This delicious rhubarb sauce recipe is one of my favorites. Made as-is or with other fruits to make strawberry rhubarb sauce and the like, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. So full of sweet and tangy flavors you're going to love this recipe for rhubarb sauce.
I love the flavor of rhubarb. Of course, I load it up with sugar to get that great sweet and sour flavor! I make this delicious sauce to serve over everything from meat to ice cream. It's so versatile.
Rhubarb Sauce Recipe
This was inspired by my balsamic cranberry sauce and rhubarb jam recipe on this site and pairs well with beef, chicken, pork, or sweet treats like ice cream!
Why You Will Love this Recipe
- Quick and easy to make with few ingredients.
- Delicious sweet-tart flavor.
- Make strawberry rhubarb sauce by adding equal amounts of rhubarb and strawberries with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice as well as the sugar and water.
- Can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar.
- Suitable for all diets, as it is vegan and gluten-free.
- A great way to use up rhubarb from the garden or local farmers market.
- Can be served warm or cold, depending on preference.
- Perfect as a sauce for pies, pancakes, ice cream, cakes, tarts, cupcakes or as an ingredient in other recipes.
Top Tip:
It's vital to stir constantly to ensure your rhubarb sauce doesn't burn.
Recipe for Rhubarb Sauce Ingredients
You'll only need three simple ingredients to make this recipe for rhubarb sauce! You have water in your tap and sugar in your pantry, so the only thing you'll have to shop for is rhubarb. Be sure to check the recipe card at the end of the post for exact quantities.
- Rhubarb
- Sugar
- Water
Optional
- Red food coloring
- Strawberries
Substitutions and Variations
- Rhubarb - Add in or substitute blueberries, cranberries, raspberries or tart apples like granny smith, instead or with rhubarb.
- Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce - Add equal amounts of rhubarb and strawberries with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice as well as sugar and water.
- Water - Use apple or orange juice instead.
- Add Flavor - Add spices such as citrus zest, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a teaspoon of vanilla extract or add a tablespoon or two of lemon juice, brandy, white wine, sherry or rum.
Instructions
It takes almost no effort to make this super easy recipe for rhubarb sauce. You'll be in and out of the kitchen in minutes! The highlights are here, but you'll find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.
1: Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2: Cook until the rhubarb begins to soften, smashing it as it cooks down, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Hint: The main thing to remember is that this sauce must be stirred continuously or it will stick.
If you love sweet and tangy recipes like this, then check out this easy Instant pot cranberry sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store for up to a week in an air-tight container.
Freezer: Store for up to 2 months in smaller portions in an air-tight, freezer-safe container.
What to Serve with Rhubarb Sauce
- Serve Rhubarb Sauce at room temperature or slightly warmed for added comfort and pleasure.
- Perfect as a sauce for pies, pancakes, ice cream, cakes, tarts, cupcakes, as an ingredient in other recipes or instead of ketchup or barbecue sauce on burgers or tacos too!
Tips
- Cooked Rhubarb Sauce should not be left out at room temperature for longer than two hours as bacteria can start growing if left out too long.
- Start with a small amount of sugar and add more to taste, as the rhubarb will become sweeter as it cooks.
- Gently smash the rhubarb rather than blending or puréeing, as this will give a richer texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a brighter red color in your sauce, add some food coloring at the end of cooking time while still warm, not boiling.
- If you want a sweeter sauce, add more sugar when cooking
- To prevent Rhubarb Sauce from burning while cooking over medium heat, remember to stir regularly.
- For added convenience cook extra portions and freeze for later use.
- Make sure to use fresh, ripe rhubarb for the best flavor and texture in your sauce.
FAQ
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw the rhubarb before adding it to the pan with the other ingredients.
No, you do not need to peel the rhubarb stalks before using them in this recipe. Just give them a good wash and then cut into ½-inch pieces before adding them to the saucepan with the other ingredients. By mid July the stalks tend to be more fibrous and tough so you may need to peel rhubarb so it tastes better.
Yes! If you have a slow cooker you can easily make this Rhubarb Sauce by simply combining all of your ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours (or high for 2-3 hours).
The sauce will be ready when it reaches a thick and syrupy consistency and the rhubarb is completely mashed. The cooking time will vary depending on how hot your stovetop is, so you may need to adjust the heat accordingly.
More Rhubarb Recipes
Do you like rhubarb? Here some recipes you may also like to try.
Rhubarb Sauce Recipe
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Easy Rhubarb Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups rhubarb ½ inch pieces
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup water
Optional
- Drops Red food coloring
- Strawberries
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Continue stirring, preventing from it burning.
- Rhubarb will begin to soften.
- Gently smash the rhubarb until it forms a sauce.
- This will take about 12-15 minutes.
- Pour into mason jar or resealable container with lid. Allow to cool before placing lid on.
Notes
- If the sauce is a bit to thick, you can add a little bit more water.
- Cooked Rhubarb Sauce should not be left out at room temperature for longer than two hours as bacteria can start growing if left out too long.
- Start with a small amount of sugar and add more to taste, as the rhubarb will become sweeter as it cooks.
- Gently smash the rhubarb rather than blending or puréeing, as this will give a richer texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a brighter red color in your sauce, add some food coloring at the end of cooking time while still warm, not boiling.
- If you want a sweeter sauce, add more sugar when cooking
- To prevent Rhubarb Sauce from burning while cooking over medium heat, remember to stir regularly.
- For added convenience cook extra portions and freeze for later use.
- Make sure to use fresh, ripe rhubarb for the best flavor and texture in your sauce.
Nutrition
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