Name: Rhubarb BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups chopped rhubarb; 2 cups honey; 1 ½ cups raisins; ½ cup chopped onion; ½ cup white vinegar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon salt

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Rhubarb BBQ sauce is the perfect way to use up fresh rhubarb and add a sweet-tangy kick to your barbeque season, especially when paired with honey and home-canned goodness.

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It was one of those slow, rainy June mornings—the kind that keeps the laundry from drying on the line and makes your coffee taste just a little bit cozier.

As I wandered out to the garden between raindrops, I noticed that—finally!—our rhubarb had stretched tall enough for a harvest. Exceptionally late this year, especially for Minnesota, but still that vibrant green and red we all recognize as the perfect foil to early summer cooking.

While most people think of strawberry rhubarb pie or a classic crisp when it comes to rhubarb recipes, I was excited to start using my stretching rhubarb for something savory. The first time I saw a variation of this recipe, I was puzzled. A BBQ rhubarb sauce? That sounds bizarre. But then I was intrigued!

As I've tweaked the recipe year after year, I've become more obsessed with the outcome.

So on that recent June day, not too long ago, I grabbed my basket and filled it with fresh rhubarb, ready to can up one of my favorite rhubarb recipes!

This recipe was inspired by the Victorin Barbecue Sauce from the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving.

This rhubarb barbecue sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and earthy. The honey adds natural warmth, and the spices give it a bold flavor profile. It’s a delicious way to add something unique to your summer table—whether you’re serving pork chops, bbq chicken, or bone-in chicken legs at your next long weekend cookout.

And don't forget about those winter dishes! It's perfect to spread over chicken in the depths of winter when a taste of summer feels cozy and hopeful.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Equipment
Top Tip
FAQ
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Rhubarb BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

Chopped rhubarb
Honey
Raisins
Onion
White vinegar
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Salt

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare a water bath with jars, lids, and bands. Set aside.

In a large pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a medium boil, stirring often. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened.

immersion blending in a pot of rhubarb sauce

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth (but not watery) rhubarb sauce.

Fill warm jars with sauce to a ½-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims clean, and secure lids and bands. Place jars into the prepared canner.

Process in a water bath canner for 15 minutes (adjust for altitude if needed). Once complete, turn off the heat and let jars rest in the water for 5 minutes. Remove and cool jars on a kitchen towel for 24 hours.

1. For elevations between 0-1,000 feet: No adjustment is needed.

2. For elevations between 1,001-3,000 feet: Increase processing time by 5 minutes.

3. For elevations between 3,001-6,000 feet: Increase processing time by 10 minutes.

4. For elevations between 6,001-8,000 feet: Increase processing time by 15 minutes.

5. For elevations above 8,000 feet: Increase processing time by 20 minutes.

Always refer to a reliable canning resource, such as the National Center for Home Food Preservation or the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning, for recommended processing times and altitude adjustments.

Variations

If you love a little more kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper, a splash of apple cider vinegar, or even a touch of liquid smoke to deepen the BBQ notes. If you’re feeling bold, experiment with a chipotle rhubarb BBQ sauce version by blending in some chipotle peppers in adobo.

No honey? You could sub in brown sugar, though it may slightly change the texture and sweetness level.

Always refer to a reliable canning resource for safety adjustments.

Equipment

Kitchen towel
Large stock pot
Immersion blender
Canning funnel
Clean jars (pint or half-pints work well)
Water bath canner or steam canner
Jar lifter

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Top Tip

This sauce makes an excellent pizza sauce substitute or a glaze over pork chops or chicken legs during barbecue season.

FAQ

What does rhubarb BBQ sauce taste like?
It’s a tangy, slightly sweet sauce with a warm spice blend and the signature tartness of great rhubarb. It’s not overly sweet like some commercial sauces, and the flavor profile is balanced with ginger, cinnamon, and onion.

Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen works fine—just be sure to thaw and drain it first.

Can I skip the raisins?
You could, but they add body and natural sweetness. Try substituting dates or a little bit of brown sugar if needed.

How long will the canned sauce last?
Properly sealed jars should last 12–18 months in a cool, dark pantry. Always check seals and smell before using.

Is this sauce suitable for a low-calorie diet?
While honey is a natural sweetener, it still contains calories. Check daily values if you're following a specific plan.

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Whether you're making this rhubarb barbecue sauce as a new recipe to try during a slow weekend or adding it to your rotation of rhubarb recipes, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the short and vibrant rhubarb season. It’s also a sweet way to step outside the usual dessert box (yes, we still love our strawberry rhubarb pie) and embrace something bold for your summer grill.

Let me know if you try this recipe or tag me in your grilling season photos—I’d love to see what you’re making!