Rhubarb BBQ sauce is an excellent way to make use of an abundance of springtime rhubarb, and a unique way to enjoy the crunchy, tart stalks. Try it on your favorite grilled meats or offer it as a dipping sauce on the side.
Recipe at a Glance: Rhubarb BBQ Sauce
- DETAILS
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Preparation method: Stovetop
- HIGHLIGHTS
- Showcase spring rhubarb by making a homemade bbq sauce. The flavor is slightly sweet, a little tart, and a little smoky. It's perfect for easy summer grilling.
- For this sauce, sweet-tart rhubarb and onion are simmered with brown sugar, adobo sauce, vinegar, and Worcestershire, then blended until smooth.
- Use it on grilled pork or chicken during the final few minutes of grilling, or offer it as a dipping sauce on the side.
There are plenty of reasons to make your own homemade bbq sauce, from better flavor to avoiding unnecessary additives, and all of those reasons apply for this recipe too, however, it's also a great way to use up an abundance of rhubarb and you're rewarded with an incredible condiment that you're unlikely to ever find a bottled version of.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
- Rhubarb--Use fresh, blemish-free rhubarb stalks. Pink, red, and green stalks are safe to eat, however you must remove and discard the green leaves. They should not be consumed as they are toxic.
- Adobo--This adds an earthy, smoky flavor to the sauce. You can purchase a jar or adobo sauce, or use the sauce found in a can of chipotle chiles. Looking for ways to use up extra? Try these grilled flanken short ribs!
- Vinegar--Apple cider vinegar is a great all-purpose choice for this recipe, but you could substitute white wine vinegar, if you prefer.
How to Make Rhubarb BBQ Sauce
1. Sauté the onion in oil until tender.
2. Stir in the remaining sauce ingredients.
3. Cook until the rhubarb is soft and the mixture is saucy.
4. Transfer to a blender and blitz until smooth.
How to Use Your Homemade Rhubarb BBQ Sauce
Brush this onto grilled pork chops, pork tenderloin, grilled whole chicken, or crispy chicken wings during the last 5 minutes of grilling. This homemade BBQ sauce also works well as a dipping sauce to serve alongside your grilled meat.
Storage
Keep your sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- If your sauce is too thick after blending, drizzle in water, 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin, return it to the saucepan and simmer until it thickens.
- This recipe is suitable for gluten-free diets.
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Recipe
Rhubarb BBQ Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ medium onion chopped
- 2 cups (8 ounces) chopped rhubarb stalks
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the onion and sauté until softened, but not browned, about 7 minutes.
- Add the rhubarb, sugar, vinegar, adobo, and Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the rhubarb is softened and the mixture is saucy, about 7 minutes.
- Transfer the sauce to a blender and blitz until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne, if desired.
- Store in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Consistency--If your sauce is too thick after blending, drizzle in water, 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin, return it to the saucepan and simmer until it thickens.
- Dietary--This recipe is suitable for gluten-free diets.
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