Guava BBQ Sauce From Scratch (Printable Version)

Tangy tropical sauce with sweet guava paste, aromatic spices, and balanced acidity. Ideal for glazing, dipping, or marinating grilled meats, vegetables, and tofu.

# What You Need:

→ 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 for heat

→ Sweetness & Balance

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

→ Final Touch

18 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free

# How to Make It:

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 completely.
03 - Add smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, chili powder, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine evenly.
04 - Add brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are incorporated.
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 for processing.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Allow sauce to cool completely. Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ketchup-Free: A completely from-scratch sauce using guava paste for a unique, natural sweetness.
  • Quick & Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes with easy-to-follow steps.
  • Complex Flavor: A perfect balance of smoky paprika, acidic vinegar, and tropical fruit.
  • Dietary Friendly: Naturally vegan and easily made gluten-free with tamari.
02 -
  • Ensure the guava paste is chopped into small pieces before adding it to the pan to help it dissolve faster.
  • Wait until the sauce has cooled slightly before blending to avoid splattering.
  • Store the sauce in an airtight glass jar to maintain freshness for up to 14 days.
  • Always use tamari in place of soy sauce if you are serving guests with gluten sensitivities.
Go Back