No-Cook Barbecue Sauce

No-Cook Barbecue Sauce
No-Cook Barbecue Sauce
Though I'm all for high-quality prepared sauces as shortcuts, I've never found a bottled vegan barbecue sauce I really like. But this nearly instant sauce is so easy that I've ended the search. It's especially good with tofu, tempeh, and seitan.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes about 1 1/2 cups
HarperCollins Sauce Grill/Barbecue Vegan Vegetarian Condiment Sauce Secrets
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 1/4 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon molasses (optional)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium natural soy sauce, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons good-quality chili powder, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil
  • Carbohydrate 16 g(5%)
  • Fat 1 g(1%)
  • Fiber 2 g(10%)
  • Protein 2 g(4%)
  • Saturated Fat 0 g(1%)
  • Sodium 964 mg(40%)
  • Calories 70

My Go-To No-Cook Barbecue Sauce: A Busy Woman's Best Friend

As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and making sure everyone gets a healthy meal on the table, I don't have a lot of time for elaborate recipes. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and delicious meals – and this no-cook barbecue sauce is a perfect example. I stumbled upon this recipe a while back and it's become a staple in my kitchen. It's incredibly versatile, unbelievably easy to make, and adds a burst of flavor to almost anything.

What I love most about this sauce is its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no hours of simmering – just a quick whisk and you're done! It's perfect for those weeknights when you're short on time but still want to create something flavorful and satisfying. I often use it to marinate tofu or tempeh before grilling or pan-frying. The sauce adds a beautiful smoky sweetness that complements the firm texture of the tofu perfectly. It's also fantastic as a glaze for roasted vegetables, a dipping sauce for veggie burgers, or even just as a topping for a simple salad. The possibilities are endless!

One of the reasons I appreciate this recipe so much is its adaptability. The amount of soy sauce and chili powder is easily adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder sauce, simply use less chili powder. If you're craving a bolder, spicier flavor, add a little more. The same goes for the soy sauce; you can adjust it to your liking. You can even experiment with other spices to add your unique twist. I've tried adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for an extra layer of complexity, and both additions worked beautifully.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its speed and versatility. You can whip it up in minutes, and it’s just as delicious used immediately as it is after it’s had some time to sit and mellow. Sometimes, if I have a little extra time, I’ll let the sauce sit for an hour or two to let the flavors really meld together – but honestly, it’s still fantastic even without that extra step. It’s perfect for last-minute weeknight meals, casual barbecues, or even a quick and flavorful addition to your lunch. The convenience factor alone makes this a recipe I’ll be using again and again.

This no-cook barbecue sauce has truly become a lifesaver in my busy kitchen. It's easy to make, incredibly delicious, and adds a touch of gourmet to even the simplest of meals. It's the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary genius without actually having to spend hours in the kitchen. And that's a feeling every busy woman can appreciate.

I highly recommend you try this recipe yourself. It’s so simple, so versatile, and so delicious – you won’t regret it! Once you taste it, you'll understand why it has become a staple in my home and probably will become a staple in your home as well. It’s the little things, the simple pleasures, that make life more enjoyable and this easy sauce is one of them.

Beyond the ease and flavor, this sauce is also incredibly healthy. It's vegan, naturally gluten-free (if you use tamari instead of soy sauce), and packed with flavor without relying on unhealthy additives and preservatives. It's a win-win situation!

So next time you're looking for a quick and easy way to add a burst of flavor to your meal, try my no-cook barbecue sauce. You might just find your new favorite condiment – as I did.

Step-by-step

    • Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
    • If time allows, cover and let stand at room temperature for an hour or so to allow the flavors to combine more fully.
    • If you need to use it right away, go ahead—it will still be quite good.