Guava BBQ Sauce From Scratch (Printable)

Tangy tropical sauce featuring sweet guava paste, smoked paprika, and warm spices. Ideal for grilling, dipping, or marinating your favorite dishes.

# 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 soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free

# 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 until fragrant.
02 - Add guava paste, water, and apple cider vinegar to the saucepan. Stir until guava paste begins to dissolve into the liquid.
03 - Incorporate smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, chili powder, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to distribute spices evenly throughout the mixture.
04 - Add brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce to the saucepan. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully 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 completely smooth, or transfer to a standard blender for processing.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let cool completely before transferring to a clean glass jar. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Unique Flavor: A delightful tropical alternative to traditional tomato-based barbecue sauces.
  • Dietary Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan and can be made gluten-free by using tamari.
  • No Ketchup: Made from scratch using guava paste for a thick, glossy, and authentic texture.
  • Versatile: Works perfectly as a glaze, marinade, or dipping sauce for various proteins and vegetables.
02 -
  • Storage: Transfer the cooled sauce to a clean, airtight glass jar; it will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Gluten-Free: Always double-check your labels, especially the soy sauce, and use tamari to ensure the recipe remains gluten-free.
  • Texture: Simmering the sauce uncovered is the secret to achieving that signature glossy, thick barbecue sauce texture.
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