BBQ Sauce

While this homemade condiment is naturally vegetarian and vegan, we have also included instructions in the FAQ section on how to make it gluten free as well.

BBQ SAUCE INGREDIENTS

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for homemade barbecue sauce, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

You may have all of these vegan BBQ sauce ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store. See recipe card below for ingredient amounts.

• Tomato Sauce: This helps create the tomato flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar gives the barbecue sauce a slightly tangy flavor and balances out the sweetness.
• Honey: You can use any kind of honey. It adds a subtle natural sweetness, but you can also use brown sugar or maple syrup if you prefer.
• Tomato Paste: We prefer to buy tomato paste in a tube so you can just use a little and save the rest.
• Molasses: This helps sweeten and thicken the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy and savory notes to create a rich flavor.
• Liquid Smoke: Don’t skip this key ingredient. It adds the nice smokey flavor BBQ sauce is famous for.
• Paprika: You can substitute smoked paprika, if you like your sauce extra smokey!
• Garlic Powder
• Black Pepper
• Onion Powder
• Salt

INSTRUCTIONS

This section shows how to cook barbecue sauce on the stovetop, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full instructions, nutritional information, to print the recipe or to have the recipe scaled to double or triple, see the recipe card below.

GATHER INGREDIENTS: Measure and gather all your ingredients before beginning.

COMBINE INGREDIENTS: Whisk all ingredients together in a medium saucepan.

🔴 TIP: You can substitute brown sugar, for the molasses or honey.

SIMMER: Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce reaches a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer (uncovered) for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.

🔴 TIP: Taste the sauce as it is simmering. Careful, it’s hot! Add seasonings according to your taste.

SERVE: Use the sauce immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week.

STORAGE TIPS

Refrigerate: Store this BBQ sauce in an airtight container or glass jars in the fridge for up to a week.

Freeze: You can also freeze any leftover BBQ sauce in case you are not planning on using within a week. Transfer the homemade sauce into a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 6 months.

Defrosting: BBQ sauce thaws well overnight in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using it.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH BBQ SAUCE

Serve this slightly spicy and tangy BBQ sauce over any kind of meat, such as BBQ Chicken Pineapple Kabobs, BBQ Ribs, Grilled Shrimp Skewers or Grilled Chipotle Chicken Kabobs.

You can also use this mouthwatering vegetarian sauce to make amazing Crockpot BBQ Meatballs or delicious BBQ Chicken Nachos.

MORE HOMEMADE CONDIMENT RECIPES

If you love love smokey barbecue sauce you’ll also enjoy our Cilantro Lime Sour Cream, Homemade Tartar Sauce, Balsamic Glaze, or Mango Habanero Salsa.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For perfect results every time, here are answers to the most common questions about cooking smokey barbecue sauce.