America’s Test Kitchen Vegan Burger Sauce Recipe Made Easy

Who says vegan burgers can’t have that perfect creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky sauce that makes every bite memorable? America’s Test Kitchen has crafted a delicious vegan burger sauce recipe that elevates your plant-based patties to new heights.

Whether you’re grilling up black bean burgers or savoring a hearty lentil patty, this sauce adds the ideal balance of flavors without any dairy or eggs.

This sauce is a versatile staple that’s easy to whip up with simple pantry ingredients. It combines the richness of vegan mayonnaise, the zing of mustard, and a touch of sweetness and smokiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Best of all, it’s a great way to customize your vegan burger experience with a homemade touch that beats store-bought condiments any day.

If you love experimenting with vegan recipes, you might also enjoy exploring Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try baking something sweet like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

For baking enthusiasts, our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves is a perfect pairing with your burger feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan burger sauce is a game changer for plant-based meals. First, it’s incredibly easy to make—no fancy ingredients or long prep time.

Just a quick mix and you’re ready to elevate any vegan burger or sandwich.

Flavor-wise, it’s perfectly balanced: tangy, slightly sweet, with a subtle smoky undertone. It adds moisture and richness without overpowering the burger’s natural flavors.

Plus, it’s oil-free and dairy-free, making it ideal for those on a clean vegan diet.

Another reason to love it? The flexibility.

You can tweak the spice level or add herbs to suit your taste. Use it as a dip for fries or a spread for wraps—this sauce is delicious beyond just burgers.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Small storage container with lid
• Spatula (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the base ingredients. In your medium mixing bowl, add ½ cup of vegan mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Whisk these together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add sweet and tangy elements. Stir in 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. These ingredients bring a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity to the sauce.
3. Incorporate the spices. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the sauce.
4. Adjust consistency. If the sauce feels too thick for your liking, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water, one teaspoon at a time, whisking in between until you reach a spreadable consistency.
5. Taste and tweak. Give your sauce a final taste. Feel free to add a bit more maple syrup for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or smoked paprika for smokiness depending on your preference.
6. Chill before serving. Transfer the sauce to a small container, cover with a lid, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
7. Serve and enjoy. Slather this sauce on your favorite vegan burgers, sandwiches, or use as a dip for crispy fries.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: For an extra smoky kick, try adding a dash of liquid smoke. Just be careful; a little goes a long way!

You can easily customize this sauce to suit your taste buds. Swap out the smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer a milder flavor, or mix in a teaspoon of sriracha for some heat.

If you want it creamier, blend in a bit of avocado or vegan sour cream.

For a fresh herb twist, stir in chopped chives, parsley, or dill. These add a lovely brightness and color to the sauce, perfect for spring and summer burgers.

Storing: This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan burger sauce is a fantastic companion to almost any plant-based burger. Try it on your favorite black bean, chickpea, or lentil burger for a flavor boost.

It works wonderfully as a spread on toasted buns, adding moisture and zing.

Beyond burgers, use this sauce as a dip for fries, sweet potato wedges, or crispy tofu bites. It also makes a delightful spread for sandwiches and wraps, especially paired with grilled vegetables or vegan deli slices.

If you’re hosting a barbecue or potluck, bring this sauce along for guests to enjoy with their favorite vegan and vegetarian options. For more creamy vegan sauces to complement your meals, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or explore Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for hearty, comforting meals.

Conclusion

America’s Test Kitchen Vegan Burger Sauce is a must-have for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor to their plant-based burgers. It’s simple, quick, and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

The balance of tanginess, sweetness, and smokiness makes it a versatile condiment that complements more than just burgers.

Using this sauce, your vegan meals will feel indulgent and satisfying, perfect for casual dinners or special occasions alike. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the flavors and make it your own.

Pair it with fresh burgers or use it as a dip to discover all the delicious possibilities.

For more vegan inspiration, try out other recipes like Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or take a look at Soy Free Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals to diversify your cooking repertoire.

Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful, homemade vegan burger experience!

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