# I'd like some BBQ sauce recipe inspiration please **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 6, 2016, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221 "2016-07-06T14:54:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/1 "2016-07-06T14:54:18Z")
I’m having a BBQ Saturday for about 20 people. Serving pulled pork, beef brisket and I’ll probably cook a couple chickens too. I use dry rub only when cooking the meat. The sauce is for personal choice when serving. I picked up a 1/2 dozen of those little squeezy bottles for a few different varieties of sauce. I typically modify a sauce recipe from the west side of North Carolina. NC in General makes a thin sauce with a lot of vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar cuts through the fat of the pulled pork nicely. I favor the west side recipe because east NC uses no tomato product whatsoever, whereas west uses some ketchup in their recipe. And I like a little tomato in my sauce. I use tomato sauce instead of ketchup because the recipe already has plenty of vinegar as mentioned, and sugar, and I like starting from scratch. Thinking about using tomato paste this time instead of sauce to end up with a little bit thicker sauce that’ll stick to the meat better. I usually make 2 types which are just mild and spicy variations of that west NC style. But I’m looking to change things up a little (maybe a lot). What kinds of serving sauces do you guys like? I’m thinking I want to try a super spicy habanero sauce, and maybe something in a completely different direction. Lay some ideas on me! ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/2 "2016-07-06T15:23:02Z")
How about a mustard sauce? I’ve got some pulled pork simmering in the sous-vide machine right now, and I’ve mixed up a batch of [this stuff](http://amazingribs.com/recipes/BBQ_sauces/south_carolina_mustard_BBQ_sauce.html) to go with it. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/3 "2016-07-06T15:42:26Z")
Maybe something Asian like a Korean ssamjang? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/4 "2016-07-06T16:01:31Z")
Most of your guests will probably want a Texas-style sauce for the brisket. Not that a real Texan would _use_ a sauce, mind you. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/5 "2016-07-06T16:02:50Z")
I’ve considered a mustard-based sauce. I’ve had have my doubts I. The past, but that recipe sounds good, and it’s certainly authentic-- I like the sauce region map for east vs west, NC vs. SC. Maybe I’ll do a trilogy of sauces based on the Carolinas. Thanks Smapti! Little Nemo, that ssamjang sounds delicious, but I want to keep it at least somewhat traditional Southern-style BBQ. Although I’ve been considering using some Asian non-traditional secret ingredients in otherwise traditional sauces like adding fish sauce, spicy bean paste, maybe a little ginger…? So I may take some inspiration from ssanjang, thanks! Great ideas so far, keep 'em coming! ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/6 "2016-07-06T16:04:19Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Most of your guests will probably want a Texas-style sauce for the brisket. Not that a real Texan would _use_ a sauce, mind you. 😛 Yeah Silenus, what’s a Texas-style sauce? I did think Texas-style was strictly dry-rub. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/7 "2016-07-06T16:15:26Z")
Mustard sauce is my favorite! I only eat mustard-based or plain pork. ---
**Author:** ![joemama24\_98](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce7236/32.png) [@joemama24\_98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joemama24_98)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/8 "2016-07-06T16:46:32Z")
> **[Scott Hibb's Amazing Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/35753/scott-hibbs-amazing-whisky-grilled-baby-back-ribs/)** > > Slowly baking these baby back pork ribs before grilling is the secret. That, and the finely-tuned, sweet, basting sauce. ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/9 "2016-07-06T17:11:22Z")
I make a simple sauce for pork all the time: Apricot jam, garlic, and soy sauce. ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/10 "2016-07-06T17:20:27Z")
I prefer a coke and siracha reduction. All the the best flavors plus an Asian twist and very easy to do. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/11 "2016-07-06T17:22:15Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > How about a mustard sauce? I’ve got some pulled pork simmering in the sous-vide machine right now, and I’ve mixed up a batch of [this stuff](http://amazingribs.com/recipes/BBQ_sauces/south_carolina_mustard_BBQ_sauce.html) to go with it. I posted to suggest mustard sauce. The best I ever made was [like this,](http://www.food.com/recipe/south-carolina-mustard-bbq-sauce-311369) but with just mustard, brown sugar and vinegar. ---
