5 Irresistible Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce Recipes You Must Try

Barbecue sauce is a staple in many kitchens, but if you’re looking to switch things up with something unique and full of flavor, look no further than homemade rhubarb barbecue sauce. This tangy, sweet sauce made with rhubarb and a hint of spice is perfect for summer grilling, serving with your favorite proteins, or even as a marinade. Whether you’re preparing rhubarb barbecue sauce for pork, experimenting with bbq fruit flavors, or seeking a vegan barbecue alternative, this rhubarb barbecue sauce will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

In this article, we’ll take you through how to make the perfect rhubarb barbecue sauce, tips for customizing the recipe, and suggestions for pairing it with your meals. Let’s dive into this deliciously tangy and flavorful twist on classic BBQ!

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Why You’ll Love Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce

Rhubarb barbecue sauce is a perfect blend of tangy rhubarb, sweetness from sugar and fruits, and a touch of spice for an unforgettable BBQ experience. Here’s why this sauce will become your go-to for any grilling season:

1. Unique Twist on Classic BBQ

Rhubarb is often associated with pies and desserts, but when combined with savory ingredients, it brings a whole new level of flavor to your barbecue sauce. The rhubarb sauce for pork is particularly great, offering a balance of sweet and tart notes that perfectly complement the richness of the meat.

2. Great for Vegan and Vegetarian BBQ

If you’re a fan of vegetarian BBQ or looking for vegan barbecue recipes, this rhubarb sauce is ideal. It’s completely plant-based, making it a wonderful alternative to traditional BBQ sauces that often contain animal-derived ingredients like Worcestershire sauce.

3. Versatile and Easy to Make

Making this sauce is quick and simple! You can use it as a glaze for meats, drizzle it over grilled vegetables, or even add it to spaghetti as a unique sauce option. This rhubarb sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it incredibly versatile.

If you love experimenting with sauces, be sure to check out our Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce Recipe for another fruity, tangy sauce.

4. Perfect for Summer BBQs and Grilling

When the weather warms up and grilling season arrives, this rhubarb barbecue sauce is a must-have in your arsenal. Its fruity sweetness and tangy kick make it an excellent accompaniment to anything you throw on the grill, from ribs to chicken or even grilled tofu.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce

Creating rhubarb barbecue sauce at home is incredibly easy, and the ingredients are simple to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups rhubarb, chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (for the tang)
• 1/2 cup ketchup (for a classic BBQ base)
• 1/4 cup orange juice (for a citrusy twist)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or vegan Worcestershire sauce for a vegan version)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds some heat)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

This rhubarb sauce recipe is incredibly customizable, so feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preference. For a sweeter sauce, you can add more sugar or honey, or add a few extra tablespoons of fruit like strawberries for a strawberry rhubarb sauce twist!

How to Make Homemade Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce

Making this rhubarb barbecue sauce is simple and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your sauce ready for your next BBQ:

Step 1: Cook the Rhubarb

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb breaks down and becomes soft (about 10 minutes). You want the rhubarb to soften and begin to dissolve into a sauce-like consistency.

Step 2: Add the Other Ingredients

Once the rhubarb is soft, add the ketchup, orange juice, soy sauce (or vegan Worcestershire sauce), Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until well-combined.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become glossy. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little water or more orange juice to reach your desired consistency.

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Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Taste your sauce and adjust the flavor as needed. If you want it sweeter, add more brown sugar or honey. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more vinegar or a dash of lemon juice. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness and flavor, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

How to Use Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce

Rhubarb barbecue sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to use it:

1. Glaze for Grilled Meats

Use the sauce as a glaze for grilled meats like pork, chicken, or even vegan sausage. Brush the sauce over the meat during the last few minutes of grilling to create a flavorful caramelized coating.

2. Dip for Grilled Vegetables

For a vegetarian BBQ, this sauce is perfect as a dip for grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.

3. As a Marinade

Marinate your pork or chicken in the rhubarb barbecue sauce for a few hours before grilling or roasting. The sauce will infuse the meat with its tangy, sweet flavor.

4. Serve with Tofu or Tempeh

For a vegan barbecue, serve this sauce with grilled tofu or tempeh. The sweet and tangy flavors pair beautifully with the mild flavor of plant-based proteins.

5. Serve with Spaghetti

This rhubarb barbecue sauce is a fun alternative to traditional pasta sauces. Pour it over cooked spaghetti or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a unique twist on your regular pasta dinner.

For more unique sauces, check out our Vegan Worcestershire Sauce recipe for another vegan-friendly addition to your BBQ collection.

Storing and Reheating Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce

Once your rhubarb barbecue sauce has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw and reheat on the stove until warmed through.

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FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb for this sauce?

Yes, frozen rhubarb works well for this recipe. Just thaw it before cooking, and it will break down just as easily as fresh rhubarb.

2. Can I make this sauce spicy?

Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier sauce, simply increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño for some extra heat.

3. Is this sauce vegan?

Yes! This recipe is fully vegan barbecue as long as you use a vegan Worcestershire sauce or omit it altogether. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based, making it a great choice for vegan and vegetarian diets.

4. What can I use rhubarb barbecue sauce with besides meat?

In addition to meats, you can use this sauce on grilled vegetables, vegan sausage, tofu, or tempeh for a plant-based BBQ. It also works well as a topping for spaghetti or rice bowls.

5. How long can I store rhubarb barbecue sauce?

You can store the sauce in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion: A Tangy, Sweet Twist on BBQ

Homemade rhubarb barbecue sauce is a fantastic way to add a unique twist to your grilling season. Its tangy and sweet flavor, combined with a hint of spice, makes it the perfect complement to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving it with rhubarb sauce for pork, using it as a vegan barbecue glaze, or even trying it with spaghetti, this sauce is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

So, grab some rhubarb and start making this flavorful sauce today—you won’t regret it!

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