Become an instant kitchen hero with this collection of easy, homemade vegan sauce recipes. From bold and spicy to creamy and herbaceous, find your new favorite plant-based condiment right here!
Plant-based eating is all about discovery, and what better way to enhance your dishes than with the perfect vegan sauce recipes? Welcome to our curated collection of the crème de la crème of vegan condiments. These show-stopping plant-based recipes are liquid gold, drawn from my kitchen, as well as other top vegan bloggers keeping it saucy.
They’re also conversation starters, illustrating how recipes can be powerful tools for connection. Whether it’s giving a cozy hug to a bowl of pasta or jazzing up a humble roasted veggie, these vegan sauce recipes promise more than just flavor—they transform meals into experiences.
Vegan Sauce Recipes: Organized By Flavor Profile
We’ve got a whole rainbow of flavors lined up—ones that make your tastes buds sit up and take notice. We’ve divided them into categories that capture some of the five tastes, like Savory & Umami, Sweet & Tangy, and Spicy & Bold. Think of it as your roadmap to flavortown and beyond. Need a rich, umami-packed glaze? We’ve got a vegan stroganoff sauce that’s as dreamy as a cloud. Craving something that packs a punch? Try a drizzle of vegan sriracha mayo that brings just the right amount of heat. Each one of these vegan sauce recipes delivers not just taste, but a whole vibe.
As you explore this handpicked roundup of the best vegan sauces, get ready for some serious kitchen inspiration. These sauces are more than just tasty—they’re a celebration of joy, color, and plant-based fun in every meal. So buckle up and prepare as we dish out the best vegan sauce recipes!
Savory & Umami Vegan Sauce Recipes
Let’s start off with umami-rich sauces. Often described as the fifth taste, umami is a rich and savory flavor that’s key to delicious plant-based cooking. It elevates meals by adding depth and complexity, making simple dishes taste extraordinary. In this section, we explore how the right vegan sauce recipes can transform everyday ingredients into deeply flavorful, extraordinary experiences. Get ready to add some secret sauce to your next savory dish!
In these vegan sauce recipes, you’ll find some umami-rich ingredients like:
- Garlic: A staple in culinary traditions worldwide, garlic intensifies any sauce with its pungent, savory quality. It’s essential for building a deep flavor base in vegan sauce recipes.
- Miso Paste: Miso paste, with its rich umami flavor, offers a complex profile that greatly enhances vegan sauces and gravies. It’s perfect for adding depth and a savory punch to plant-based dishes.
- Mushrooms: Naturally rich in umami, mushrooms add an earthy, meaty quality to vegan cooking. They are versatile and enhance the flavor profile of sauces, stews, and broths.
- Nutritional Yeast: This vegan superfood brings a cheesy, nutty flavor to dishes, making it a favorite for enriching the taste of vegan sauces. It’s also packed with nutrients, adding both flavor and health benefits to meals.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Known for their smoky sweetness, roasted red peppers complement bold umami flavors in vegan sauces. They add a vibrant color and rich texture to any sauce they grace.
- Seaweed: Seaweed is a secret weapon in vegan cooking, often used in small amounts to impart a deep umami taste. Its subtle brininess is ideal for enhancing the complexity of vegan broths and sauces.
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: These fermented condiments add a salty depth and are staples in many savory dishes. Soy sauce and tamari are indispensable for achieving the classic umami flavor in vegan cuisine.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: With their concentrated tomato flavor, sun-dried tomatoes add a robust taste and a burst of umami to vegan sauces and spreads. They bring a rich, tangy sweetness that can transform a simple dish.
- Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: This plant-based version of the classic sauce enhances flavors with its savory, slightly tangy profile. Vegan Worcestershire sauce is perfect for adding a complex depth to stews, spreads, and marinades.
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
I love this roasted red pepper sauce so much. It’s one of my favorite vegan sauce recipes! It adds a cheesy, savory flavor to pasta, making it an amazing vegan mac and cheese sauce. Roasted red peppers, shiro miso, and nutritional yeast pack a punch in this umami-rich sauce.
Savory Gochujang Sauce
This gochujang sauce is perfect for cauliflower, but is also great for tofu, prepared plant-based meats, hearty seitan, and soy curls. Gochujang and soy sauce join forces to create this vegan sauce that will keep you coming back for another bite!
Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Sauce
This vegan sauce recipe is packed with umami ingredients like mushrooms and vegan Worcestershire to create a lush sauce for drenching over noodles.
Savory Miso Gravy
This vegan miso gravy recipe created by Sophia over at Wholehearted Eats is packed with miso, tamari, plant-based butter, and garlic. Smother over mashed potatoes or poutine for a umami-rich dish!
Korean BBQ Sauce
This vegan Korean BBQ sauce from Rachel at Health My Lifestyle offers a balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for marinating or as a glaze, it brings a rich umami depth to any dish, enhancing your vegan barbecue options.
