If you’re looking to elevate your barbecue game with a sweet, tangy, and smoky sauce that perfectly complements your favorite grilled dishes, look no further than this Apricot Barbecue Sauce inspired by the beloved Veganomicon.
This sauce is a deliciously vibrant blend of ripe apricots, rich tomato base, and a medley of spices that come together to create a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re tossing it on grilled veggies, tofu, or your favorite plant-based patties, this sauce adds a burst of summer sunshine to every bite.
Plus, it’s entirely vegan, making it a crowd-pleaser for all dietary preferences.
The beauty of this apricot barbecue sauce is its versatility and ease of preparation. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples, and it stores well for days, so you always have a flavorful condiment ready to go.
As someone who loves exploring plant-based recipes, I’m thrilled to share this gem with you. For more creative vegan recipes, check out my Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or try the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet finish to your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This apricot barbecue sauce is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire for several reasons. First, it combines the natural sweetness of apricots with the smoky depth of traditional barbecue flavors, creating a unique sauce that stands out from the standard ketchup-based versions.
Second, it’s 100% vegan and made from wholesome ingredients, so you can enjoy it guilt-free without sacrificing flavor. It’s also gluten-free and soy-free, making it accessible for many dietary needs.
The sauce’s thick and sticky texture clings beautifully to grilled foods, providing a luscious coating.
Finally, it’s incredibly easy to customize! You can adjust the spice level, sweetness, or tanginess to suit your taste buds.
Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or just want a flavorful dipping sauce, this apricot barbecue sauce will quickly become a staple.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Dried apricots | 1 cup |
Water | 1 cup (plus 1/4 cup for thinning) |
Ketchup | 1/2 cup |
Apple cider vinegar | 1/4 cup |
Brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
Onion powder | 1 tsp |
Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
Ground mustard | 1/2 tsp |
Liquid smoke (optional) | 1/4 tsp |
Salt | 1/2 tsp (or to taste) |
Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Heatproof bowl or container for soaking apricots
- Storage jar or airtight container
Instructions
- Soak the apricots: Place the dried apricots in a heatproof bowl and pour 1 cup of boiling water over them. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until they soften and become plump.
- Prepare the apricot puree: Drain the apricots, reserving the soaking liquid. Transfer the apricots to a blender or food processor. Add 3/4 cup of the reserved soaking liquid and blend until smooth. If the puree is too thick, add more reserved liquid to reach a smooth but thick consistency.
- Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the apricot puree, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and liquid smoke if using.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should thicken and develop a rich flavor.
- Season to taste: Add salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, stir in up to 1/4 cup of water to loosen it. Adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more brown sugar or vinegar if desired.
- Cool and store: Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool completely. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors will deepen after a few hours or overnight.
Tips & Variations
Pro tip: For an extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder or smoked sea salt instead of liquid smoke. This gives a more complex heat and smokiness perfect for BBQ lovers.
If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse the apricots in the blender instead of pureeing them completely. This will lend a rustic texture to the sauce.
Try swapping dried apricots for peaches or mangoes for a tropical twist on this barbecue sauce.
For a sugar-free option, substitute the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or date syrup. You can browse other sweet vegan dessert ideas like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for more inspiration.
This sauce also freezes well. Pour it into ice cube trays for easy portioning and thaw as needed, perfect for quick meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp serving |
---|---|
Calories | 45 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 11g |
Sugars | 9g |
Fat | 0g |
Protein | 0.3g |
Sodium | 150mg |
Fiber | 0.5g |
Serving Suggestions
This Apricot Barbecue Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of dishes. Brush it on grilled tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a smoky-sweet glaze that will impress at any cookout.
It’s also fantastic as a dipping sauce for crispy oven-baked cauliflower wings or roasted vegetable skewers. For a fun twist, drizzle it over vegan burgers or sandwiches to add a flavorful punch.
To complement this sauce, explore other flavorful vegan dishes like Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or light sides such as Green Beans Vegan Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Healthy to round out your meal.
Conclusion
Whipping up your own apricot barbecue sauce inspired by Veganomicon is a delightful way to add a fresh, fruity, and smoky element to your plant-based cooking. This sauce not only elevates grilled dishes but also offers a wholesome, vegan-friendly alternative to store-bought options loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor and suitable for a variety of meals. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply want to brighten up your weeknight dinners, this sauce is a must-try.
Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite spices and sweeteners to make it uniquely yours. For more easy and delicious vegan recipes, visit the Veganomicon Recipes Online: Best Dishes to Try Today and explore the wonderful world of plant-based cooking.
📖 Recipe Card: Apricot Barbecue Sauce Recipe Veganomicon
Description: A tangy and sweet vegan barbecue sauce featuring apricots and smoky spices. Perfect for grilling or as a versatile condiment.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 1 1/2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine apricots and water in a small saucepan and simmer until apricots soften, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer apricots and cooking water to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Return puree to saucepan and stir in tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and soy sauce.
- Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
- Simmer sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool before serving or storing.
Nutrition: Calories: 70 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Carbs: 17g
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