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Apricot BBQ Sauce

The flavor of this sauce is amazing. No more buying jars of salty, high fructose corn syrup BBQ sauces! Take the extra time and make your own. This recipe comes from Veganomicon. The original recipe called for whole apricots, but I've also made this using 1/2 - 3/4 cup apricot preserves or fruit spread, and saved a couple steps. Great over baked tofu, tempeh or seitan strips.

4.5 · 2 reviewsRecipe card by Kozmic BluesEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
FruitLow ProteinVeganLow CholesterolHealthySavory
Apricot BBQ Sauce

Total time

35 min

Servings

1

Calories

218.5

Category

Sauces

Elevate your favorite plant-based meals with this vibrant Apricot BBQ Sauce. This vegan, low-protein, and cholesterol-free recipe balances the natural sweetness of sun-ripened apricots with a savory, tangy depth that perfectly complements grilled vegetables, tofu, or tempeh. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the ultimate healthy homemade glaze for your next BBQ.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

  • 1 canola oil
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 1/2 apricots
  • 1/2 vegetable broth
  • 1/4 water
  • 1/4 ground ginger
  • 1/4 ground coriander
  • 2 fresh ground black pepper
  • 3 molasses
  • 1 pure maple syrup
  • soy sauce
  • liquid smoke

Method

  1. In a saucepan over medium high heat, saute the onions in the oil for 7-10 minutes, until browned.

  2. Add garlic and saute another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. Add the vegetable broth to deglaze the pan.

  4. Add apricots, ginger, coriander and pepper.

  5. Cover and bring to a boil.

  6. Lower heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes or until apricots are soft.

  7. Uncover and add remaining ingredients.

  8. Continue to cook another 10 minutes, stirring and mashing the apricots.

  9. Remove from the heat and let cool.

  10. Transfer to blender and puree until smooth.

  11. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Cook's notes

  • Use fresh, ripe apricots for the best flavor profile, but canned apricots in juice (drained) work well out of season.
  • For a deeper smoky flavor, add a half-teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
  • Blend until completely smooth if you prefer a restaurant-style consistency, or leave it slightly chunky for a rustic texture.
  • If the sauce is too thick after simmering, stir in a tablespoon of water or apple cider vinegar to reach your desired consistency.

Easy swaps

  • Replace fresh apricots with dried apricots—just simmer them in water for 10 minutes longer to soften before blending.
  • Use agave nectar or maple syrup to adjust the sweetness level to your preference.
  • Swap apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar or lemon juice for a different acidic brightness.
  • Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño during the simmering process.

Frequently asked

Is this Apricot BBQ Sauce gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your soy sauce or liquid aminos are certified gluten-free if you choose to include them.

Can I use this sauce as a marinade?

Absolutely! It works beautifully as a marinade for tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit. Let your protein soak for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Is this sauce suitable for a low-protein diet?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally low in protein, making it an excellent flavor-packed addition to low-protein meal plans.

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