Romesco Sauce
This roasted red pepper romesco sauce by Nkechi over at Nkechi Ajaeroh uses roasted red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes to create this classic Spanish sauce. Serve it with grilled or raw vegetables, crackers, or as a sandwich spread!
Vegan Butter And Garlic Sauce
Drench your ramen noodles with this savory sauce packed with plant-based, cultured vegan butter, soy sauce, and garlic. This is one of the best vegan sauce recipes for noodle lovers. Top with your vegan protein of choice and discover your new weeknight dinner bestie!
Gochujang Glaze
This glaze clings perfectly to deep-fried tofu, making it a standout vegan dish. Gochujang and garlic add umami depth to this incredibly delicious and one of my favorite vegan sauce recipes!
Fermented Black Bean Sauce
Looking for vegan sauce ideas for dinner? Tofu gets a glow up with this deeply flavorful black bean sauce with hits of Chinese 5-spice powder and garlic. Caramelized tofu and onions pack another power umami punch!
Seaweed-Matcha Butter Sauce
This seaweed matcha butter sauce has cultured vegan butter, seaweed seasoning, and matcha powder for a unique and delicious spin on vegan sauces for pasta. Add some seared vegan scallops for a mind-blowing vegan seafood dish!
Spicy & Bold Vegan Sauces
Fire up your taste buds with these Spicy & Bold sauces. These easy vegan sauce recipes pack a punch with ingredients that dial up the heat and enhance flavors in a big way. Whether it’s adding a zesty kick to your favorite snack or a bold twist to a traditional meal, these sauce recipes are all about celebrating the power of spice in vegan cooking.
Why do we love spicy? It’s not just the heat; it’s the way these flavors can transform a meal, bringing a lively energy that’s both invigorating and satisfying. Whether it’s adding a fiery touch to a stir-fry or giving a zesty twist to dips, these spicy homemade sauces are about more than heat—they enhance and intensify the natural flavors of the dish.
In these vegan sauce recipes, you’ll find some bold and spicy ingredients like:
- Dried Chiles: Dried chiles pack a potent punch of heat and smokiness, infusing dishes with depth and complexity. Whether whole, crushed, or powdered, they’re a pantry staple for adding fiery flavor to sauces, stews, and marinades.
- Fresh Chiles: From the mild poblano to the fiery habanero, fresh chiles come in a range of heat levels and flavors, making them versatile for adding spice to dishes. Whether chopped, sliced, or roasted, they bring vibrant color and bold flavor to salsas, curries, and soups.
- Horseradish: Horseradish is a root vegetable with a strong, pungent flavor and heat. Whether grated fresh or prepared as a condiment, it adds a bold, spicy kick to sauces, dips, and spreads.
- Jalapeños: Jalapeños strike the perfect balance between heat and flavor, adding a kick without overwhelming the palate. Whether pickled, roasted, or fresh, they’re a versatile ingredient in everything from tacos to salsas, adding a zesty heat to any dish.
- Sambal: Sambal, a spicy chili paste, adds a fiery kick and depth of flavor to Southeast Asian dishes. Made from a blend of chili peppers, vinegar, and spices, it’s a versatile condiment that can be used as a dip, marinade, or seasoning.
- Sichuan Pepper Corns: Sichuan peppercorns provide a unique numbing sensation along with a citrusy, floral flavor that sets them apart from other peppers. Commonly used in Sichuan cuisine, they add a bold and aromatic kick to dishes like mapo tofu and hot pot.
- Sriracha: Sriracha is a beloved hot sauce known for its tangy heat and garlicky undertones. Whether drizzled over noodles, stirred into soups, or used as a dipping sauce, it adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to a wide range of dishes.
Fire Noodle Sauce
Meet your new weeknight favorite! This sauce a vibrant mix of spicy chili paste and spot-on crunchy tofu that comes together in a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s perfect if you are looking for vegan sauce ideas for dinner and want something with a little kick!
Sambal Marinade
Dive into the bold flavors of this fiery tofu dish. This easy vegan sauce zings with the heat of sambal and the punch of fresh ginger, all while keeping things light and crispy with perfectly air-fried bok choy.
Firecracker Sauce
Get ready to light up your taste buds with this firecracker cauliflower! This delicious vegan sauce bursts with flavor, featuring cauliflower in a spicy, sticky sauce that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Dynamite Sauce
Create a flavor explosion for your sushi night in with these dynamite rolls. Oyster mushrooms are draped in a blend of creamy, spicy flavors, then wrapped up in sushi rice and nori. This is an example of a vegan sauce recipe that delivers that perfect crunch and kick in every bite.
Awesome Sauce
Discover this truly awesome sauce, perfect for transforming any dish into a flavor sensation. Perfect for dressing up veggies, tofu, or grains, keep this vegan condiment recipe on-hand for adding some punch and spice to your plant-based meal prep.
