Tropical flavors never go out of style, and when you add the sweet and tangy taste of guava to the mix, you get a culinary explosion that’s hard to resist. Guavas are a staple in many Caribbean and Latin American cuisines, and for good reason – their unique flavor profile is perfect for adding a pop of excitement to everything from pastries to cocktails.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of tropical guava recipes and explore 18 mouth-watering dishes that will transport your taste buds to a sunny island getaway. From sweet treats like Guava-Stuffed French Toast and Guava Pie with Lattice Crust, to savory options like Spicy Guava Glazed Chicken Wings and Guava BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for inspiration for your next dinner party, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
Guava and Cream Cheese Pastries
These sweet and tangy pastries combine the flavors of ripe guava with a creamy cream cheese filling, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a special treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup guava jam
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 12 equal squares.
3. In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Place a spoonful of guava jam in the center of each square. Top with a dollop of cream cheese mixture.
5. Fold pastry over filling to form a triangle or a rectangle, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Guava Glazed Chicken Wings
Elevate your game day or party with these sweet and spicy chicken wings glazed to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup guava paste
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together guava paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken wings to the glaze and toss until well coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with vegetable oil. Arrange the wings in a single layer.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Increase oven temperature to broil (high). Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 32-35 minutes
Guava Coconut Smoothie Bowl
A refreshing and healthy breakfast or snack option that combines the sweetness of guava with the creaminess of coconut.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe guava, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Toppings: toasted almonds, shredded coconut, and fresh guava slices
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine guava, pineapple chunks, unsweetened shredded coconut, and banana. Blend until smooth.
2. Add Greek yogurt, honey, and salt to the blender. Blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as needed.
4. Pour the smoothie into a bowl. Add ice cubes if desired.
5. Top with toasted almonds, shredded coconut, and fresh guava slices.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Guava BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Elevate your slider game with this sweet and tangy twist on classic pulled pork! Tender, juicy pork shoulder is slow-cooked in a rich guava BBQ sauce that’s bursting with tropical flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup guava BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 slider buns
– Optional: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and/or crispy onions
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together guava BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred pork with two forks and stir to coat with remaining sauce.
6. Assemble sliders by spooning pulled pork onto buns, followed by desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Guava Mojito Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito. The sweetness of guava puree pairs perfectly with the crispness of mint and lime, making it a perfect drink for warm weather or any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1 oz guava puree
– 1/4 cup club soda
– Handful of ice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
– Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release oils and flavor.
2. Add lime juice, guava puree, and rum to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with club soda.
4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Guava Chutney with Cumin and Mustard Seeds
This sweet and tangy chutney is a perfect blend of flavors, with the sweetness of guavas balanced by the warmth of cumin and mustard seeds. It’s great as a condiment for snacks or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups ripe guavas, chopped
– 1/4 cup mustard seeds
– 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt, to taste
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the mustard and cumin seeds and roast until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the chopped guavas, salt, and a splash of water (if needed). Stir well.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the chutney thickens slightly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Guava-Stuffed French Toast
Start your day with a sweet and tangy twist on classic French toast. This recipe combines the richness of bread, eggs, and milk with the tropical flavor of guava.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Challah or brioche bread
– 2 ripe guavas, pureed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup of milk
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, melted
– Cinnamon sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk until well combined.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated bread slices on the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, spread a tablespoon of guava puree on one half of each toasted bread slice.
6. Fold the other half over to enclose the guava filling.
7. Serve warm with cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top (optional).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Guava and Mango Salsa
This tropical salsa combines the sweetness of mangoes with the tanginess of guavas, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or chips. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying this delicious condiment in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup guava jam (or 2-3 guavas, seeded and chopped)
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine mango, guava jam (or chopped guavas), red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 0 hours
Guava Pie with Lattice Crust
Experience the tropical flavors of guava in a classic pie filled with sweet and tangy goodness, topped with a beautiful lattice crust. This recipe is perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you crave a taste of paradise.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
– 2 cups guava jam
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the crust:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together filling ingredients until smooth.
