Guava BBQ Sauce From Scratch (Printable Version)

Tangy tropical sauce featuring sweet guava paste, smoked paprika, and warm spices. Perfect for grilling, dipping, and marinating.

# Ingredient List:

→ Base

01 - 1 cup guava paste, chopped
02 - 1 cup water
03 - 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

→ Aromatics

04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Spices & Flavor

07 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Sweetness & Balance

15 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
16 - 1 tablespoon molasses
17 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

→ Final Touch

18 - 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
02 - Add guava paste, water, and apple cider vinegar to the saucepan. Stir until guava paste begins to dissolve.
03 - Add smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, chili powder, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to incorporate all spices.
04 - Add brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, and tamari. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
05 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy.
06 - Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Blend the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth, or transfer to a standard blender.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Allow to cool completely. Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ketchup-Free: A unique base using guava paste for a sophisticated fruit-forward flavor.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
  • Dietary Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan and can be made gluten-free by using tamari.
  • Perfect Texture: Simmers down into a thick, glossy glaze that clings beautifully to food.
02 -
  • Storage: Keep the sauce in an airtight glass jar to maintain its fresh, aromatic flavor for up to two weeks.
  • Melding Flavors: While delicious immediately, the flavors will develop further if the sauce is made a day in advance.
  • Basting: When using as a glaze, apply the sauce toward the end of grilling to prevent the sugars from burning over high heat.
Go Back