Sambal Grill Sauce
Meet these vegan skewers, your ticket to a flavor-packed feast! They feature tender seitan marinated in spicy sambal sauce, promising a fiery kick with every bite. Whether you’re grilling up a storm or simply craving something bold and delicious, this vegan sauce delivers great flavor for heat-seeking folks.
Homemade Shatta
Taste the vibrant flavors of this Shatta, a Middle Eastern chilli sauce. Amanda over at My Goodness Kitchen brings this zesty condiment that packs a punch with its blend of spicy peppers and vibrant lemons. Drizzle it over falafel, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a dip.
Schezwan Sauce
Savor the flavor of this Schezwan sauce from Hayley over at J Cooking Odyssey. This aromatic sauce is one of those vegan sauces that hits the mark. It offers a harmonious blend of spicy Sichuan peppers, bold garlic, brown sugar, and tangy vinegar, perfect for adding a kick to your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
Vegan Sambal-Mayo Sauce
This crispy tofu sandwich is one of my favorite vegan condiments. Topped with a creamy and spicy sambal-mayo and piled high with cabbage and jalapenos, it offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Plus it’s fun to make and share!
Sweet & Tangy Vegan Sauce Recipes
In these Sweet & Tangy sauces, every drop offers a balanced blend of sugary smoothness met with a sharp, refreshing kick. These flavor bombs are perfect for adding a new dimension to your dishes, subtly enhancing flavors, or giving them a bold twist. Whether you’re tossing deep-fried veggies or noodles with it, these vegan sauce recipes are perfect for transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.
What makes sweet and tangy so appealing? It’s the seamless integration of opposites. Mellow sweetness perfectly offsets the zesty sharpness, providing a flavor profile that’s so inviting.
Here are some key ingredients you’ll find in these sweet and tangy vegan sauce recipes:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor to dishes, along with a subtle fruity undertone. Whether used in dressings, marinades, or sauces, it provides a bright acidity that balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar offers a rich, sweet, and tangy flavor profile with hints of caramel and fruitiness. Whether drizzled over salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled fruit, it adds depth and complexity to dishes.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy flavor with a hint of heat, making it a versatile ingredient in dressings, marinades, and sauces. Whether whisked into vinaigrettes or spread on sandwiches, it adds a zesty kick to dishes.
- Ginger: Ginger adds a spicy, citrusy flavor and a subtle heat to dishes, along with a refreshing brightness. Whether grated, roasted, minced, or pureed, it’s a key ingredient in marinades, stir-fries, and sauces, adding depth and complexity to flavors.
- Ketchup: Ketchup is a classic condiment with a sweet and tangy flavor profile, made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. Whether used as a dipping sauce, a topping for burgers, or a base for barbecue sauce, it adds a familiar and comforting taste to dishes.
- Lime Juice: Lime juice provides a tart, citrusy flavor and a refreshing acidity to dishes, enhancing their brightness and balance. Whether squeezed over fruit, salads, or cocktails, it adds a zesty kick and a burst of freshness.
- Mirin: Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine that adds a delicate sweetness and depth of flavor to dishes, along with a subtle tanginess. Whether used in marinades, glazes, or sauces, it provides a glossy finish and enhances umami flavors.
- Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar offers a mild, sweet, and tangy flavor with a delicate acidity, making it a versatile ingredient in Asian cuisine. Whether used in sushi rice, salad dressings, or dipping sauces, it adds brightness and balance to dishes.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet chili sauce is a popular condiment with a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and heat. Whether used as a dip, a glaze, or a stir-fry sauce, it adds a deliciously sweet and spicy kick to dishes.
- Tamarind: Tamarind paste provides a unique sweet and tangy flavor with hints of sourness, adding depth and complexity to dishes. Whether used in curries, chutneys, or sauces, it lends a fruity acidity and a rich caramel undertone to recipes.
- Tomatoes/Tomato Paste: Tomatoes and tomato paste offer a rich flavor with a hint of sweetness and acidity. Whether used as a base for sauces, soups, or stews, it adds depth, richness, and complexity to dishes.
Bang Bang Sauce
Meet your new snack obsession: Bang Bang Cauliflower! With a sauce whipped up from creamy vegan mayo, tangy sweet chili, and a squeeze of lime, this recipe turns crunchy cauliflower into a party in a dish. It’s the kind of spicy-sweet treat that’ll have everyone reaching for one more bite.
Sweet Chili Sauce
Make your own Thai sweet chili sauce with this simple yet flavorful recipe. This plant-based sauce brings together the heat of fresh chili peppers and the sweetness of sugar, smoothed out with a splash of vinegar for that essential tang. Drizzle it over fried tofu or spring rolls—this homemade saucy gem shines with versatility.
Balsamic Glaze
This sweet and tangy balsamic glaze is reduced and thickened up for a texture that’s perfect as a drizzle. I’m using it on a vegan pizza, but it can also be used over roasted veggies, salad, bruschetta, tofu, and vegan cheese platters!
