5 Great BBQ Sauces for Your Next Cookout
As barbecue fanatics who originally hail from Kansas City, we can’t help but have a special fondness for barbecue sauce. These days, Texas-inspired craft barbecue dominates the barbecue landscape, accompanied by the attitude that “the meat should always speak for itself.”
While we don’t advocate using sauce to mask the flavors of grilled and smoked meats and veggies, we do feel it can help enhance the flavors of our barbecue. We lament the fact that sauce is increasingly shunned, especially since there are now more flavorful and unique products on the market than ever before.
Here are five of our current favorite barbecue sauces that we can easily recommend.
BBQ Buddha’s award-winning Memphis Mop Sauce goes well with a lot of smoked meats. (Photo by Ryan Cooper)
BBQ Buddha — Memphis Mop Sauce
New Jersey-based BBQ book author Ray Sheehan (aka BBQ Buddha) has been making sauces and rubs for years. He won last year’s Sauce King NYC competition with his Memphis Mop Sauce as well as other competitions. The Memphis Mop sauce is worth the praise, as we’ve used it on all kinds of meats but especially as a way to deliciously finish pork ribs, pulled pork, or chicken. BUY IT HERE.
If you are looking for a combination of sweet and spicy flavors, check out Blues Hog Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce. (Photo by Wai Chan)
Blues Hog — Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Blues Hog barbecue sauce has been popular on the competition circuit and in backyards for years. Their unique Raspberry Chipotle sauce combines the sweet, fruity flavors of ripe raspberries with the spicy heat of chipotle peppers. This sauce can be used as a marinade, glaze, or finishing sauce on poultry, pork, beef, and more. BUY IT HERE.
Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce is full of umami flavors and is perfect for grilled meats and vegetables. (Photo by Wai Chan)
Bachan’s — The Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce
Justin Gill was inspired by his grandmother Judy Yokoyama to bring his family barbecue sauce recipe to the market when he was a child. In 2019, his childhood dream became a reality and Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce was made available to the public. The sauce, which was perfected over generations, has meaty, savory umami flavors that work well with grilled meats and vegetables. This delicious teriyaki-like sauce is made without preservatives, additives, or flavorings. BUY IT HERE.
Rufus Teague offers a tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce with sweet and smoky flavors. (Photo by Ryan Cooper)
Rufus Teague — KC Gold BBQ Sauce
Mustard lovers should try Rufus Teague’s KC Gold BBQ Sauce. This sauce is a unique take on a tangy Southern classic. It adds a little more sweet, smoky goodness to the traditional mustard sauce, along with a hint of bacon flavor. Try KC Gold with smoked or grilled pork or poultry. BUY IT HERE.
Pure Grit BBQ Sauce is designed for vegetables. (Photo by Bucker Trading Co)
Pure Grit — Vegan BBQ Sauce
One of the most unusual barbecue sauces we’ve tried in the past year is the vegan BBQ sauce from Pure Grit BBQ in New York. Pure Grit initially planned to open a restaurant in Manhattan before the pandemic delayed those plans. But in the meantime, founder Kerry Fitzmaurice turned her sights on selling sauces and rubs for retail. Her tangy and balanced vinegar-based barbecue sauce is unique in that it’s been designed not for meat, but specifically for grilled vegetables, salads, and dips. BUY IT HERE.
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These are just a few of our favorite sauces we’ve been using lately, and we know there are a ton of flavorful and delicious sauces out there. Let us know on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter what your favorite current barbecue sauce is.
And speaking of amazing sauces, next week, be sure to watch out for the winners of the annual Sauce King NYC competition. We will announce the top winners of the competition in our Hot Links section next week!
Ryan Cooper (BBQ Tourist) and Sean Ludwig (NYC BBQ)
Co-Founders, The Smoke Sheet
Thank you to our sponsor DennyMike's, which offers outstanding seasonings and rubs for every situation. Learn more about DennyMike's here.
