5 Tips for BBQ Sauce: Things to Consider when Creating Your Own Signature Flavorful Mixture
Nobody likes a boring slab of steak. While there are many factors to consider when cooking steak properly (correct marinade, grilling, slicing, and even side dishes), we cannot deny the power of a good BBQ sauce. It is known to every home cook and professional chef that simply purchasing a pre-packed BBQ sauce from the store won’t be good enough for you or your guests.
When making a BBQ or steak sauce, know that understanding the basics by heart can go a long way. It is only after mastering the fundamentals that you can start experimenting with more complex methods and flavors. With this in mind, go ahead and read on below to learn our top 5 tips on how to make the best BBQ sauce from your own kitchen.
#1: Stick to the Classics
If you’re a newbie in the cooking-your-own-meat- and-making-your-own-sauce game, then you can fare well by beginning with the classics. These tried-and-tested recipes will give you some leverage on satisfying your guests, even if you don’t get them perfect right away.
The sauces that you can purchase from the store are concocted to mimic the classic Kansas-style sauce, which is sweet and thick. This one has a heavy ketchup base. If you prefer something with a bit more tang, then try a vinegary sauce, just like the popular ones from East Carolina. If you find yourself in the middle, then sauces famous from West Carolina mixes these two bases by creating a mixture of ketchup and vinegar. Of course, these are just the well-known ones. If you are familiar with the less popular ones, such as the mayo-based white BBQ sauce from Alabama, or the sweet mustard sauce from South Carolina, then go with your gut and pick your favorite.
#2: Play with Your Sweeteners
If you’re not a complete newbie in the kitchen, and you’re adept with the basics of BBQ sauces, then — by all means — play around with your choice of sweeteners. Classic recipes will use brown sugar, but if you’re feeling some boldness, go for blackstrap molasses. These carry a more sweet-and-bitter, rich flavor. Other alternatives include maple syrup, honey, or sorghum. Don’t be scared of making mistakes, because that is the very first step towards finding your own “groove” and creating your own signature sauce that’ll knock your guests’ socks off.
#3: Mix in Fruit
If you’re having some chicken cuts or ribs for your barbecue, then you must opt for a thick and sweet sauce to make the most of your dining experience. The traditional route is to go with a tomato base, but you can mix it up by adding some fruit. Guava can be made into a paste, which when added to your sauce can create a sweet and thick mixture. Lemon juice can give you a tangy sauce, while blackberries and blueberries are perfect for making a “jammy” BBQ sauce. The possibilities are endless — just let your cravings and imagination guide you!
#4: Check out Pantry Supplies
There is no need to step out of the house just to get inspired. Simply raid your pantry. After making a base for your sauce, it’s time to experiment on choice condiments or spices. What do you already have? Peanut butter will be great for a sweet BBQ sauce. Add hoisin instead of ketchup and you’ll end up with an Asian-cuisine-tasting sauce. Feeling some Moroccan cravings? Then add dates or other sweet spices! If you are a fan of spicy food, then Thai curry pastes or dried chiles can be your friend. Go on and explore your taste palette!
#5: Top It Off with Alcohol
The next step is to add some form of liquid to the sauce. Red wine, bourbon, root beer, soda, and even brewed coffee will work fine. It all depends on the type of flavor that you are after. The main trick is to keep tasting the sauce before adding more, just to make sure that you’re getting your savory and tasty flavors just right.
Follow these five tips for creating your own sauce the next time you’re cooking and serving BBQ, whether for yourself or for family and friends. You’ll surely satisfy their meat and sauce cravings and be the star of the party!