Vegan Nước Chấm
This vegan nước chấm is spicy and sweet, made with a vegan fish sauce. It’s served here with a banh xeo, but it can also be used in vegan pad Thai, pho, stir-fries, and rice dishes. It’s a flavorful yet clean plant-based sauce that offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Sweet And Sour Sauce
This sweet and sour sauce is more of a glaze, and perfect for tossing with crispy ingredients, like these fried soy curls. I used sriracha to add a little heat, but feel free to sub with ketchup if you’d like a more mild sauce.
Homemade Teriyaki Glaze
This teriyaki sauce is thick, clingy, and perfect drenched over meaty mushrooms. Brown sugar, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce make it pop, giving a little tang, a little sweet, and a whole lot of flavor!
Spicy & Tangy Tomato Sauce
Tomato paste, wine, shallots, and garlic combine to make a delicious sauce that’s perfect for nesting these croquettes into. Feel free to use it with tofu, soy curls, or over rice for a subtly sweet and tangy sauce.
Quick Curry Ketchup
Tots, meet this curry ketchup! Onion, garlic, curry powder, and ketchup are blended to make an addictive plant-based condiment that loves more that just tots—serve it with french fries, vegan burgers, or plant-based chicken nuggets.
Vegan Pad Thai Sauce
Whip up a classic Thai favorite with Evergreen Kitchen’s Vegan Pad Thai Sauce. This recipe perfectly balances the sweet with tamarind, the salty with soy sauce, and the tangy with a hint of lime, creating a robust foundation for the iconic noodle dish. Toss it with your favorite noodles, crisp veggies, and a sprinkle of peanuts. This homemade vegan sauce is both comforting and refreshingly vibrant.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
This homemade pasta sauce is a hearty blend of ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic, created by World of Vegan. Perfect for coating your favorite pasta, this vegan sauce recipe brings a homemade touch to any Italian dish that’s simple, flavorful, and versatile.
Tamarind Sauce
Explore the tangy and sweet depths of J Cooking Odyssey‘s tamarind sauce, an excellent companion for samosas, chaats, or as a dressing for zesty salads. This is one of those vegan sauces that bring a zesty kick and adds a flavorful sophistication to almost any savory dish.
Chipotle-Lime Sauce
This chipotle-lime sauce is creamy, sweet, and tangy, and a breeze to whip up. I used it over oyster mushroom tacos, but this sauce would be great over fried tofu or any rich or decadent dish. It complements richness but also adds some lightness and vibrancy, adding balance to it.
Homemade BBQ Sauce
This homemade BBQ sauce from Evergreen Kitchen is where a smoky blend of tomatoes, molasses, and a kick of vinegar creates the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and bold flavors. This versatile plant-based sauce is ideal for brushing on grilled vegetables, tofu, or vegan burgers, adding a deep, rich layer of flavor.
Creamy & Rich Easy Plant-Based Sauces
Welcome to the luxurious side of vegan cooking, where creamy doesn’t mean dairy and rich doesn’t have to mean heavy. In this section, we’ll dive into plant-based sauces so luscious and velvety, they’ll make your tastebuds do a double take. These vegan sauce recipes wrap your favorite dishes in smooth, silky layers that comfort and satisfy.
Whether you’re drizzling over a steamy bowl of pasta, spooning over crispy potatoes, or slathering onto a hearty sandwich, these creamy sauces are here to elevate your plant-based meals from simple to sublime. We’ve handpicked the best vegan sauce recipes here—think avocado cilantro sauce that elevates tacos, cashew cream that clings to your pasta, and a vegan Hollandaise that envelops grilled vegetables in a soft cloak of richness.
Rich and creamy sauces captivate our palates with their smooth texture and deep, comforting flavors. They satisfy a craving for indulgence, making each bite feel like a luxurious treat that melds decadently with other elements of a dish.
So, blend up your cashews, press your tofu, and get ready to indulge in the kind of decadence that these Creamy & Rich easy plant-based sauce recipes can provide. These easy sauces aren’t just about eating; they’re about reveling in every creamy, dreamy bite. Let’s get saucy!
Here are some common rich and creamy ingredients used in vegan sauce recipes:
- Coconut Cream: Coconut cream is the thick, creamy layer that forms on top of canned coconut milk. It adds a rich, tropical flavor and a velvety texture to both sweet and savory dishes, making it ideal for curries, desserts, and creamy sauces.
- Raw Cashews: Raw cashews are a versatile ingredient that can be soaked and blended to create a creamy base for sauces, dressings, and dips. Their mild, nutty flavor adds richness and depth to dishes, making them a staple in vegan cooking.
- Plant-Based Milk: Plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or coconut milk, offers a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. Whether used in soups, sauces, or baked goods, it adds richness and creaminess without the need for dairy.
