Rhubarb is back in season! This tart, stalky ingredient deserves a place in your kitchen, and we're here to help you explore its potential beyond desserts. Whether you're looking for savory dishes or sweet treats, our collection of rhubarb recipes will inspire your cooking.
When I think of rhubarb, I immediately recall The Great British Baking Show. If you're not familiar, imagine a cozy day of baking in the English countryside with classic treats like sticky toffee pudding and lemon drizzle cakes. Rhubarb is a favorite among contestants in this peaceful competition!
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
- How to prepare and cook rhubarb?
- Do you peel rhubarb before using it?
- How to store fresh rhubarb?
- Savory rhubarb recipes
- Rhubarb cocktail recipes
- Sweet rhubarb recipes
Rhubarb often shines in desserts, typically paired with strawberries or ginger. This spring ingredient is not just tasty; it's also packed with vitamins and minerals like calcium and potassium, and acts as a powerful digestive aid. It's no wonder it's a star in so many pies and crumbles!
How to prepare and cook rhubarb?
First things first: remove the leaves, as they contain toxic oxalic acid. Focus on the vibrant, red stalks. After washing and trimming any dry ends, your rhubarb is ready to shine in your recipes.
Usually treated like a fruit, rhubarb can be added to pies, sauces, muffins, cakes, jams, and crumbles. Its tartness balances sweetness perfectly. But don't limit it to desserts; it pairs wonderfully with meats, cocktails, and breakfast dishes too!
Do you peel rhubarb before using it?
No need to peel! The skin retains color and flavor. Although it appears tough, rhubarb becomes tender as it cooks, showcasing its beautiful red hue.
How to store fresh rhubarb?
After trimming the leaves, keep the stalks whole. You have several options for storage based on when you'll use it:
For a Few Days: Store unwrapped on the counter for up to a week. Dry stalks reduce the risk of mold.
For a Week: Refrigerate for about three weeks. While wrapping can accelerate ripening, humidity is key. Poke holes in plastic bags to maintain moisture without trapping too much.
For a Month: To freeze, spread stalks on a baking sheet to pre-freeze for a couple of hours before transferring to airtight containers. This keeps them separate and easy to use later. With rhubarb in peak season from April to June, now's the time to cook!
With your rhubarb knowledge, let's dive into 15 mouthwatering recipes that show you how to make the most of this springtime ingredient.
Savory Rhubarb Recipes
Crispy Rhubarb Lemon Chicken Bake
Why We Love It: This dish uses rhubarb shavings for a crunchy topping on roasted chicken, and the bare stalks create a flavorful marinade. One-pan, paleo-friendly, and gluten-free—what's not to love?
Hero Ingredient: Sweet pearled onions complement the tangy rhubarb.
Baked Salmon With Rhubarb
Why We Love It: Quick and elegant, this dish can be ready in less than 30 minutes—perfect for any occasion!
Hero Ingredient: Garlicky, lemony wilted chard makes a perfect sidekick.
Honey Roasted Rhubarb Power Greens Salad
Why We Love It: This vibrant salad is packed with slivered carrots, goat cheese, sunflower seeds, and roasted rhubarb. Enjoy it as is, or add grilled chicken for more protein.
Hero Ingredient: Sunflower seeds add delightful texture.
Sea Bass With Rhubarb Slaw
Why We Love It: Light and flavorful, this dish is ideal for spring dinners. Quick and easy to prepare, it's suitable for any night.
Hero Ingredient: Walnuts provide a nice crunch and buttery texture.
Rhubarb Cocktail Recipes
Refreshing Rhubarb Cocktail with Tequila and Lime
Why We Love It: This cocktail is the essence of summer, using rhubarb to create a syrup that balances tequila and lime. Feel free to switch the tequila for your spirit of choice!
Hero Ingredient: A jalapeño garnish adds the perfect kick.
