My Latin-style guava BBQ sauce is a must-have for summer grilling. It combines the smoky tang of classic barbecue with a bright, tropical sweetness from guava paste, and it comes together on the stovetop in about 30 minutes.
If you want to elevate your backyard barbecue, this homemade guava BBQ sauce is an easy and delicious starting point. The guava paste lends a distinctive sweetness that complements the vinegar and spices, producing a well-balanced sauce that outshines most store-bought options.
Use it anywhere you’d reach for traditional BBQ sauce: brush it on ribs, slather it over grilled chicken thighs, baste grilled vegetables, or serve it as a bold dipping sauce. It’s especially good brushed over grilled chicken skewers fresh from the grill.
How to Make Homemade Guava BBQ Sauce
Storage: Transfer to an airtight bottle or jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
My Favorite Shortcut
If you need a faster option, start with a bottle of your preferred store-bought BBQ sauce and stir in melted guava paste at step 2. This shortcut reduces the ingredient list while keeping that guava-forward flavor.
More Guava Recipes
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Easy Guava BBQ Sauce (30 Minutes)
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Author: Salima Benkhalti
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 20 servings 1x
Category: Sauce
Method: Simmered
Cuisine: American, Latin, Puerto Rican
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
This Latin-style guava BBQ sauce brings smoky, tangy barbecue notes together with the bright sweetness of guava paste. It’s quick to prepare and versatile, pairing well with meats, vegetables, and snacks.
Ingredients
Units
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- 7 oz guava paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Thin the guava paste: Add the guava paste and the water to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk and simmer until the paste melts and combines smoothly with the water.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon, grated garlic, onion powder, paprika, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and store: Adjust sweetness, acidity, or seasoning to your preference. If you prefer a thinner sauce, whisk in a tablespoon or two of water. Cool slightly, then transfer to a bottle or jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.