- Tahini: Tahini is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds, with a rich, nutty flavor and a silky texture. Whether used in dressings, dips, or sauces, it adds a luxurious creaminess and depth of flavor to dishes.
- Vegan Mayonnaise: Vegan mayonnaise provides the same creamy texture and tangy flavor as traditional mayonnaise, but without the use of eggs. Whether used as a spread, a dip, or a base for dressings, it adds richness and creaminess to sandwiches, salads, and more.
- Vegan Parmesan: Vegan parmesan is a dairy-free alternative to traditional parmesan cheese, made from ingredients like nutritional yeast, nuts, and seeds. Whether sprinkled over pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables, it adds a savory, cheesy flavor and a creamy texture to dishes.
- Vegan Yogurt: Vegan yogurt is a dairy-free alternative made from plant-based ingredients like coconut, almond, or soy milk. Whether enjoyed on its own, mixed into smoothies, or used as a base for sauces and dips, it adds a creamy richness and tangy flavor to dishes.
Vegan Remoulade Sauce
Experience a touch of decadence with this vegan remoulade sauce. Its tangy and slightly spicy profile makes it an excellent companion for these vegan po boys but also pairs wonderfully with anything fried, especially vegan seafood.
Vegan Alfredo Sauce
This vegan Alfredo sauce combines a velvety smoothness with a beautifully balanced blend of creamy and rich flavors, perfect for draping over pasta, layering in lasagna, or serving as a decadent dip.
Vegan Crema
Whip up a batch of vegan crema, created by Rachel over at Health My Lifestyle. This smooth and luscious sauce boasts a mild yet tangy flavor that makes it a versatile companion to a variety of dishes. Drizzle it over tacos, swirl it into soups, or use it as a dip for fresh veggies!
Creamy Vegan Hollandaise Sauce
Transform your vegan breakfasts and brunches with this luxurious vegan hollandaise sauce from Sophie at Wholehearted Eats. This sauce is rich and buttery with a pleasant tangy twist, mimicking the classic flavor profile of traditional hollandaise without any dairy. Perfect for drizzling over steamed asparagus, layering on vegan eggs benedict, or adding a creamy finish to roasted vegetables, this creamy vegan sauce is brilliant!
Vegan Béchamel Sauce
Whip up this vegan béchamel sauce from Happy Kitchen and watch your dishes go from meh to amazing! It’s smooth, it’s creamy, and it’s utterly dairy-free, making it perfect for lasagnas and casseroles. Slather it on pasta or sneak it into veggie gratins, and bam—you’ve just leveled up your kitchen game.
Vegan Tartar Sauce
This basic vegan tartar sauce is anything but ordinary! It’s creamy and packed with pickles and capers, and is a dynamite companion for vegan crab cakes, vegan shrimp, or french fries.
Vegan Yogurt Tahini Sauce
Check out this smooth and dreamy vegan yogurt tahini sauce, ready to take your taste buds on a creamy adventure. This sauce combines the rich, nutty flavor of tahini with the cool tang of vegan yogurt, creating a perfectly balanced dip. It’s ideal for drizzling over chickpea fries, dressing up a veggie wrap, dipping falafel into, or as a cool dip for spicy dishes.
Garlicky-Dill Vegan Mayo
This garlicky-dill mayo is a creamy blend of bold garlic and fresh dill, perfect for adding a punchy flavor to this deep-fried jackfruit, tucking it into veggie wraps, or drizzling over roasted potatoes. This easy homemade vegan condiment is guaranteed to turn up the flavor dial!
Vegan Chipotle-Mayo Sauce
Treat your taste buds with this chipotle-mayo sauce. This creamy, spicy and smoky blend of chipotle peppers and creamy vegan mayo is the perfect companion to these homemade tater tots and more. Use it as a dip for fries, with falafel, or in a sandwich.
Creamy Vegan Chipotle-Bacon Mayo
Say hello to this chipotle-bacon mayo sauce made with a creamy blend of vegan mayo, chipotle peppers, and Field Roast sausage. Use it as a dip for grilled vegetables, or drizzle over crispy potatoes!
Herbaceous & Fresh Vegan Condiments
Welcome to our Herbaceous & Fresh section, where we’re keeping things light, zesty, and oh-so-refreshing. Here, it’s all about letting fresh herbs take the spotlight, sometimes with a splash of citrus to really make the flavors pop. These plant-based sauces are perfect for giving your dishes a bright, lively twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. There’s just something about the light and zesty flavor of fresh herbs and citrus that wakes up the palate and transforms a dish, making each bite feel like a fresh new experience.
Think of these easy vegan sauce recipes as your go-to for adding a burst of freshness to any meal. Whether it’s cilantro sauce bringing a zing to your tacos, a vibrant mint chutney, or chimichurri adding a herby punch to your grilled veggies, these sauces are like a little herb garden in every jar. They’re a simple yet effective way to bring a touch of brightness to your everyday meals, lifting flavors and adding a refreshing contrast that enhances every ingredient.
