Smoky Rhubarb BBQ Glaze

June 5, 2025

By Millie Pham

Sweet, tangy, and a little smoky—this glaze is next-level good on just about anything.

You know that sauce that makes people ask, “Wait… what is this?” Yeah. This is it.
This smoky rhubarb BBQ glaze is bold, fruity, and super easy to make. It’s got the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and a touch of heat—plus that smoky kick that just screams summer.

💜 Why I Love This Recipe

I started playing with rhubarb in savory dishes a while back, and once I tossed it into a BBQ glaze—game over. It’s now my go-to for brushing over grilled meats, tofu, or even roasted veggies.

🍖 Brings bold BBQ flavor with no ketchup in sight
🍬 Sweet and tangy, but not overly sugary
🔥 That smoky hit makes everything taste grilled
🌱 It’s naturally plant-based
❄️ Keeps well in the fridge—great for meal prep

🍽 Servings & Time

Makes: About 1 ¼ cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

📊 Macros per 2 tbsp serving (approx.)

Calories: 40
Carbs: 9g
Sugar: 7g
Fat: 0.5g
Protein: 0g
Fiber: 1g

🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

Rhubarb brings natural tartness, which balances the sweetness from the brown sugar and maple syrup. The apple cider vinegar adds tang, while smoked paprika and chipotle powder give you that deep, smoky flavor without needing a grill. Cooking it down breaks the rhubarb down into a thick, spoonable glaze.

🧾 What You’ll Need

1 cup rhubarb, diced small
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp chipotle powder (or more to taste)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup water

inely diced rhubarb on a small plate, finely chopped red onion in a small clear jar, olive oil on a small plate, brown sugar on a small plate, maple syrup in a tiny jar, apple cider vinegar in a clear glass jar, smoked paprika and chipotle powder in pinch dishes, salt in a pinch dish, and water in a clear glass jar, all stored in unlabeled jars or plates

👨‍🍳 How to Make Smoky Rhubarb BBQ Glaze

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and sauté for about 4–5 minutes until softened.

finely chopped red onion being sautéed in olive oil, just starting to soften and turn translucent, in a small saucepan

Step 2: Add the Rhubarb

Stir in the diced rhubarb and cook for another 2–3 minutes until it starts to soften.

diced rhubarb just added to softened onions in a saucepan, ingredients beginning to mix and steam slightly

Step 3: Add Sugar, Syrup, and Spices

Add brown sugar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and salt. Stir everything well.

brown sugar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and salt being stirred into the rhubarb-onion mixture in the saucepan, creating a sticky base

Step 4: Add Vinegar and Water

Pour in the apple cider vinegar and water. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

apple cider vinegar and water being poured into the thick spice mixture in the saucepan, ingredients combining into a smooth glaze base

Step 5: Simmer Until Thick

Simmer the glaze over medium-low heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a glossy, spoonable consistency.

the smoky rhubarb BBQ glaze bubbling gently in the saucepan, visibly thick and glossy, steam rising slightly

Step 6: Blend (Optional)

For a smoother texture, blend the glaze using an immersion blender or small food processor until silky.

smoky rhubarb BBQ glaze being blended with an immersion blender directly in the saucepan

Step 7: Cool and Store

Let it cool slightly, then transfer to a jar. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

thick, glossy smoky rhubarb BBQ glaze being spooned into a clean glass jar, deep reddish-brown color visible

🍴 What to Serve With

Grilled chicken or pork chops
Roasted cauliflower or carrots
Brushed onto tofu or tempeh
Pulled pork or chicken sandwiches
As a dip for fries or sweet potato wedges

📅 Meal Plan Ideas

Make a double batch and freeze half
Use it to glaze proteins for meal prep bowls
Mix with mayo for a smoky BBQ aioli
Drizzle on flatbreads with roasted veggies
Pack in mason jars for summer BBQ gifts

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Cooking too hot – it can burn fast with sugar in it
Not stirring enough – it’ll stick to the bottom
Too much chipotle – it gets spicy real quick
Skipping the onion – it adds sweetness and depth
Not reducing long enough – it should coat a spoon

❓ FAQ

How long does it last?
About 5–7 days in the fridge, tightly sealed.

Can I freeze it?
Yes! Store in small containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Totally. Thaw and drain first.

How spicy is it?
Mild to medium—adjust the chipotle to your taste.

Do I have to blend it?
Nope! It’s great chunky or smooth, totally your call.

💬 Wrap-Up

This smoky rhubarb BBQ glaze brings serious flavor without a lot of effort. Whether you’re grilling on the weekend or just want to add something exciting to your dinner, this glaze has your back. Try it out and let me know what you brush it on—I’m always collecting ideas!