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Thick, tangy, sweet and smoky, this Guava BBQ Sauce is a delicious spin on a classic condiment! Slather it on ribs, chicken or anything grilled, serve as a dipping sauce for fries or even use it as an ingredient in recipes, like my Guava BBQ Pulled Chicken!

Let me start this post by saying I’m in no way a BBQ sauce connoisseur! I know there is a world of barbecue sauces out there and I still have a lot to explore. 

But, so far, I can confidently say this is the best BBQ sauce I have ever tasted. And it’s 100% made by moi!

Not that that’s a huge feat, on the contrary. It takes less than 15 minutes on the stove and no special skills required. Easy is an understatement!

That being said, I always feel accomplished when I make something “from scratch”.

So let me toot my own horn and feel proud about this recipe, even though it can be made by virtually anyone with access to a pot and a stove. After all, it’s not everyday that you come across a BBQ sauce made with guava!

If you love a sauce that is sweet, but smoky, tangy, but rich, and even a little bit spicy, this sauce is for you!

Ingredients for Guava BBQ Sauce

These are the ingredients you will need to make this homemade barbecue sauce:

  • Guava paste
  • Ketchup
  • Vinegar – I used apple cider vinegar, but you can use whatever kind you prefer.
  • Dijon mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic Powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Cayenne (optional, but highly recommended)

What is Guava paste?

Guava paste (or goiabada, in Portuguese) is a popular Latin ingredient, made by cooking red guavas and sugar until thickened. It can be sold/served as a spreadable jam, or in a sliceable, stiff and dense version, almost like fruit leather. 

I find that the latter is more common in the United States. I usually find it at the hispanic aisle of my grocery store, but you can also order it online!

In Brazil, goiabada is often used to make desserts or eaten plain, with cheese. However, although not common in Brazilian cuisine, I find that it makes a great ingredient in savory dishes, especially when paired with chicken or pork.

How to make Homemade Guava BBQ Sauce

It’s super easy! 10 to 15 minutes and a saucepan is all you’ll need.

The sauce is also very customizable, so feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your preferences! You can even double or triple the recipe if you need a large batch.

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook, over medium-high heat, until boiling.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the guava paste has dissolved and the sauce has thickened. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed!

How long will homemade BBQ sauce last?

This sauce keeps well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to a week. 

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! In fact, the sauce tastes even better after resting overnight in the fridge. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating!

Can I freeze BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. The best and safest way to thaw it is overnight in the fridge.

What can I make with Guava BBQ sauce?

So many things! Here are a few suggestions:

  • BBQ Pulled Chicken or Pulled Pork
  • BBQ Chicken Pizza
  • BBQ Chicken Wings
  • BBQ Meatballs
  • As a sauce for burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas.
  • Brushed on ribs, grilled meat or vegetables.
  • As a dip for fries, onion rings, tater tots.
Guava BBQ Sauce

Guava BBQ Sauce

Yield: about 1 1/4 cups
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces guava paste, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
  • Pinch of Cayenne (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook, over medium-high heat, until boiling.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the guava has dissolved and the sauce thickens to the desired consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Allow to cool to room temperature, and then serve or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • Cooking time will vary depending on the preferred consistency. I like mine thick, so it takes the whole 15 minutes to reduce. A thinner sauce will take less.
  • For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of cayenne. Or omit for a mild version.
  • The flavors deepen as the sauce rests in the fridge, so I recommend making it at least one day ahead, if you can!
  • The BBQ sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 22Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 177mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g
© Olivia Mesquita
Cuisine: Brazilian / Category: Condiments, Dressings and Sauces

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