Guava BBQ Sauce From Scratch

Bring a vibrant tropical twist to your kitchen with this Guava BBQ Sauce From Scratch. This homemade sauce skips the ketchup in favor of rich guava paste, aromatic spices, and a perfectly balanced acidity. It is a thick, glossy, and versatile condiment that captures the essence of Caribbean flavors, making it the ultimate addition to your grilling repertoire.

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The secret to this sauce lies in the slow dissolution of guava paste into a savory mixture of sautéed onions and garlic. As it simmers with smoked paprika and molasses, the flavors deepen into a complex sauce that is far superior to any store-bought alternative. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or looking to brighten up a weekday meal, this sauce delivers a taste of the tropics in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250 g) guava paste, chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 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, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)

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Instructions

Step 1

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

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly.

Step 5

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

Step 6

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

Step 7

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

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the smoothest possible sauce, do not skip the blending step. An immersion blender allows you to process the sauce directly in the pot, but a standard blender works just as well—just be sure to let the liquid cool slightly first to avoid splashes. If you prefer a thinner consistency for basting, simply stir in a small amount of extra water after blending.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you cannot find guava paste, guava jelly is a suitable alternative; however, since jelly is sweeter, you should reduce or omit the added brown sugar. For a spicier kick, feel free to increase the chili powder or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. To keep the recipe strictly gluten-free, ensure you use tamari instead of standard soy sauce.

Serviervorschläge

This tropical Guava BBQ Sauce is excellent when brushed onto grilled meats like chicken thighs or ribs during the last few minutes of cooking. It is also a fantastic choice for plant-based meals, acting as a flavorful glaze for seared tofu or roasted vegetables. Try it as a unique dipping sauce for sweet potato fries or as a bold new condiment for your favorite burger.

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Mastering this homemade Guava BBQ Sauce opens up a world of tropical flavor possibilities for your next meal. With its thick texture and unique spice profile, it is sure to become a standout favorite for dipping and glazing alike.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What makes guava BBQ sauce different from traditional BBQ sauce?

Guava BBQ sauce features the natural tropical sweetness and tanginess of guava paste instead of tomato bases or ketchup. The combination of smoked paprika, cumin, and warm spices like cinnamon and allspice creates a unique Caribbean-inspired flavor profile that's both familiar and exotic.

→ Can I make this sauce spicier?

Absolutely. Increase the chili powder, add more red pepper flakes, or stir in your favorite hot sauce during the final minutes of simmering. The sauce balances heat well with the natural sweetness of guava and brown sugar.

→ How long does homemade guava BBQ sauce keep?

Stored in a clean, sealed jar in the refrigerator, this sauce will keep for up to 2 weeks. The vinegar and sugar act as natural preservatives. Always use a clean spoon when scooping to extend freshness.

→ What can I substitute for guava paste?

Guava jelly works as a substitute—just reduce the added brown sugar since jelly is sweeter than paste. Alternatively, mango or apricot preserves can provide similar fruitiness, though the distinct guava flavor will be different.

→ Is this guava BBQ sauce gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients—including guava paste, spices, vinegar, and sugars—are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure your spices and condiments haven't been processed with gluten-containing additives.

→ What dishes pair best with guava BBQ sauce?

This sauce shines on grilled chicken, pork chops, and ribs. It's also excellent on burgers, as a dip for fried plantains, glazed over roasted vegetables, or brushed onto grilled tofu and tempeh for a sweet and smoky finish.