3. Roll out crust dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Place lattice strips on top of filling, weaving into a lattice pattern.
5. Brush crust with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Guava Margarita with Chili Rim
Combine the bold flavors of guava with the tanginess of lime and heat of chili for a unique margarita experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz guava puree
– 1/2 oz triple sec
– Salt, for rimming glass
– 1-2 dried arbol chilies, crushed or 1-2 dashes chili flakes
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt and crushed chili.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, guava puree, and triple sec.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None required!
Guava and Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sweet and savory combination of guava jam, creamy brie, and crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 1/4 cup guava jam
– 1/4 cup brie cheese, sliced
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with guava jam, brie cheese, and another bread slice (butter-side up).
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Guava-Glazed Salmon with Citrus Salad
Elevate your seafood game with this sweet and tangy combination of flavors, featuring guava-glazed salmon paired with a refreshing citrus salad. Perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
For the glaze:
– 1/2 cup guava jam
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the salmon:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the citrus salad:
– 1 navel orange, peeled and segmented
– 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine guava jam, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce glaze by half; set aside.
4. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush glaze evenly over the salmon. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, combine citrus segments and cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze lime juice over the top.
7. Serve glazed salmon with citrus salad.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Guava and Lime Popsicles
Beat the heat with these tropical popsicles that combine the sweetness of guava with the tanginess of lime. Perfect for a hot summer day, these popsicles are easy to make and will quench your thirst.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups guava puree
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– Popsicle sticks
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the guava puree, lime juice, and sugar until well combined.
2. Add the water to the mixture and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or small cups.
4. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. To unmold, run the popsicles under warm water for a few seconds.
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Guava Upside-Down Cake
This tropical take on the traditional pineapple upside-down cake features sweet and tangy guavas as the star of the show. The combination of juicy guavas, caramelized brown sugar, and moist cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup guava jam or preserves
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and arrange guava slices on top.
6. Sprinkle brown sugar over guavas and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Guava and Coconut Rice Pudding
A creamy and tropical dessert that combines the sweetness of guavas with the richness of coconut. Perfect for a warm evening or as a unique treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup guava puree
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Fresh guava slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, shredded coconut, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is lightly caramelized.
3. Stir in guava puree and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add cooked rice to the saucepan and stir until well combined.
5. Gradually add heavy cream or whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pudding has thickened slightly.
7. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
8. Pour into individual serving cups or a large baking dish.
9. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh guava slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Guava BBQ Sauce for Ribs
Elevate your rib game with this sweet and tangy guava-infused BBQ sauce. Perfect for a summer cookout or a special occasion, this unique flavor combination is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons guava puree (or substitute with pineapple juice)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, guava puree, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Whisk until smooth, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None (this is a finishing sauce)
Guava and Pineapple Jam
This sweet and tangy jam combines the exotic flavors of guava and pineapple to create a unique and delicious spread perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups guava puree
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine guava puree, pineapple juice, sugar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
5. Let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Guava and Basil Infused Water
Elevate your hydration game with this unique and flavorful infused water recipe that combines the sweetness of guavas with the brightness of basil. Perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a refreshing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh guavas, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 liters water
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the sliced guavas and fresh basil leaves.
2. Add the 2 liters of water to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
3. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add ice cubes if desired to chill the infused water further.
5. Strain the liquid into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and tangy flavor of guavas! This article features 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the versatility of this tropical fruit. From sweet treats like Guava Pie with Lattice Crust and Guava Upside-Down Cake, to savory dishes like Spicy Guava Glazed Chicken Wings and Guava-Glazed Salmon with Citrus Salad, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find refreshing drinks like Guava Mojito Cocktail and Guava and Lime Popsicles, as well as unique twists on classic recipes like Guava-Stuffed French Toast and Guava and Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Try them all out and get ready to fall in love with guavas!