Loaded with goodies like mint, basil, and jalapeños, each one of these easy vegan sauces is a celebration of all things fresh. These light and fresh herbaceous ingredients will give your vegan sauce recipes a bright lift!
- Basil: Basil is a fragrant herb with a slightly sweet and peppery flavor. It adds a fresh and aromatic touch to dishes, whether used in salads, sauces, or pesto.
- Chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor and are often used as a garnish or seasoning in dishes. They add a subtle freshness and hint of onion flavor to salads, pickles, soups, and dips.
- Cilantro: Cilantro has a bright, citrusy flavor with hints of earthiness and adds a refreshing burst of flavor to dishes like salsas, burritos, salads, and curries.
- Dill: Dill has a delicate, feathery texture and a bright, citrusy flavor with hints of licorice. It’s commonly used in pickles, salads, and vegan seafood dishes to add a refreshing and herbaceous twist.
- Mint: Mint has a refreshing and cooling flavor with hints of sweetness and adds a bright and herbaceous note to dishes like salads, wraps, pasta sauces, and desserts.
- Oregano: Oregano has a robust and slightly bitter flavor with earthy undertones, adding depth to dishes like pasta sauces, pizzas, and marinades.
- Parsley: Parsley has a fresh and slightly peppery flavor with hints of citrus and adds a vibrant touch to dishes like salads, soups, stews, and sauces.
- Thyme: Thyme has a woody, earthy flavor with hints of mint and citrus. It’s commonly used in soups, stews, and roasted dishes to add depth and aroma.
- Rosemary: Rosemary has a pine-like flavor with hints of lemon and mint. It’s often used to flavor roasted vegetables, soups, and breads, adding a savory and herbaceous note.
Poblano-Cilantro Sauce
Poblanos, tomatillos, and jalapeños join forces to make this super fresh and creamy poblano sauce that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, and dipping homemade tortilla chips into.
Creamy Cilantro Sauce
This creamy cilantro sauce is packed with cilantro for a super fresh squirt of flavor to tacos, soft tacos, burritos, and more. Its fresh flavor is perfect when paired with the bold flavors of vegan taco fillings.
Fresh Vegan Pesto Sauce
This pesto pull-apart bread from World of Vegan uses fresh pesto for a super herbaceous swirl in this warm, homemade recipe. The vibrance of the pesto sauce paired with cozy, soft bread is a combo that can’t be beat!
Mint Chutney Sauce
This mint chutney sauce by Amanda over at My Goodness Kitchen is the perfect accompaniment to vegan Indian dishes like samosas, pakoras, or as a plant-based dipping sauce for crispy snacks. Look at that gorgeous pop of color!
Homemade Green Harissa Sauce
Add a kick to your dishes with this homemade green harissa sauce from Happy Kitchen! Packed with fresh herbs and spices, it brings vibrant flavor and a touch of heat to grilled veggies, and sandwiches, or as a zesty marinade for tofu or tempeh.
Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce
Switch up traditional parsley-based chimichurri with this vibrant cilantro chimichurri sauce from Our Plant-Based World. Bursting with fresh herbs and apple cider vinegar, it’s the perfect complement to grilled veggies, tofu, or roasted potatoes. Drizzle it generously to add a burst of flavor and a touch of brightness to any dish.
Nutty & Earthy Vegan Dipping Sauces
Here in the Nutty & Earthy section, it’s about celebrating the satisfying crunch and depth of nuts and seeds. Tahini, almond butter, and sesame oil give every dish that rich, grounded feel that satisfies and satiates. There’s something about these nutty and earthy plant-based condiments that just feels right. They tap into our love for all things hearty and wholesome, providing a comforting base that makes every meal feel like a feast.
These vegan sauce recipes are fantastic drizzled over a crisp salad or cozying up to some warm roasted veggies. They are subtly warm, undeniably rich, and just a bit zesty—a true culinary triple threat. It’s this unique blend of warmth and richness that makes nutty and earthy sauces a go-to for adding both flavor and substance to dishes.
Let’s jump into some of the ingredients that add a nutty & earthy flavor to vegan sauce recipes:
- Almond Butter: Almond butter is made from ground almonds and has a rich, nutty flavor with a creamy texture. It adds depth and richness to both sweet and savory dishes, from smoothies to sauces.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warm and aromatic spice with a sweet and woody flavor profile. It adds a comforting earthiness to dishes, whether used in sweet treats like cookies and cakes or savory dishes like curries and stews.
- Curry Powder: Curry powder is a blend of various spices, typically including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger. It offers a bold and complex flavor with earthy undertones, perfect for adding depth to soups, sauces, and vegetable dishes.
- Cumin: Cumin is a warm and slightly bitter spice with a nutty and earthy flavor profile. It’s commonly used in spice blends, chili, and roasted vegetables to add a rich and aromatic depth of flavor.
- Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds have a nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. They’re often ground into meal and used as an egg substitute in baking or sprinkled over dishes like oatmeal and yogurt for added nutrition.
- Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts have a rich, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness. Whether toasted and chopped as a topping or ground into a creamy paste, they add a nutty depth to dishes like salads, baked goods, and sauces.
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is a creamy spread made from ground peanuts, offering a rich, nutty flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet. It’s commonly used in sauces, dressings, and desserts to add depth and creaminess.
- Pecans: Pecans have a sweet, buttery flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. They’re often used in desserts, such as pies and cookies, but can also add richness to savory dishes like salads, muesli, and roasted vegetables.
- Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds have a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. Whether toasted and sprinkled over dishes or ground into tahini, they add a distinctive earthiness to sauces, dressings, and marinades.
- Tahini: Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, offering a creamy texture and a nutty flavor with a hint of bitterness. It’s a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often used in dips, sauces, and dressings for its rich and earthy profile.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil is a deeply aromatic oil made from toasted sesame seeds, prized for its nutty flavor and rich aroma. Its intense nuttiness adds depth and complexity to dishes, making it indispensable in tofu, noodle, and vegetable dishes.
- Walnuts: Walnuts have a rich, earthy flavor with a slightly bitter undertone. They’re often used in baking, salads, and pesto to add texture and depth of flavor.
Spicy Peanut Sauce
This peanut sauce is your new go-to for adding a rich, nutty twist to any dish. With creamy peanut butter, a hint of garlic and ginger, and a touch of satay seasoning, this plant-based condiment offers the perfect balance of earthy and sweet—ideal for drizzling over tofu skewers or fresh spring rolls.
Lemongrass-Peanut Sauce
This lemongrass-peanut sauce is packed with garlic, lemongrass, curry powder, and peanut butter. Serve it with fried tofu, noodles, or both!
Lemon-Tahini Sauce
This lemon tahini sauce from Non-Guilty Pleasures is an earthy sauce lightened up with the brightness of lemon. It’s perfect for dressing, falafel, roasted cauliflower, Buddha bowls, roasted Brussels sprouts, and more.
Sweet Endings: Vegan Dessert Sauce Recipes
Welcome to Sweet Saucy Endings, where every dessert doesn’t just walk off into the sunset—it sashays away with a flair, thanks to a drizzle of something special. A great vegan dessert sauce doesn’t just sit on top. It mingles, it enhances … and sometimes, it steals the show.
Why do we love sweet sauces? It’s simple: they transform. A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce can turn a humble dish of ice cream into an autumnal affair, while a dollop of strawberry rhubarb compote can elevate a plain pancake to something that feels like a festival. Each sauce is magic, ready to enchant your desserts with just the right amount of sweetness. Let’s dive into these indulgent and saucy endings and make every plant-based dessert a grand finale.
Make your vegan sauce recipes pop with these sweet sauce ingredients:
- Agave: Agave nectar is a sweet syrup derived from the agave plant and is commonly used as a natural sweetener in desserts and beverages.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is a sweetener made from sugar cane or sugar beets with a slightly molasses flavor. It adds richness and caramel notes to desserts like cookies, cakes, and sauces.
- Chocolate: Chocolate is made from cocoa beans and sugar and adds a rich and indulgent flavor to desserts like brownies, cakes, and puddings.
- Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder is made from roasted and ground cocoa beans and adds a deep chocolate flavor to desserts like hot chocolate, cakes, and cookies.
- Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar is made from the sap of coconut palm trees and has a caramel-like flavor. It’s used as a sweetener in desserts and baked goods.
- Dates: Dates are sweet fruits with a caramel-like flavor and are often used as a natural sweetener in desserts like energy balls, bars, and cakes.
- Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit like berries, bananas, and citrus add natural sweetness and vibrant flavors to desserts like fruit salads, pies, and tarts.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is a sweet syrup made from the sap of maple trees and is commonly used as a natural sweetener in desserts like pancakes, waffles, and muffins.
- Vanilla: Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to desserts like cakes, cookies, and ice cream.
Vegan Caramel Sauce
This vegan caramel is made with cashew butter, coconut oil, and agave. When poured over vegan ice cream, it creates a shell that’s fun to crack with a spoon!
Whiskey-Sriracha Caramel Sauce
Whiskey, meet sriracha. And then meet vegan caramel sauce! This is a spicy, sweet, and creamy sauce with a kick from the whiskey that makes you keep going back for another bite. Dollop this over ice cream, warm brownies, and anything that loves caramel for a unique experience.
Chocolate Glaze Sauce
This chocolate glaze sauce from World of Vegan made with vegan chunks and coconut oil is the shiniest glaze that’s right at home over donuts, chocolate cake, or vegan ice cream!
