Best Vegan Plum Sauce Recipe for Delicious Dipping

There’s something undeniably special about homemade sauces, and if you’re looking for a sweet, tangy, and completely plant-based condiment to elevate your meal, this vegan plum sauce recipe is about to become your new kitchen staple.

Bursting with the sun-ripened flavor of fresh plums, balanced by the brightness of ginger and garlic, and finished with a hint of spice, this sauce is perfect for dipping, drizzling, or marinating. Forget the store-bought bottles filled with preservatives and artificial flavors; this recipe delivers authentic flavor with clean, simple ingredients.

Whether you’re serving crispy tofu, spring rolls, grilled vegetables, or even a creative vegan cheese board, this plum sauce brings a pop of color and a burst of flavor to every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make—no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required.

Read on to discover why this is the best vegan plum sauce recipe you’ll ever try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Completely Vegan: Made with 100% plant-based ingredients—no animal products or byproducts.
• Fresh & Flavorful: Uses ripe plums and natural seasonings for a taste that’s vibrant and authentic.
• Versatile: Perfect as a dip, marinade, glaze, or stir-fry sauce. It pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired dishes and beyond.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal equipment make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Customizable: Adjust sweetness, acidity, or spice to suit your preferences.
• Preservative-Free: No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives—just wholesome, real food.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully for future meals.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for extra smoothness)
• Blender or immersion blender
• Heatproof jar or container for storage

Instructions

1. Prep the plums:

   Wash the plums thoroughly, remove the pits, and chop them into small pieces. If you prefer a very smooth sauce, you can peel the plums, but leaving the skins on adds color and nutrients.

2. Combine ingredients:

   In a medium saucepan, add the chopped plums, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), grated ginger, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and water.

3. Simmer:

   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

   Stir occasionally, and use the back of your spoon to mash the plums as they soften.

4. Blend:

   Once the plums are completely soft and the mixture has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let cool slightly, then blend until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.

   For a chunkier sauce, blend less or mash with a potato masher.

5. Thicken:

   Return the sauce to the saucepan. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry.

   Stir this into the sauce and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).

6. Taste and adjust:

   Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, acidity, or spice as needed. Add a splash more vinegar or a pinch more sugar if desired.

7. Strain (optional):

   If you want an ultra-smooth sauce, pour it through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl or jar, discarding any solids.

8. Cool and store:

   Let the sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer to a sterilized heatproof jar or container.

   Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

• Make it gluten-free:
  Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Control the sweetness:
  Plum sweetness varies greatly. If yours are especially tart, add a little more sugar. For very sweet plums, reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup.
• Add extra spice:
  For a spicier kick, increase the red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Try different vinegars:
  Rice vinegar is classic, but apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work well too.
• Freeze in small portions:
  Pour cooled sauce into an ice cube tray, freeze, and transfer cubes to a bag for easy, single-use portions.
• Use other stone fruits:
  This basic method works with apricots, nectarines, or even peaches for a fun twist.
• Get creative:
  Stir in a touch of orange zest, star anise, or a splash of vegan Worcestershire for more complexity.

“Don’t rush the simmer! Allowing the plums to cook down fully unlocks their natural sweetness and deepens the sauce’s flavor.”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients and amounts used.

Serving Suggestions

• Spring Rolls & Dumplings:
  Serve as a dipping sauce for fresh or fried spring rolls, potstickers, or vegan dumplings.
• Glazed Tofu or Tempeh:
  Brush over pan-fried or baked tofu/tempeh in the final minutes of cooking.
• Stir-Fries:
  Add a few spoonfuls to your favorite vegetable stir-fry for a sweet-savory finish.
• Grilled or Roasted Veggies:
  Drizzle over roasted carrots, cauliflower, or eggplant for a vibrant glaze.
• Sandwiches & Wraps:
  Spread on vegan “chicken” sandwiches, wraps, or even burgers for a pop of flavor.
• Cheese Boards:
  Pair with your favorite vegan cheese pennies and fruits for a unique grazing board.
• Rice Bowls:
  Drizzle over steamed rice bowls with edamame, vegetables, and plant-based protein.

Conclusion

This vegan plum sauce recipe is proof that plant-based eating never has to sacrifice flavor or versatility. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a sauce that’s bright, tangy, and deeply satisfying.

Homemade plum sauce is transformative—bringing new life to everything from tofu to roasted veggies, and impressing at gatherings as a unique addition to snack boards.

If you enjoyed this recipe, why not explore more homemade vegan sauces or pair it with a sweet treat like Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream? For more savory inspiration, try it alongside Chipotle Black Beans and Rice or browse other creative recipes on our blog.

Making your own sauces is a delicious way to take control of your kitchen and your health—so grab those plums and get cooking!

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