**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/12 "2016-07-06T18:13:36Z")
I won a contest the first time I used this recipe. Its a black pepper sauce from “The Shack” [http://www.ibdjohn.com/shack/](http://www.ibdjohn.com/shack/) ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/13 "2016-07-06T18:28:27Z")
> [@MikeF](#): > > I won a contest the first time I used this recipe. Its a black pepper sauce from “The Shack” > > [http://www.ibdjohn.com/shack/](http://www.ibdjohn.com/shack/) And they had the best barbecue that I have ever eaten. I knew someone who worked there, and apparently some rats dragging a rack of ribs across the kitchen floor did not go unnoticed by the Arkansas Health Department, and they closed. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/14 "2016-07-06T19:03:38Z")
I was going to suggest mustard sauce, as well, but feared possible backlash against mustard sauce. 🙂 (Hey, these things are contentious.) When I do pork, I basically do the classic Carolina sauces and then something that starts off with a Lexington sauce, but with frozen apple juice concentrate, allspice, and some brown sugar. I don’t have a specific recipe–I just go with the flow and adjust and taste. For brisket, I go for more of a cumin flavor profile, and tend to do Kansas City style sauces, which usually are a bit sweeter. Something like [this would be a good starting point.](http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/05/sauced-kansas-city-style-barbecue-sauce-recipe.html) ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/15 "2016-07-06T19:23:25Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Yeah Silenus, what’s a Texas-style sauce? I did think Texas-style was strictly dry-rub. Texas-style, like the sauce available at Black’s, is sort of a sweet/spicy sauce. Not as sweet as KC, and with a little kick to it. Hmmmm…try this: 2 tblsp butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tblsp onion powder 2 cups ketchup 1/2 lb. brown sugar 1/2 cup Worcestershire 1/3 cup lemon juice 3/4 tsp cayenne 1 chipotle chili in abobo, minced 1 jalapeno, minced Combine ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Simmer until reduced, about 15 minutes or so. Season with salt/pepper to taste. This sauce is for tourists. People who know Texas BBQ would never use it. ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/16 "2016-07-06T20:04:24Z")
I haven’t tried it out yet, but I just saw a recipe for BBQ’d chicken where the sauce was basically pureed roasted red peppers and vinegar. I’m intrigued and will give it a shot on Friday. ---
**Author:** ![GreedySmurf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a698b9/32.png) [@GreedySmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreedySmurf)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/17 "2016-07-06T20:36:26Z")
Personal favourite is KC style. Sweet Tomato base. I’ve got a recipe I’ve been refining for a long time, which I start off with a Bourbon base. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/18 "2016-07-06T20:56:38Z")
I was at Kroger the other day, and some lady handing out free sample turned me onto [Siverback Gorrill’n sauce.](https://www.silverbackgorilln.com/) and now I’m freak’n hooked! A very unique flavor. It’s a Texas based company. Looks like they are just starting out too. The owners refuse to call this sauce bbq sauce as the flavor is so unique. I can see why too. I used it on a steak the other day (NOT something I would do with regular BBQ sauce) and it was delicious! ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2016, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/19 "2016-07-06T22:52:06Z")
Thanks for the ideas! I’m thinking I’ll narrow it down to 3 of these 4: my usual east NC style sauce, a SC style mustard sauce, maybe a KC style, and something spicy and less traditional- either an Asian inspired sauce or maybe something based on a jerk marinade- pulykamell mentioing allspice got me thinking. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2016, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221/20 "2016-07-10T16:15:38Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Thanks for the ideas! I’m thinking I’ll narrow it down to 3 of these 4: my usual east NC style sauce, a SC style mustard sauce, maybe a KC style, and something spicy and less traditional- either an Asian inspired sauce or maybe something based on a jerk marinade- pulykamell mentioing allspice got me thinking. Clove is also nice as the fragrant spice in a barbecue sauce. There’s a couple places around here that have clove as an obvious component, and I happen to like it. Be careful–a little goes a long way. Allspice is my take on the same idea, although you can go more the jerk way if you add some thyme and habanero or Scotch bonnets. I do jerk rubbed ribs (either homemade jerk paste or Walkerswood which is almost as good and doesn’t require any work.) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-like-some-bbq-sauce-recipe-inspiration-please/759221.md?page=2)