Healthy BBQ Sauce (No Ketchup, Vegan)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
52 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Healthy BBQ Sauce (No Ketchup, Vegan)
Description
The recipe starts by sautéing chopped onion until caramelized, which adds natural sweetness and depth. Garlic is added briefly to develop aroma without burning. The base ingredients including tomato sauce, maple syrup or chopped dates, apple cider and balsamic vinegars, molasses, tamari, and spices such as smoked paprika and chili powder are added together with water to the pan to simmer and reduce slightly.
After cooking, the sauce cools and is blended until smooth to create a thick, evenly textured barbecue sauce. The flavor balances sweet, smoky, acidic, and savory notes without ketchup or animal products, making it suitable for vegans and those avoiding ketchup.
This sauce works well as a condiment with grilled vegetables, tofu, or plant-based proteins, and can be refrigerated for about a week in an airtight container. Adjust spices to your preferred heat and sweetness level.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup water divided
- 1 cup tomato sauce This is just cooked, pureed tomatoes + salt; often sold in 8 oz. cans.
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or 4-5 large medjool dates, pitted & chopped
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon tamari gluten-free; or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt fine sea salt
- pinch of black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 3-4 drops liquid smoke optional
Instructions
- Preheat a large saute pan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow some color and caramelization to develop in the pan. You'll deglaze with water and other ingredients in a few minutes.
- Once the onion is golden, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn't burn. Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup water.
- Add the remaining ingredients: tomato sauce, ½ cup water, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup (or dates), molasses, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, black pepper, salt, tamari, and liquid smoke, if using. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until slightly reduced.
- Remove from heat and let cool 15 minutes. Transfer to a blender, and blend until smooth. Pour into a jar, and allow to cool. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Store finished BBQ sauce in an airtight jar refrigerated for up to one week.
- Adjust sweetness using maple syrup or swap with dates for a natural alternative.
- Incorporate optional liquid smoke and cayenne for increased smoky heat, if desired.
- Caramelizing onions slowly enhances the sauce's natural sweetness and complexity.
- Use tamari for gluten-free soy sauce option.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 52 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 52kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 505mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 181mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 245IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 26mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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