This sweet, tangy, savory Guava BBQ Sauce (Salsa BBQ de Guayaba) will change your barbecue game this summer. It’s delicious on grilled meats, grilled vegetables, used as a dipping sauce, marinade or as a glaze. Ready in 15 minutes!
Time to change your barbecue game this summer and try something new on your grilled meats! It’s amazing on grilled pork ribs and chicken.
Like these brochetas de pollo (chicken skewers), pinchos de pollo (Puerto Rican chicken kabobs), or these pinchos de cerdo (Puerto Rican pork kabobs).
The sugars from the guava caramelizes on the meat, giving it such a delicious unique flavor that everyone will love!
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Reasons to Love this Recipe
- Easy – this recipe is easy and quick to make with simple pantry ingredients and guava paste.
- Versatile – not just great on grilled meats but use to dunk fries, onion rings, fried cheese, tater tots, or brushed on grilled pineapple or vegetables.
- Different – different bbq sauce from the ordinary of honey, smokey and mesquite flavors. Instead, tropical, savory, tangy and sweet.
What is Guava Paste?
Guava paste is a very popular food in Latin America made from ripe guavas and sugar. The guavas are cooked down until a puree forms and then left to cool and harden.
You can then slice it to enjoy on its own or serve with Latin white cheese. Use it in pastry recipes like these Pastelillos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries) that are to die for delicious! Or in cookies like these Mantecaditos (Shortbread Cookies) and even in drinks like our Coquito de Guayaba (Guava Coquito).
Ingredients
- Guava Paste – the primary ingredient to this delicious barbecue sauce.
- Tomato Paste – not only adds flavor but also helps to thicken the sauce.
- Garlic – adds amazing flavor and nice little bits of garlic pieces throughout the sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – every barbecue needs a little acidity.
- Lime Juice – adds delicious flavor and balances the sweetness of the guava.
- Worcestershire Sauce and Soy Sauce – makes the sauce deliciously savory.
- Water – to thin the sauce a little.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
Can I Use Guava Jam Instead of Guava Paste?
- I wouldn’t recommend using jam as it will not be as rich as guava paste which this barbecue sauce needs.
Can I Use Regular White Vinegar?
- In a pinch you can use white vinegar but apple cider is better for this sauce.
Can I Use Garlic Puree Instead of Whole Cloves?
- Absolutely! You can use 2 teaspoons garlic puree instead of minced garlic. If you would still like garlic bits in your sauce, use one minced garlic and 1 teaspoon garlic puree.
Can I Use Garlic Powder Instead?
- Sure, use about a teaspoon and a half or to taste.
Can I Make this BBQ Sauce Spicy?
- Of course! Add a pinch or more cayenne pepper or finely chopped serrano peppers.
Instructions
Step 1: Cut the guava paste into small cubes.
Step 2: Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat.
Step 3: Bring to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: When the sauce has thickened, taste for salt and pepper, adjust if needed. Turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes.
Use or transfer to a jar after it has cooled completely and refrigerate for up to one week.
How to Use this Barbecue Sauce
Use on any of your grilled meats like pork ribs, chicken, burgers or anything else grilled. The sugar caramelizes as the meat cooks, giving it so much depth in flavor.
This barbecue sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce, marinade or as a glaze.
Use it as a glaze in this Jamón Glaseado (Glazed Ham) or as a dipping sauce for these Chicharrones de Cerdo (Pork Skins).
Recipe FAQs
Store in a airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Absolutely! Just make sure to allow the sauce to cool completely before saving it in the refrigerator.
You will find guava paste in the Latin or International aisle of your supermarket. If you can’t find it in your local market, it can easily be purchased online.
Other Dishes You Can Use this Guava BBQ Sauce in
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📖 Recipe
Guava BBQ Sauce (Salsa BBQ de Guayaba)
Ingredients
- 1 cup guava paste cut into cubes
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When the sauce has reduced and thickened, taste for salt and pepper, adjust if needed. Turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes.
- Use or transfer to a jar after it has cooled completely and refrigerate for up to one week.
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