BBQ Sauce Recipe Vegan Sugar Free Grain Free Delight

Updated On: September 30, 2025

If you’ve been searching for the perfect vegan, sugar-free, and grain-free BBQ sauce that packs a punch without any of the usual additives, you’re in the right place! Traditional BBQ sauces often contain hidden sugars, gluten, or ingredients that don’t align with a clean, plant-based lifestyle.

This recipe is crafted to deliver all the smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors you crave, while keeping it healthy and allergy-friendly.

Whether you’re grilling veggies, marinating tofu, or looking for a dipping sauce that complements your favorite dishes, this BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile and easy to make. Plus, it uses simple pantry staples with no refined sugars or grains, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Let’s dive into creating this flavorful sauce that will quickly become your go-to condiment for all things BBQ!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ sauce recipe offers a fantastic balance of smoky, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors, all while being completely free of animal products, added sugars, and grains. It’s perfect for anyone following a vegan or paleo lifestyle, or those who just want to reduce sugar intake without compromising on taste.

Made with natural sweeteners like date paste and rich, umami-packed tomato paste, the sauce has a thick, luscious texture that clings beautifully to your favorite grilled or roasted foods. Plus, it comes together in just about 10 minutes with minimal equipment, so you can enjoy fresh homemade BBQ sauce any time.

From backyard cookouts to weeknight dinners, this sauce is sure to impress family and friends alike. If you love experimenting with plant-based recipes, you might also enjoy our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or discover how to make a Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat with natural sweetness.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Tomato paste 1/2 cup
Apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup
Date paste (for natural sweetness) 3 tablespoons
Coconut aminos (soy-free alternative to soy sauce) 2 tablespoons
Smoked paprika 1 tablespoon
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Onion powder 1 teaspoon
Ground mustard 1 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Sea salt 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
Water (to adjust consistency) 2-4 tablespoons

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork for mixing
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Small saucepan (optional, for warming if preferred)
  • Air-tight container or jar for storage

Instructions

  1. Combine the base ingredients: In your medium mixing bowl, add the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and date paste. Stir these together until smooth and well combined.
  2. Add the flavor boosters: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, black pepper, and sea salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  3. Incorporate the umami: Pour in the coconut aminos. This ingredient adds a rich depth of flavor and replaces soy sauce in this grain-free recipe.
  4. Adjust the consistency: Slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition until you reach your preferred thickness. The sauce should be pourable but still thick enough to cling to your food.
  5. Optional warming: If you prefer a smoother and more melded sauce, transfer it to a small saucepan and gently warm over low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step also helps the flavors marry beautifully.
  6. Cool and store: Allow the sauce to cool completely if warmed, then transfer to an air-tight jar or container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will deepen over time.

Tips & Variations

“For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of chipotle powder.”

Feel free to customize this BBQ sauce to suit your taste buds. If you’re not using date paste, you can substitute with a couple of tablespoons of pureed cooked sweet potato or carrot for natural sweetness.

Want a smoky flavor without smoked paprika? Try liquid smoke, but use sparingly—start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase as needed.

For a chunkier BBQ sauce, consider adding finely grated onion or a small amount of diced bell pepper. This adds texture and fresh flavor.

If you love bold flavors, experiment with fresh minced garlic or a splash of lemon juice to brighten things up.

Lastly, if you want to explore more plant-based sauces and dips, check out our Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite or our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 2 tbsp Serving
Calories 35
Fat 0.2 g
Carbohydrates 8 g
Fiber 1.5 g
Sugar (natural from dates) 5 g
Protein 0.5 g
Sodium 180 mg

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

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile and a wonderful addition to many dishes. Try it as a marinade for grilled tofu or tempeh, or brush it on roasted vegetables like cauliflower, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes for a smoky, tangy finish.

It also works beautifully as a dipping sauce for crispy baked fries or veggie nuggets. For a hearty meal, drizzle it over a vegan burger or sandwich to add that classic BBQ flavor without any added sugar or grains.

If you’re cooking a full plant-based barbecue feast, pair this sauce with our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas or explore some smoky, meatless options from Smoker Recipes Vegetarian: Tasty Meat-Free BBQ Ideas.

Conclusion

This vegan, sugar-free, and grain-free BBQ sauce is a game changer for anyone looking to enjoy bold, rich BBQ flavors without compromising on health or dietary restrictions. It’s an easy recipe that comes together quickly using wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just trying to cut back on sugar and grains, this sauce offers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes that elevate any dish. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your personal taste preferences, making it a versatile staple in your kitchen.

Don’t forget to explore more of our delicious plant-based recipes, like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complete your homemade meal.

Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful, wholesome BBQ experience!

📖 Recipe Card: BBQ Sauce Recipe Vegan Sugar Free Grain Free

Description: A tangy and smoky BBQ sauce that's completely vegan, sugar-free, and grain-free. Perfect for dipping or glazing your favorite dishes.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Whisk together until smooth.
  3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool.
  6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition: Calories: 70 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 6g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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