Best Vegetarian Barbecue Sauce Recipes for Every Meal

Barbecue sauce is the heart and soul of any great grill session, and luckily for vegetarians, there’s no shortage of delicious, smoky, and tangy sauces to elevate your plant-based BBQ dishes. Whether you’re slathering it on grilled vegetables, tofu, tempeh, or even veggie burgers, the right barbecue sauce can add depth and excitement to every bite.

In this post, we’ll explore the best vegetarian barbecue sauce recipes that capture the classic flavors of traditional BBQ without any meat products.

From sweet and smoky to spicy and tangy, these sauces are made with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make at home with pantry staples.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with these luscious sauces that prove vegetarian BBQ can be just as satisfying and delicious as the original.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegetarian barbecue sauce recipes are perfect for anyone seeking bold, smoky flavors without relying on animal products. They use natural ingredients like tomato paste, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and smoky spices to replicate that classic BBQ taste.

You’ll find options that suit a variety of palates—whether you prefer a sweeter sauce, something with a little heat, or a tangy, vinegar-forward blend.

Not only are these sauces healthier and free from preservatives found in many store-bought varieties, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can tweak the sweetness, spice level, or smokiness to your liking, making them ideal for grilling veggies, marinating tofu, or dressing up your favorite plant-based dishes.

Ingredients

• Tomato paste – 1 cup
• Apple cider vinegar – 1/4 cup
• Maple syrup or molasses – 1/4 cup
• Water – 1/4 cup
• Smoked paprika – 2 tsp
• Garlic powder – 1 tsp
• Onion powder – 1 tsp
• Ground cumin – 1/2 tsp
• Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Chili powder – 1 tsp (optional for heat)
• Liquid smoke – 1 tsp (optional for extra smokiness)
• Yellow mustard – 1 tbsp
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp (check ingredients for anchovies)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Spatula
• Heatproof container or jar for storage

Instructions

1. Combine the base ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (or molasses), and water until smooth.
2. Add spices and flavorings: Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, black pepper, salt, and chili powder if using. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
3. Incorporate wet seasonings: Add the yellow mustard, liquid smoke, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir to blend evenly.
4. Simmer gently: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly.
5. Taste and adjust: Taste your sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more sweetness, vinegar, or spices to suit your preference.
6. Cool and store: Remove from heat and let the barbecue sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer to a heatproof container or jar and refrigerate. The sauce will keep well for up to two weeks.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder. To make it smokier, increase the liquid smoke or add smoked salt.

If you prefer a fruitier BBQ sauce, stir in some pureed peaches or pineapple during simmering for a tropical twist.

• Sweet and Tangy: Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
• Asian-Inspired BBQ: Add soy sauce, grated ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar for an umami-rich sauce perfect for tofu or tempeh bowls.
• Mustard-Based BBQ: Increase mustard to 3 tbsp and reduce tomato paste by half for a tangy, South Carolina-style sauce. Add a pinch of turmeric for authenticity.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This versatile vegetarian barbecue sauce is a perfect companion for grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and portobello mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with grilled tofu, tempeh, or seitan, adding a smoky, tangy layer of flavor that elevates any dish.

Try it as a dipping sauce for crispy baked cauliflower wings or drizzle it over roasted sweet potatoes for a mouthwatering twist. You can even mix it into vegan mac and cheese for a smoky BBQ flair—check out our Community Bbq Mac And Cheese Recipe for inspiration.

Best Vegetarian Barbecue Sauce Recipes

Classic Smoky BBQ Sauce

This sauce balances smoky, sweet, and tangy notes for a traditional barbecue flavor without any meat. Perfect for all your plant-based grilling needs.

• Ingredients: 1 cup tomato paste, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup molasses, 1/4 cup water, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp liquid smoke, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.

1. Mix all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Adjust seasoning and cool before storing.

Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce

A smoky sauce with a spicy kick, enhanced with chipotle powder and a touch of cayenne.

• Ingredients: 1 cup tomato paste, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp liquid smoke, 1 tbsp yellow mustard.

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
3. Cool and store in the fridge.

Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce

A South Carolina-inspired mustard-forward sauce with a bright, tangy flavor, perfect for those who love a less sweet option.

• Ingredients: 1/2 cup yellow mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.

1. Whisk all ingredients together in a saucepan.
2. Heat until warm, then simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Cool and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Sweet and Fruity Peach BBQ Sauce

Adding fresh or canned peaches gives this sauce a lovely fruity sweetness that’s perfect for summer grilling parties.

• Ingredients: 1 cup tomato paste, 1/2 cup peach puree, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp yellow mustard.

1. Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Simmer gently for 20 minutes to blend flavors.
3. Allow to cool before serving.

Conclusion

Creating your own vegetarian barbecue sauce is a wonderful way to add vibrant, smoky, and complex flavors to your plant-based dishes. These recipes prove that you don’t need meat or artificial additives to enjoy a rich, satisfying BBQ experience.

With simple pantry staples and a few minutes of simmering, you can whip up sauces that perfectly complement grilled veggies, tofu, tempeh, and more.

Feel free to experiment with the sweetness, spice, and smokiness levels until you find your perfect blend. And if you’re looking for more inspiration beyond sauces, don’t miss our flavorful Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.

Happy grilling and saucing!

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