Vegan Coconut-Caramel Sauce
This 5-ingredient vegan caramel sauce from Yummy Bowl is so easy to make and very versatile. Use it as a fruit dip, drizzle over brownies, or even waffles!
Vegan Chocolate Sauce
My Quiet Kitchen‘s vegan chocolate sauce can be made in 5 minutes, with just four ingredients: cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and oat milk. This plant-based sauce looks so dreamy!
Date Caramel Sauce
This date-based vegan caramel sauce from Plant-Based Folk is also quick to make! Dates, maple syrup, coconut cream, plant-based milk, and salt are all you need to make this delicious and perfectly balanced easy sauce.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote
This beautiful compote created by Kari at Beautiful Ingredient is free from refined sugar, packed with strawberries and rhubarb, with a touch of maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Use it with breakfasts like pancakes and waffles, to desserts like ice cream.
Vegan Sauce Recipes: A Comprehensive Guide
And there you have it—a comprehensive guide to mastering vegan sauce recipes, spanning from the spicy and bold to the creamy and rich, and every delightful nuance in between. We’ve delved into some of the essential components that make each flavor profile stand out, providing a rich tapestry of flavors.
Whether you’re looking to invigorate a weeknight dinner, plan your vegan meal prep, or add a splash of creativity to a festive meal, these recipes offer something for every palate. I hope these sauces inspire your next kitchen adventure, transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary experiences. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to create the best vegan sauce recipes in your own kitchen!
FAQs
Traditional Worcestershire sauce is not vegan as it contains anchovies. However, several brands offer vegan Worcestershire sauces that exclude any animal products, making them suitable for vegan diets. These can be found in most health food stores or larger supermarkets.
To make a rich and creamy vegan cheese sauce, blend soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, and a pinch of turmeric for color. Adjust the consistency with plant-based milk and season to taste. This sauce is perfect for nachos, pasta, and as a drizzly topping for vegetables.
Vegan gravy can be made by sautéing finely chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until golden. Add flour to create a roux, then slowly whisk in vegetable broth. Season with soy sauce, a pinch of nutritional yeast, and herbs like thyme and sage for a rich, savory flavor. Simmer until thickened.
Agave nectar is a popular vegan substitute for honey in sauces due to its similar texture and sweetness. Other alternatives include maple syrup and molasses, depending on the flavor profile of the dish.
For a vegan Alfredo sauce, blend soaked cashews with garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and onion powder. Add unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based milk to achieve a creamy consistency. This sauce pairs wonderfully with pasta, steamed vegetables, or as a base for vegan pizzas.
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Red Curry Sauce (Plus 58 More Vegan Sauce Recipes!)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Meet our red curry sauce: your new secret weapon in the kitchen and a standout star in our lineup of 58 crave-worthy vegan sauce recipes. This creamy, zesty plant-based condiment is perfect paired with crispy tofu or giving a veggie stir-fry a sultry, Thai-inspired makeover! Get creative and toss it with noodles, spoon it over grilled vegetables, or serve it with lettuce wraps. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or downright dousing, this easy, homemade sauce promises to elevate your vegan eats from mundane to mind-blowing.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger
- 1–2 teaspoons vegan red curry paste
- 1 stalk lemongrass, cleaned, bruised, and chopped into 2–3 pieces
- 1 can (13.66 fl. oz.) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 5 large basil leaves, cut very thinly
Instructions
- Heat the sesame oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced ginger and sauté until soft, about 1-2 minutes. Add extra oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the curry paste until it’s well incorporated and begins to melt. Add the lemongrass and stir briefly.
- Pour in the coconut milk, followed by the soy sauce and brown sugar, stirring to combine. Add the basil leaves.
- Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Once it simmers, turn off the heat but leave the saucepan on the warm burner to allow the flavors to meld, about 5 minutes.
Notes
Bruising Lemongrass:
To bruise lemongrass, lay a stalk on a cutting board and use the back of a knife or a rolling pin to gently press along its length. This process helps release the flavorful oils and makes the lemongrass more aromatic, which enhances the overall flavor of your sauce.
Checking Curry Paste:
Always check the ingredients list on your curry paste to ensure it’s vegan. Some brands might include fish sauce or shrimp paste, which are common in traditional Thai recipes. Brands like Thai Kitchen typically offer vegan-friendly options, but it’s always safe to verify.
Storage Tips:
The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove. Stir well when reheating to maintain a smooth consistency.
Reheating Tips:
When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the coconut milk from separating. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, thin it with a little water or additional coconut milk while reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmered, Sautéed
- Cuisine: Thai
This post was last updated on September 23, 2024.
Lee Kaplan says
Erin, this is an excellent, comprehensive, widely varied list of just about any type of sauce one could make! I’ve already earmarked some of my favorites, and look forward to making them. Thank you for this.
erin wysocarski says
Lee, so happy that you have found this useful! I hope you enjoy the recipes. 🙂