Guava BBQ Sauce From Scratch

Discover a vibrant and tropical twist on traditional condiments with this Homemade Guava BBQ Sauce. Perfectly balanced without the use of ketchup, this recipe combines sweet guava paste with aromatic spices and a sharp hit of apple cider vinegar to create a glossy, deep red glaze that is both vegan and gluten-free.

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This Caribbean-inspired sauce brings a sophisticated complexity to your barbecue repertoire. By sautéing aromatics like onion and garlic before simmering with molasses and Dijon mustard, you achieve a thick, savory-sweet profile that works as a marinade, a dip, or a glaze.

Ingredients

• Base: 1 cup (250 g) guava paste, chopped; 1 cup (240 ml) water; 1/3 cup (80 ml) apple cider vinegar.
• Aromatics: 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Spices & Flavor: 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional).
• Sweetness & Balance: 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon molasses; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
• Final Touch: 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free).

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 2: Dissolve the Base

Add guava paste, water, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the guava paste begins to dissolve into the liquid.

Step 3: Season

Add smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, chili powder, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and red pepper flakes if using for heat. Stir well.

Step 4: Enhance the Flavor

Add brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and glossy.

Step 6: Blend and Smooth

Remove from heat. Let cool slightly, then blend the sauce with an immersion blender (or transfer to a standard blender) until completely smooth.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let cool completely before storing in a clean jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, ensure the guava paste is chopped into small pieces before adding it to the saucepan to help it dissolve faster. Using an immersion blender is the most efficient way to achieve that professional, smooth finish right in the pot.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If guava paste is unavailable, guava jelly can be used as a substitute; however, be sure to reduce the added brown sugar to maintain the right balance of sweetness. For those who prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply whisk in a splash more water at the end.

Serviervorschläge

This versatile sauce is excellent for brushing onto grilled meats, vegetables, or tofu during the final minutes of cooking. It also makes a fantastic condiment for burgers or a unique dipping sauce for appetizers.

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Enjoy the tropical, tangy essence of this homemade sauce at your next gathering. Whether used as a glaze or a dip, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use guava jelly instead of paste?

Yes, guava jelly works as a substitute. Since jelly contains more sugar than paste, reduce the brown sugar by half to maintain the proper sweetness balance.

→ How long does this sauce keep?

Store in a clean jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The vinegar and sugar act as natural preservatives, keeping the sauce fresh and safe.

→ What dishes pair best with guava BBQ?

Excellent with grilled chicken, pork chops, shrimp, or tofu. Works beautifully as a glaze for roasted vegetables or as a condiment on burgers with tropical flair.

→ Is this sauce spicy?

The sauce has mild heat from chili powder and red pepper flakes. Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or hot sauce for extra kick, or omit the flakes for a milder version.

→ Why no ketchup in this recipe?

Guava paste provides natural fruit sweetness and body that ketchup typically offers. This creates a more authentic tropical flavor while avoiding the processed tomato taste found in traditional barbecue sauces.

→ Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before use. The texture may vary slightly after freezing but remains delicious.