Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

Our Top 5 Oil-Free Sauces That Make Every Plant-Based Meal Taste Amazing!

Login to Save
28K views👍 2.1K
Need Never Get Old
Need Never Get Old
12 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Need Never Get Old to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipes in this Video

8 recipes
veganplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Beet sauce has its roots in American cuisine, often celebrated for its vibrant color and earthy flavor. Traditionally used as a condiment or a base for dishes, it highlights the natural sweetness of beets, making it a favorite in vegetarian and health-conscious meals. Today, beet sauce is embraced in various culinary adaptations, from gourmet restaurants to home kitchens, showcasing its versatility in salads, pastas, and as a dip.

Ingredients

  • beets
  • garlic
  • onion
  • olive oil
  • balsamic vinegar
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • thyme
  • rosemary
  • lemon juice
  • vegetable broth
  • honey
  • red pepper flakes
  • bay leaf

Instructions

  1. 1Roast beets in foil at 400°F until tender, about 45-60 minutes.
  2. 2Cool beets slightly, then peel and chop into chunks.
  3. 3Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat; sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4Add roasted beets to the pan; stir to combine with onion and garlic.
  5. 5Pour in balsamic vinegar and vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
  6. 6Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper; simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  7. 7Remove bay leaf; blend mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
  8. 8Adjust seasoning with lemon juice, honey, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  9. 9Serve warm or cool, storing leftovers in an airtight container.

Ingredient Alternatives

balsamic vinegar

Healthier: apple cider vinegar

Cheaper: red wine vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds acidity with fewer calories.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

honey

Healthier: maple syrup

Cheaper: agave syrup

Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness with a unique flavor.

vegetable broth

Healthier: homemade vegetable stock

Cheaper: water

Water is a cost-effective base that can work in a pinch.

Techniques

roastingsautéingblending

Equipment

ovenpanblenderknifecutting boardfoil
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Beetroot SauceBeet Puree
veganvegetariandairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-freeplant-based

Green Sauce, or Molho Verde, hails from Portugal and is a vibrant condiment often enjoyed with grilled meats and fish. This sauce showcases the freshness of herbs and the tang of vinegar, embodying the Portuguese love for bold flavors. Today, variations of this sauce have spread globally, inspiring similar green sauces in Mediterranean and Latin cuisines.

Ingredients

  • fresh parsley
  • garlic
  • olive oil
  • white wine vinegar
  • lemon juice
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • capers

Instructions

  1. 1Combine parsley, garlic, and capers in a blender.
  2. 2Add olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 3Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. 4Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. 5Transfer to a serving bowl and let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. 6Serve with grilled meats, fish, or as a dip.

Ingredient Alternatives

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers a healthier fat profile.

white wine vinegar

Healthier: apple cider vinegar

Cheaper: distilled vinegar

Apple cider vinegar provides a similar tang with added health benefits.

capers

Healthier: green olives

Cheaper: pickles

Green olives can mimic the briny flavor at a lower cost.

garlic

Healthier: garlic powder

Cheaper: none

Garlic powder offers convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Techniques

blending

Equipment

blenderserving bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Molho VerdeSalsa Verde
veganvegetariandairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-freeplant-based

Originating from the Levant region, Lemon Tahini Sauce is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, often served with falafel, grilled meats, or drizzled over salads. Its creamy texture and zesty flavor make it a versatile dressing or dip. Today, it has gained popularity globally, embraced for its health benefits and rich taste, becoming a favorite in various culinary traditions.

Ingredients

  • tahini
  • lemon juice
  • garlic
  • water
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • cumin
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Combine tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a bowl.
  2. 2Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
  3. 3Gradually add water, mixing until desired consistency is reached.
  4. 4Drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify.
  5. 5Season with salt and cumin to taste.
  6. 6Finely chop parsley and stir into the sauce.

Ingredient Alternatives

tahini

Healthier: sunflower seed butter

Cheaper: peanut butter

Sunflower seed butter is lower in calories and nut-free.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil provides healthy fats and is often less expensive.

garlic

Healthier: garlic powder

Cheaper: onion powder

Garlic powder is easier to use and can be cheaper.

lemon juice

Healthier: lime juice

Cheaper: vinegar

Lime juice offers a similar acidity and flavor profile.

