Tangy Rhubarb BBQ Sauce Recipe

Craving a taste of something tangy and bold for your next barbecue? Look no further than this sensational recipe for Homemade Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce. Bursting with the bright flavors of rhubarb, this sauce is a delightful departure from the usual sweet treats made with this humble garden favorite. Inspired by a cherished family chutney tradition, this sauce is a true celebration of the spring season and the perfect companion for everything from grilled meats to roasted veggies.

Picture this: the aroma of smoky paprika mingling with the tangy rhubarb as it sizzles on the grill, signaling the start of barbecue season. This Homemade Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce is a showstopper that will elevate your dishes to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you slather it on grilled chicken, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, or use it as a dip for crispy fries, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. And the best part? You can easily whip up a double batch to ensure you never run out of this crowd-pleaser.

Quick Benefits

• Adds a bright and unexpected twist to traditional barbecue sauces with tangy rhubarb flavor
• Offers a hint of smoky heat from smoked paprika for a unique and flavorful experience
• Versatile sauce that complements a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to roasted veggies and even as a dip for fries
• Easy to make in batches and store for later use in the fridge or freezer for long-lasting enjoyment

Why You’ll Love This Tangy Rhubarb BBQ Sauce Recipe Recipe

• Bold and Unexpected Flavor: This barbecue sauce transforms humble rhubarb into a tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy condiment that is a departure from the traditional sweet rhubarb desserts.
• Family Favorite: A recipe passed down from generations, loved by kids and adults alike; it’s so popular that double batches are a must as a single jar never lasts long.
• Versatile Usage: Perfect for brushing over grilled meats, roasted veggies, tofu, or even as a dip for fries, burgers, veggie bowls, or roasted potatoes – a condiment that elevates any dish.
• Springtime Nostalgia: Embrace the essence of spring with the aroma of smoked paprika signaling the start of barbecue season, making it a seasonal tradition to look forward to.
• Long Shelf Life: Enjoy the sauce for up to two weeks stored in the fridge, and for longer storage, freeze in portions, ensuring you always have a taste of spring on hand.
• Simple Customizations: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients such as apple cider vinegar for balsamic, adjusting the spiciness level of sriracha, or using honey for a lighter version – ensuring it suits your taste preferences.
• Historical Roots: Connect with the culinary history of using rhubarb in savory spreads and chutneys, reflecting a time when it was a staple ingredient for adding brightness to sauces, resonating with the nostalgia of bygone traditions.

Ingredients for Tangy Rhubarb BBQ Sauce Recipe

Sauce Base

• 120 grams packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sriracha or preferred chili sauce
• 1 cup ketchup
• 4 cups chopped rhubarb, fresh or thawed from frozen
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 60 millilitres balsamic vinegar
• 240 millilitres water, plus more as needed
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pro Tips for Tangy Rhubarb BBQ Sauce Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To enhance the flavors of your homemade rhubarb barbecue sauce, make sure to properly thaw and drain excess liquid from frozen rhubarb before using it. This step will help you achieve the best consistency for your sauce.

Pro Tip 2: Adjust the heat level of the sauce by varying the amount of sriracha based on your preference. For a milder option, you can swap sriracha with a milder hot sauce or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo for a smoky heat twist.

Pro Tip 3: For convenient storage, cool the sauce to room temperature and then store it in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze in suitable portions and thaw in the fridge overnight before use, ensuring to stir it well for the best texture.

How to Make Tangy Rhubarb BBQ Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rhubarb

Cut rhubarb into small, even pieces. If using frozen rhubarb, make sure it is fully thawed and drain any excess liquid.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Combine rhubarb, ketchup, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, sriracha, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and 120 milliliters of water in a medium saucepan. Stir to mix.

Step 3: Simmer Sauce Base

Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rhubarb softens.

Step 4: Develop Flavour

Uncover the pot and stir in Dijon mustard. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken and blend flavors.

Step 5: Adjust Texture

To achieve a smooth consistency, use an immersion blender in the pan. For a more rustic finish, mash the sauce with a fork or potato masher.

Step 6: Modify Consistency

If the sauce is too thick, add additional water one tablespoon at a time until reaching the desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon while still being pourable.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Cool the sauce completely before transferring it to a jar or airtight container. For optimal flavor, refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to intensify.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Homemade Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce, let it cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep well for up to two weeks when tightly sealed in the fridge. If you plan to freeze the sauce for longer storage, spoon it into freezer-friendly jars, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw the frozen sauce in the fridge overnight before using for best results.

To maintain the best consistency of the sauce, make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from frozen rhubarb before incorporating it into the recipe. The sauce delivers a mild heat from the sriracha used; you can adjust the amount to suit your preference for spiciness. For a convenient way to enjoy the sauce later, freeze it in portions and simply thaw in the fridge when ready to use, remembering to stir before serving to ensure a consistent texture. Experiment with different ways to enjoy the sauce, from brushing it over grilled meats to using it as a dip for roasted vegetables or tofu.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar can be substituted in the homemade rhubarb barbecue sauce for a slightly different tangy flavor profile. Similarly, if you prefer a milder heat level or do not have sriracha available, you can swap it out for a different hot sauce of your choice or even use a spoonful of chipotle in adobo for a smoky kick.

For those looking to make a lighter version of the sauce, you can use honey as a substitute for the brown sugar in equal measure. Just keep in mind that the sauce may have a slightly thinner consistency with this swap. Additionally, if you want to experiment with different flavors, consider adding a touch of your favorite spices like cumin or coriander to personalize the taste of the barbecue sauce to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this homemade rhubarb barbecue sauce by brushing it over grilled tofu or chicken for a tangy and smoky flavor explosion. Alternatively, spoon it over burgers or veggie bowls to add a unique twist to your meal. For a fun snack idea, use this sauce as a dip for roasted potatoes or squash fries, or even swirl a little into sour cream for a smoky dip for chips. The versatility of this sauce makes it a must-have condiment for barbecue season!

To enhance the flavor and consistency of the sauce, be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid from frozen rhubarb before using it. Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste buds. Store any leftovers in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze portions for later use. Thaw the frozen sauce in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before serving to maintain its texture.

FAQs for Tangy Rhubarb BBQ Sauce Recipe

Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using for the best consistency in the barbecue sauce.

How spicy is this barbecue sauce?

The sauce has a mild heat from the sriracha. You can adjust the amount to taste if you prefer more or less spiciness in your barbecue sauce.

How should I store the homemade rhubarb barbecue sauce?

Cool the sauce to room temperature, then store it in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to two weeks.

Can I freeze the rhubarb barbecue sauce for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce in portions. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

As you wrap up your culinary adventure with this delightful Homemade Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce, remember that this recipe is not just a delicious condiment but a celebration of the changing seasons and the simple joys of fresh, homemade flavors. Whether you’re grilling up a storm or adding a zing to your favorite dishes, let this sauce be a reminder of the creativity and warmth that comes from your own kitchen.

So, as you experiment with different ways to savor this Homemade Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce, remember the stories of generations past who cherished the bright flavors of rhubarb in their cooking. Whether you’re sharing this sauce with loved ones or savoring it on a quiet evening, let it be a symbol of tradition, innovation, and the pure delight of homemade goodness. Cheers to many more culinary adventures and the joy that comes from creating something truly special like this Homemade Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce.