping sauce, this apricot barbecue sauce offers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory notes.

This recipe is simple to make, requiring only a handful of wholesome ingredients you may already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s entirely free from animal products, refined sugars, and artificial additives—making it a healthy, guilt-free addition to your vegan kitchen.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with a sauce that’s as versatile as it is delicious. For more creative vegan recipes, check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apricot barbecue sauce stands out because it perfectly balances sweetness and tang, without relying on any animal products or processed sugars. The natural fruit sugars in apricots bring a unique depth that pairs wonderfully with smoky spices and a hint of heat.

It’s incredibly versatile—use it as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce.

Because it’s homemade, you control the ingredients and can tailor the sauce to your taste preferences. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, with a rich, thick texture that clings beautifully to your favorite vegan BBQ dishes.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, this sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Blender or immersion blender
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Storage jar or bottle

Instructions

1. Prepare the apricots: If using fresh apricots, wash, pit, and chop them into small pieces. If frozen, thaw slightly so they blend easily.
2. Cook the apricots: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped apricots with ¼ cup of water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apricots soften and begin to break down—about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add the base ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4. Season the sauce: Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, liquid smoke (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend the spices evenly.
5. Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra water, a tablespoon at a time, if the sauce becomes too thick.
6. Blend the sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the sauce until smooth and creamy. Be careful with hot liquids—blend in batches if needed.
7. Adjust flavor and texture: Taste your sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more maple syrup for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or smoked paprika for smokiness.
8. Cool and store: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. Refrigerate for up to two weeks. The flavors will deepen as it rests.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a chunkier sauce, pulse the apricots in the blender instead of pureeing completely smooth. This adds a nice texture for dipping.

Variation: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick. For a smokier flavor, increase the liquid smoke slightly, but don’t overdo it—too much can overpower the apricot’s sweetness.

Make it freezer-friendly: This sauce freezes beautifully in ice cube trays or airtight containers. Defrost in the fridge overnight before use.

Want to try other vegan sauces as well? Check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Vegan Caviar Recipe: Easy, Tasty, and Luxurious Guide for more inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredient brands and specific measurements used.

Serving Suggestions

This apricot barbecue sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many vegan dishes. Use it as a glaze on grilled tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a smoky-sweet finish.

It’s also fantastic drizzled over roasted vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.

Try it as a dipping sauce for crispy baked chickpeas or vegan nuggets, or spread it inside sandwiches and wraps for an extra burst of flavor. For a delicious meal idea, brush it over vegan burgers or mix it with cooked lentils for a flavorful BBQ lentil bowl.

For more creative vegan meals that complement this sauce, explore our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complete your BBQ feast.

Conclusion

This apricot barbecue sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a flavorful, vegan-friendly condiment that’s both easy to make and incredibly versatile. Its rich balance of sweet apricot, tangy vinegar, and smoky spices brings a fresh twist to traditional barbecue flavors without any animal products.

Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy indoor meals, this sauce will quickly become a pantry staple. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and free from artificial additives, making it a healthy choice you can feel good about.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based options to your diet, give this apricot barbecue sauce a try and enjoy the delicious results!

Don’t forget to check out more tasty vegan recipes on our blog, like the Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for a global flavor adventure.

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