Last Updated on 19th July 2023 by
Guava paste is a common Latin American condiment, used in a lot of different ways, but it’s not as familiar to us in the United States. I came across some in a gift basket I received not that long ago and wasn’t entirely sure what to do with it, and you may have had a similar situation.
When I tried the paste out for the first time, I noticed it had a sweet, fruity, and creamy taste to it. It was mild and would be a good addition to any number of foods, and I was excited to try adding it to things and see what it did for them. I started with a cracker, though, just adding a bit of the paste to it. This was an excellent trial run and helped me better understand how the paste could be used and in what ways I could combine it with other foods to good effect.
I like to learn about different foods I haven’t tried and how they are traditionally used as well as interesting and novel ways to use them. Guava pasta was a food I wanted to be creative with and try to use in unconventional ways after I gave it a taste and found I liked it. I had a feeling it would be a versatile food, and I was right. I want to share some of my ideas for guava paste- how to use it and make the most of this lovely condiment.
Table of Contents
Guava Pastry Puffs
One of the more common ways that guava paste is used is to fill pastry puffs. How to use guava paste for pastry puffs? Just lay out your pastry dough and mix together egg whites, guava paste and cream cheese. You’ll make a delightful filling that you can place in the centre of the dough.
Fold that over and bake it, and you end up with puffy, light, flaky guava pastry. These are so delicious, and I like topping mine with a little sugar to sweeten them even more. The guava paste makes for a good substitute for jam in a pastry puff, giving the pastry a distinct flavour and a different look.
You can use guava paste in any kind of pastry, cookie, or tart. Anything that would have a cream cheese filling can have guava paste mixed into it, creating a creamy mixture with a nice touch of fruit flavour to it.
Sandwich Filling
Are you looking for a quick and simple way how to use guava paste? Try making a sandwich with it, adding guava paste, butter and cheese to two slices of bread. Then, grill your sandwich on the stove or put it into a sandwich press. You’ll have a delicious, melty cheese sandwich with the wonderful flavour of guava paste.
It’s simply delightful and one of the easiest ways to make a meal using guava paste. This will give you some idea of how the paste works with various foods and whether you want to keep on using it. So, before you serve it in a dish you make for anyone, you can try it like this, in a simple sandwich, and determine if it is something you want to keep on using. I think that just like me, you will be won over.
Pork Glazed Tenderloin
Now here is an idea that really caught my eye back when I was first looking up ways to use guava paste. I don’t think of fruit paste as being something to put on my meat, but I know glazes for chicken and pork can sometimes use orange or even apple. So, why wouldn’t guava make a good glaze as well? This one probably sounds weird until you give it a try, and I can tell you that it tastes amazing.
To make it, you dissolve the guava paste in water, soy sauce, and ketchup. You’ll use that mixture as your glaze, so there isn’t any paste left, just the flavour of guava. The versatile paste can be changed into other foods and textures, mixed to become part of a sauce or glaze, since it mixes well. If you are tired of boring pork tenderloin, this could be a great way to spruce them up and make good use of your guava paste.
Guava Cheesecake
I know some people like to use paste like this in sweets and desserts, so if you are wondering how to use guava paste to make a cake, then I want to share this idea with you.
As you mix your cheesecake together, just add in guava paste, giving the cheesecake a fruity taste that subtly alters the flavour. If you feel like you have tried every kind of cheesecake there is, then you definitely have to give this one a try. The guava paste combines very well with the cream cheese mixture for the cheesecake’s filling.
Spicy Meat Garnish
Do you love combinations of sweet and spicy as much as I do? I think pairing a spicy pepper with a sweet one makes for a good combination, and a spicy meat with some sweet sauce is excellent. One meat I love to pair with the sweetness of guava paste is spicy salami.
The way they combine is incredible, and you can put them together on a sandwich or as a snack on crackers. Add a little cheese in there as well and the combination is heavenly. If you make this into a sandwich, the guava paste can be your condiment. You wouldn’t need to add in anything else, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised what a good pairing the guava paste and spicy salami are.
Cream Cheese Hors d’Oeuvres
Why not try sweet on sweet as well? Layering guava paste and cream cheese slices works as an excellent appetiser or snack. You can put that combination on crackers or bread or use it as a cake topping. The higher quality of cream cheese you use for this, the better it will be.
You can bring this tasty snack out for parties and get togethers or serve before the meal while the food is still cooking. Try drizzling chocolate sauce on top of this snack or adding other sweet flavours to make a dessert dish. I like to have this to the side of my plate when I am eating ice cream or any type of pastry dish.
That’s just a few ideas to get you started, but as you can see, guava paste has a lot of uses. It’s more than just a condiment, but even as a condiment, it can be used in a number of ways. Try combining it with complementary flavours as well as opposing ones to get the most mileage out of it. I hope these ideas inspire you to pick up a can of guava paste next time you are in the grocery. Until you do, you won’t know what you are missing out on.
FAQs
What is guava paste and what does it taste like?
Guava paste, also known as ‘goiabada’ in Brazil, is a sweet, thick jelly made from guava fruit, sugar, and occasionally added pectin. It has a strong and aromatic tropical flavor, which is sweet yet slightly acidic. Its consistency is firmer than jam or jelly, allowing it to be easily sliced.
What are some creative ways to use guava paste in both sweet and savoury dishes?
Guava paste is extremely versatile. It pairs well with cheese, making it a great addition to a cheese board, or used in appetizers like guava and cream cheese pastries. It can also be melted down to create a glaze for meats, or used as a filling for desserts like cookies, cakes, and empanadas. Additionally, it can be used to sweeten tropical cocktails, spread on toast, or simply sliced and eaten as a sweet snack.
How do I store guava paste and how long does it last?
Unopened guava paste can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place, and it often has a shelf life of a couple of years. Once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator, where it can last for several weeks to a few months. To keep it longer, you can freeze guava paste, where it will stay good for up to a year. To use, simply defrost in the fridge overnight. It’s always best to check for signs of spoilage like mold or a sour smell before using.
I'm Pauline, a mother of four grown children, my passion for cooking stemmed from the joy i get cooking for my family. I love to try new dishes, especially when dining out but creating and sharing my own recipes is my favourite thing to do!