—Harp Barbecue was named the top barbecue joint in KC by Kansas City Magazine. (Photo by Tarik Sykes)—
HOT OFF THE PRESS
It’s been a long while since a publication declared its top 10 barbecue joints in Kansas City, so Kansas City Magazine is up to the task with its newest edition of “The 10 Best Kansas City BBQ Spots Right Now.” The list has detailed write-ups from editors and writers Martin Cizmar, Ardie Davis, Natalie Torres Gallagher, Mary Henn, and Jordan Michelman. Harp Barbecue (one of The Smoke Sheet’s favorites in KC) topped the list. Other notable mentions include Chef J BBQ, Jones Bar-B-Que, and Jousting Pigs. And a few others on the list might surprise you too. READ MORE HERE.
Speaking of Kansas City barbecue, one joint that could end up on a future edition of the top 10 list is Fox & Fire Barbecue. The restaurant caught our attention when it was located at Callsign Brewing Company in North Kansas City, but it has recently moved to a new home in Kearney, Missouri. Owner and pitmaster Andy Fox opened the new location a few weeks ago and for now is only open on Saturdays. Early reviews have been very promising (including a nod from Texas Monthly’s Daniel Vaughn), so we expect to see a lot more of Fox in the future. READ MORE HERE.
Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano, California, opened in spring 2020 despite the pandemic and by all measures has been a huge success. The joint, which has garnered national attention, recently received was awarded with a Michelin Plate and recognized as one of 45 new restaurants in California in the Bib Gourmand category. Owner and pitmaster Daniel Castillo told his local news outlet that opening the restaurant was a huge gamble. "We didn't have any investors. We never even took out any business loans. It was just all of the money that we had saved," Castillo told Spectrum News 1. "We just rolled the dice. Looking back, it was really stupid. I don't think anyone would do such a thing, especially during a pandemic. But I just had a feeling. My wife and I really believed in what we were doing, and that's why we took the gamble." READ MORE HERE.
Speaking of California BBQ success, Berkeleyside writes that Horn Barbecue in Oakland has been “an undeniable success” one year into its operation. Owner and pitmaster Matt Horn said that the most important thing he’s focused on outside of making good food is the health and safety of his workers. In recent months, Horn has announced several other projects: Kowbird, a fried chicken sandwich restaurant; Matty’s Old Fashioned, a burger spot, and Dalia, a taco trailer. All of those have been delayed due to the pandemic and supply chain issues but are targeted for 2022. READ MORE HERE.
ADDITIONAL READS
Houston Chronicle’s J.C. Reid profiles Eaker Barbecue, which recently moved from Houston to Fredericksburg, Texas.
Puerto Rican competitive BBQ chef Hiram Quintana is using his culinary skills to feed Afghan evacuees.
One of the most storied restaurants in Memphis is being celebrated in a documentary entitled ‘The ‘Vous’ from filmmaker Jack Lofton.
Dozier’s pitmaster Jim Buchanan is rounding up some of his closest industry friends for a special outdoor event benefiting the Fulshear Police Foundation.
Navin’s BBQ brings the best of Texas and Kansas City BBQ styles to Tower Grove East in St. Louis.
Texas Longhorns football star Bijan Robinson signed an endorsement deal with Pinkerton’s Barbecue.
Two “Iron Butt” Motorcycle enthusiasts trekked 1,000 miles to sample some of the Midwest’s best barbecue.
After years of not occuring, the annual “bipartisan barbecue” returned to the U.S. Senate last week with the hopes of bringing people closer together with BBQ.
In a conversation between two of our favorite barbecue authors, Steven Raichlen recently interviewed Robert Moss about barbecue history.
—YouTube food blogger Mark Wiens visits pitmaster James Lewis at his JL Smokehouse BBQ restaurant in Phoenix.—
WATCH
Dry Rub Ribs + America’s Best Pulled Pork at JL Smokehouse — Mark Wiens
Popular YouTube food blogger Mark Wiens visits JL Smokehouse BBQ in Phoenix, Arizona in one of his most recent videos. At JL Smokehouse, pitmaster and owner James Lewis serves up smoked brisket, ribs, chicken, sausages, and more. Lewis claims to serve the “best pulled pork in the country,” and shows how he smokes whole pork shoulders until they practically melt. Lewis also shows how he seasons his ribs and much more. Then Wiens eats a “slugger combo plate” and talks through his favorite items. This video has more than 4 million views to date, so don’t miss it. WATCH HERE.
