January 2024
Hello everyone and Happy New Year!
Starting the year off with a question I often get and a popular topic.
People often use the term “BBQ Sauce” interchangeably to describe that yummy red stuff you slather on ribs, brisket or chicken. But there are all kinds of different sauces - each unique to the different region and folks who make them.
I’m going to spend some time to breakdown some of the most well-known sauces and what kind of food they are best for. Let’s get started!
Alabama Style
Right off the bat what stands out with this one is the white color. This is due to being a Mayonnaise base sauce. The mayo creates a rich and tangy flavor.
In my opinion this sauce is best on grilled and smoked chicken as it was intended for. This can be breasts or a nice dipping sauce for wings. This is also something you can dip fries or Onion Rings in. I often get asked about making this type of sauce and its definitely something I will consider adding.
Memphis Style
Ribs is the top choice for Memphis sauce and there is two kinds: dry ribs and wet ribs. As the name implies the dry variety are just that: some dry rub and oil cooked into meat to make it tender.
The wet rib is doused in sauce before, during and after the cooking process. Memphis sauces are driven by flavor of molasses and tomato paste being reduced thus giving it a rich dark texture.
Carolina Style
I can write an entire article on all the different sauces you find in both North and South Carolina so I’ll generalize here.
There’s multiple varieties but for this article ill focus on two: mustard and vinegar based.
Mustard based “Or Carolina Gold” has its roots in South Carolina. This is wonderful mix of sweet, tangy and spicy.
North Carolina is more famous for its vinegar based sauces. This complements the flavor of pork and acts as an acid for slow cooking. Pork is the meat of choice here.
Texas Style
In Texas its all about beef and brisket is king. Brisket is an amazing and delicious cut of meat – but its not easy to make. There’s no average brisket so make sure its done right. Most Texas BBQ uses a tomato based mesquite or post oak wood type of sauce.
Kansas City Style
You knew I’d leave the best for last! In my home city we take BBQ serious and it shows. KC sauce tends to be thicker and more tomato based than some of the other one’s I’ve covered. Our sauce is also the most versatile IMO – working on chicken, burnt ends, ribs and more.
My take on KC Sauce stays true to that tomato based tradition – with a regular flavor and a more spicy version (Red Sauce) for added kick. In November 2023 I also added our very first mustard based BBQ “Gold” sauce here at KC Finest. All three versions give you plenty of variety when it comes Kansas City style. As a nod to my current location in Florida, my sauces tend to have a little of a citrusy flavor as well!
Which one is your favorite? I’m biased but KC Finest BBQ takes first place for me! You can put it on eggs in the morning, meatloaf at night and everything in between.
Enjoy your favorite sauce and don’t be afraid to explore different kinds.
Jimarse
Comments