"Barbecue Bob's Barbecue Sauce"
Last night, I had an impromptu dinner at my friend Barbecue Bob's house, where he was grilling up some chicken and hot dogs for the kids. He grills on a Weber Kettle Grill and uses 100% lump hardwood charcoal; you can tell the difference.
I will get into this whole gas versus charcoal discussion another time. What I wanted to mention is how great his barbecue sauce tasted.
He told me he makes his own following an adapted version of William Sonoma's barbecue sauce. He makes up a batch, and it keeps in the refrigerator for the week.
His chicken took 30 minutes to cook and was delicious. Here is his adapted barbecue sauce.
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce, often called "BBQ sauce," is a savory and tangy condiment that adds depth and flavor to grilled, smoked, or roasted meats. Originating in the United States, barbecue sauce has evolved into a diverse range of regional styles, each with its own unique flavor profile and ingredients.
Despite regional variations, barbecue sauce typically combines sweet, tangy, spicy, and smoky flavors, creating a complex and well-balanced taste.
Key components of barbecue sauce include:
- Sweetness: Sweeteners such as brown sugar, molasses, honey, or maple syrup are commonly used in barbecue sauce to balance out the acidity of other ingredients and provide a caramelized sweetness.
- Acidity: Vinegar, tomato paste, or citrus juices add acidity to barbecue sauce, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Spices: Various spices and seasonings, such as garlic, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, contribute depth, complexity, and heat to barbecue sauce.
- Smokiness: Some barbecue sauces incorporate liquid smoke or smoked ingredients like chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, or smoked salt to impart a rich, smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional barbecue cooking methods.
- Texture: Barbecue sauce can vary in texture from thin and pourable to thick and sticky, depending on the desired consistency and cooking method.
Barbecue sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in numerous ways, including as a marinade, basting sauce, dipping sauce, or finishing glaze for meats, poultry, seafood, and vegetables. It is a staple at barbecue joints, cookouts, and backyard grilling events, where it adds flavor and flair to a wide range of dishes.
Whether brushed onto ribs, slathered on chicken wings, or drizzled over pulled pork sandwiches, barbecue sauce elevates the taste of grilled and smoked foods, making them a delicious and satisfying indulgence for barbecue enthusiasts worldwide.
📖 Recipe
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 celery stick finely chopped
- 1⅓ cup ketchup
- ½ cup cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion and celery until the onion is translucent. Depending on your stove and pan, 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, whisk or stir together, and bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the sauce is the desired thickness. This can take up to 15 minutes or more.
- When done, remove from the heat and let cool. If you are not using all the sauce for one meal, remove what you will use so you don't contaminate the unused portion.
Chef Thuto
These is good and professional big time.Tried it and had my guests wondering how in earth food can be so made lovely, taste not forgettable but always there when u think of the food.
G. Stephen Jones
Thanks Chef, I’ll tell Barbecue Bob. – RG