Rhubarb Lemon Fizz Cocktail
Why We Love It: This refreshing drink takes just four ingredients and five minutes to whip up—perfect for spring!
Hero Ingredient: Rhubarb simple syrup is a must-have for cocktails and more.
Blackberry Rhubarb Vodka Cocktail
Why We Love It: This drink features a blackberry rhubarb syrup that's refreshing and perfectly balanced.
Hero Ingredient: Slap your mint to enhance its flavor.
Rhubarb Basil Cocktail
Why We Love It: This cocktail blends the herbaceous notes of basil with the tartness of rhubarb.
Hero Ingredient: Lightly muddled basil maximizes flavor.
Rhubarb and Honey Pisco Sour
Why We Love It: Starting with a rhubarb honey syrup, this cocktail combines pisco, bitters, and lime for a delightful drink.
Hero Ingredient: A frothy egg white topper adds sophistication.
Rhubarb and Elderflower Cocktail
Why We Love It: This refreshing cocktail combines rhubarb syrup with elderflower for a delightful sip.
Hero Ingredient: Elderflower blossoms make a lovely garnish.
Sweet Rhubarb Recipes
Rhubarb Meringue Cake
Why We Love It: This stunning cake requires just six steps! Prepare it in advance and enjoy either as a single or double layer.
Hero Ingredient: A splash of orange juice enhances the rhubarb compote.
Bumbleberry Galettes with Cornmeal Crust
Why We Love It: These easy galettes are a breeze compared to traditional pies. Their fresh filling bursts with flavor in every bite.
Hero Ingredient: A sprinkle of sugar on the crust adds just the right sweetness.
Phyllo Napoleons with Strawberries and Lemon-Vanilla Cream
Why We Love It: This dessert combines comforting elements with bright flavors in a beautiful presentation. Perfect for warm weather!
Hero Ingredient: Lemon is essential for a refreshing taste.
Overnight Buckwheat Waffles With Roasted Rhubarb Compote
Why We Love It: These yeasted waffles are prepped overnight for convenience, yielding a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Freeze leftovers for busy mornings!
Hero Ingredient: Buckwheat flour adds a unique nuttiness, perfect with the sweet rhubarb compote.
Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Crisps
Why We Love It: This breakfast-dessert hybrid is best served warm with whipped cream or ice cream—addicting!
Hero Ingredient: Chopped almonds enhance the crumble topping with crunch.
Gluten-Free Creamy Oatmeal With Rhubarb & Ginger Preserves
Why We Love It: This oatmeal is standard, but the rhubarb and ginger preserves steal the show, offering two anti-inflammatory superfoods.
Hero Ingredient: Ginger adds a delightful zing.
Gluten-Free Healthy Rhubarb Muffins
Why We Love It: These muffins are gluten-free, dairy-free, and delicious! Perfect for breakfast or snacks, and use fresh or frozen rhubarb.
Hero Ingredient: Almond butter gives these muffins a moist texture.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars
Why We Love It: Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these bars have a decadent crust and a sweet, tart filling, guilt-free munching!
Hero Ingredient: The crust has a lovely graham cracker flavor.
Strawberry Rhubarb Chia Overnight Oat Parfaits
Why We Love It: Overnight oats are a morning lifesaver. Prepare them in advance for a quick, delicious breakfast!
Hero Ingredient: Strawberry rhubarb chia jam is a tasty topping you'll want to keep on hand for various dishes.
Rhubarb Mango Crumble with Almond Coconut Topping
Why We Love It: This dessert features a delightful pairing of rhubarb and mango, with light almond and coconut flavors creating a subtle contrast.
Hero Ingredient: Shredded coconut adds a wonderful touch to warm weather desserts.
Rhubarb Cobbler with Mint
Why We Love It: This comforting cobbler is perfect for summer gatherings, with a buttery crust enhancing the fruity filling.
Hero Ingredient: Mint adds an unexpected twist to this delightful dish.
This post was updated on April 7th, 2022.
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