Techniques

mixingemulsifying

Equipment

bowlwhisk
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsesame

Also Known As

Tahini SauceLemon Sauce
veganplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1In a mixing bowl, combine the tahini and water. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  2. 2Add the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cumin (if using) to the tahini mixture.
  3. 3Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined and smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
  4. 4Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to your preference.
  5. 5Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped parsley.
  6. 6Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a week in an airtight container.

Equipment

mixing bowlwhiskmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons

Originating from Indonesia, Peanut Sauce is a staple in many Southeast Asian cuisines, often served with satay skewers or as a dip. It embodies the region's love for bold flavors and rich textures, making it a versatile condiment. Today, variations of peanut sauce are enjoyed globally, often adapted to local tastes and available ingredients.

Ingredients

  • peanut butter
  • soy sauce
  • coconut milk
  • brown sugar
  • lime juice
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • chili paste
  • sesame oil
  • water

Instructions

  1. 1Mix peanut butter and soy sauce in a bowl until smooth.
  2. 2Add coconut milk and stir until fully combined.
  3. 3Incorporate brown sugar and lime juice, mixing until dissolved.
  4. 4Grate garlic and ginger, then add to the mixture.
  5. 5Stir in chili paste for heat, adjusting to taste.
  6. 6Drizzle in sesame oil and whisk until creamy.
  7. 7If the sauce is too thick, add water gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Ingredient Alternatives

peanut butter

Healthier: almond butter

Cheaper: sunflower seed butter

Almond butter is lower in calories and offers a different flavor profile.

coconut milk

Healthier: light coconut milk

Cheaper: evaporated milk

Light coconut milk reduces fat while maintaining creaminess.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free while liquid aminos provides a similar flavor.

brown sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: white sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness with a unique flavor.

Techniques

mixing

Equipment

mixing bowlwhiskgrater
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumpeanuts

Also Known As

Satay SauceBumbu Kacang
vegandairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1In a medium bowl, combine the Dijon mustard and pure maple syrup.
  2. 2Add the apple cider vinegar to the bowl and mix well until combined.
  3. 3Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
  4. 4Whisk all the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
  5. 5Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or maple syrup to taste.
  6. 6Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container for storage.
  7. 7Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
  8. 8Serve as a dipping sauce or drizzle over grilled meats or vegetables.

Equipment

medium bowlwhiskjar or airtight container

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup miso paste
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. 1In a mixing bowl, combine the miso paste, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey (or maple syrup).
  2. 2Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
  3. 3Add the garlic powder and mix again.
  4. 4Gradually add water to the mixture, whisking until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. 5Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or saltiness if needed by adding more honey or soy sauce.
  6. 6Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container for storage.
  7. 7Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before using.
  8. 8Use the sauce as a dressing, marinade, or dipping sauce.

Equipment

mixing bowlwhiskjar or airtight container

Originating from East Asia, tofu has been a staple protein source for centuries, particularly in Chinese and Japanese cuisines. It embodies the principles of balance and harmony in cooking, often paired with vibrant vegetables and sauces. Today, tofu is celebrated globally for its versatility and is embraced in various culinary traditions, from stir-fries to salads, making it a favorite among vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.

Ingredients

  • tofu
  • vegetable oil
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • bell peppers
  • broccoli
  • carrots
  • soy sauce
  • sesame oil
  • green onions
  • cornstarch
  • red pepper flakes
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Press tofu to remove excess moisture for 15 minutes.
  2. 2Cut tofu into cubes or slices.
  3. 3Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.
  5. 5Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  6. 6In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. 7Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots; stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp.
  8. 8Return tofu to the skillet; pour in soy sauce and sesame oil.
  9. 9Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and stir to combine.
  10. 10Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  11. 11Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  12. 12Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

tofu

Healthier: tempeh

Cheaper: seitan

Tempeh offers a nuttier flavor and is richer in protein.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: coconut aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while coconut aminos is lower in sodium.

vegetable oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and healthy fats.

cornstarch

Healthier: arrowroot powder

Cheaper: potato starch

Arrowroot is gluten-free and works similarly for thickening.

Techniques

pressingstir-frying

Equipment

large skilletcutting boardknifespatulatofu press
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumsoy

Also Known As

Stir-Fried TofuVegetable Tofu Stir-Fry

Similar American Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Recipes From Other Cuisines

(24 videos)