The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Sauces for Veggie Burgers

A delicious, flavorful sauce can elevate your veggie burger from ordinary to extraordinary. While there are countless store-bought options available, nothing beats the taste and satisfaction of a homemade vegan sauce. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a variety of easy-to-make, flavor-packed vegan sauces that will take your veggie burgers to the next level.

Why Homemade Vegan Sauces?

Homemade vegan sauces ingredients

Making your own vegan sauces gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier experience. You can customize the flavor profiles to perfectly complement your favorite veggie burger recipes. Plus, homemade sauces are often more affordable and environmentally friendly than store-bought alternatives.

Creamy Vegan Sauces for Veggie Burgers

1. Classic Vegan Mayo

No veggie burger is complete without a dollop of creamy mayo. This classic recipe is surprisingly simple to make and rivals any store-bought version.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup aquafaba (chilled liquid from canned chickpeas)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)

Instructions:

1. In a tall, narrow container, combine the aquafaba, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Using an immersion blender, blend the ingredients on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 1-2 minutes.
3. While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in the oil until the mixture emulsifies and becomes thick and creamy.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Tip: For a tangier mayo, add an extra teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice.

2. Avocado Ranch Dressing

This creamy and flavorful avocado ranch dressing is bursting with fresh herbs and is perfect for those who love a zesty sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tip: For a thinner dressing, suitable for salads, add an additional 2-4 tablespoons of water. This dressing also tastes delicious with vegan white bean recipes.

Spicy Vegan Sauces for Veggie Burgers

Close-up shot of a veggie burger with spicy vegan sauce.

3. Sriracha Mayo

This simple yet incredibly flavorful sauce adds a spicy kick to any veggie burger.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegan mayo (homemade or store-bought)
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, or to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the vegan mayo and sriracha sauce.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Taste and add more sriracha for extra heat, if desired.

Tip: You can easily adjust the spice level of this sauce to your liking. Start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha and gradually add more until you reach your preferred heat.

4. Chipotle Sauce

Smoky, spicy, and irresistible, this chipotle sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/4 cup vegan mayo
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.
2. For a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon of water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Tip: “Chipotle peppers can vary in spice level. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to achieve your desired level of heat.” – Chef Anya Green

Tangy Vegan Sauces for Veggie Burgers

5. Lemon-Tahini Dressing

This bright and tangy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to savory veggie burgers.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
2. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Tip: For a richer flavor, toast the tahini in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before using. Be careful not to burn it.

6. Balsamic Barbeque Sauce

This unique sauce combines the tanginess of balsamic vinegar with the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Tip: This sauce is also delicious brushed on grilled vegetables or tofu. It’s a versatile option for a variety of family friendly vegan meals.

FAQs about Vegan Sauces for Veggie Burgers

1. Can I make these sauces ahead of time?

Absolutely! Most of these sauces can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

2. Can I freeze these sauces?

Freezing is not recommended for all of these sauces, as it can affect the texture. However, the Classic Vegan Mayo and Chipotle Sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

3. I’m allergic to nuts. Are there any substitutions for the tahini in the Lemon-Tahini Dressing?

Yes, you can substitute the tahini with sunflower seed butter or cashew butter for a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.

4. What are some other ways to use these sauces?

These sauces are incredibly versatile! They can be used as dips for vegetables, spread on sandwiches, drizzled over salads, or even used as a marinade for tofu or tempeh. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations.

5. Can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness of these sauces?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetener or spicy ingredients to suit your taste preference. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more until you achieve your desired flavor profile.

6. What are some good vegan burger toppings to pair with these sauces?

The possibilities are endless! Some popular vegan burger toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, avocado, vegan cheese, and sauteed mushrooms.

7. I’m new to vegan cooking. Are these sauces beginner-friendly?

Absolutely! These sauces are all relatively easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The instructions are clear and concise, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. For more easy recipes, check out our vegan recipes for beginners.

Conclusion

Elevate your veggie burger game with these delicious and easy-to-make vegan sauces. From creamy classics to spicy sensations and tangy delights, there’s a sauce here for every palate. Homemade vegan sauces allow you to customize your meal with fresh, flavorful ingredients, making your veggie burger experience even more enjoyable. So grab your apron and get ready to create some culinary magic with these incredible vegan sauce recipes. Don’t forget to check out our vegan dinner ideas for two for more inspiration.