LISTEN
Ryan Cooper of BBQ Tourist and The Smoke Sheet — BBQ Radio Nation
A native of Kansas City, Ryan Cooper has been traveling across the country exploring the best barbecue for years and regularly writes about various news, events, restaurants, products, and trends in his publication as well as the Kansas City Barbeque Society’s publication, The Bullsheet. He is the creator of the BBQ Tourist brand and co-founder of The Smoke Sheet newsletter, a weekly email newsletter that curates the latest national barbecue news, unique recipes, media recommendations, upcoming events, and more. LISTEN HERE.
READ
Buxton Hall Barbecue's Book of Smoke: Wood-Smoked Meat, Sides, and More — Elliott Moss
In Buxton Hall Barbecue's Book of Smoke, believers in slow-smoked, old-fashioned barbecue will learn how to build and master their own pit, right at home. Start small with chicken or pit beef and work your way up to a whole hog. If you're not yet ready for the pit or limited on space, Moss also teaches easy, economical ways to infuse wood-smoke into your food. Smoke savory meats and vegetables and cook the signature recipes from the kitchen of Buxton Hall Barbecue in Asheville, NC, with Buxton Hall Barbecue's Book of Smoke. ORDER HERE.
—Meat Church’s Matt Pittman shows you how to make Smoked Chicken with tangy Alabama White Sauce.—
Smoked Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
By Meat Church BBQ
In this week’s Recipe of the Week, Matt Pittman from Meat Church BBQ gives his take on Smoked Chicken with Alabama White Sauce. He spatchcocks the chicken to flatten it out so that it will cook evenly. Next he smokes the chicken using hickory and then shows you how he makes the perfect tangy Alabama white sauce to serve it with. Check it out.
of must-attend barbecue events are scheduled for 2021.—
October 1-3, 2021: Q In The Lou — St. Louis, Missouri
Get ready to go hog wild and get your BBQ fix at another great year of Q in the Lou. Many of the country’s biggest names in BBQ will be back once again. Given heightened safety protocols, it will likely be a little different from years past but still offering lots of food and fun. Read our to learn more about how the event generally goes. MORE INFO HERE.
October 8-9, 2021: Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational — Lynchburg, Tennessee
The Jack Daniel’s Annual World Championship Invitational Barbeque – or simply The Jack as it’s known in the world of competition barbecue – is widely considered the world’s most prestigious barbeque competition where teams from around the globe smoke, season and sear their way to a chance to be named the Grand Champion and a $25,000 prize. Annually featuring more than 100 teams representing all 50 states and countries across the globe, The Jack transforms Lynchburg, home of the Jack Daniel Distillery, into the barbecue capital of the world. It’s also important to note that KCBS has changed the date The Jack is usually held in hopes of getting more favorable weather, so check your calendars. Read our to learn more about the experience. MORE INFO HERE.
October 9-17, 2021: Texas Monthly BBQ Fest: Road Trip Edition — Texas
As we get ready for the release of Texas Monthly’s latest edition of the Top 50 barbecue joints lists, we’re taking our beloved annual barbecue festival on the road. Texas Monthly BBQ Fest: Road Trip Edition will feature a series of three Pit Stop events from the Rio Grande Valley to the Panhandle, while celebrating barbecue joints in every corner of the state with Texas Monthly BBQ Week, which features special prices and menu items at more than 60 joints statewide. MORE INFO HERE.
October 24, 2021: Brett’s Backyard Bar-B-Que Third Anniversary — Rockdale, Texas
The Brett’s Backyard Bar-B-Que Third Anniversary celebration is set to be held on October 24th in Rockdale, Texas. Kerry Bexley, owner of Snow’s BBQ in Lexington, will be the Grand Marshall for the event. The celebration will feature over 40 BBQ joints from across Texas and beyond, including 2M Smokehouse, Blood Bros BBQ, Harp Barbecue, Heritage Barbecue, and many more. MORE INFO HERE.
November 5-7, 2021: Austin Food and Wine Festival — Austin, Texas
The Austin Food + Wine Festival returns in April to spoil your palate with a handful of global and nationally renowned talent. This 3-day weekend in the culinary capital of Texas is the epitome of high spirits, with a packed schedule of hands-on grilling demos, tastings with top pitmasters, chefs, and sommeliers. Plus, there will be interactive demos and panels. MORE INFO HERE.
November 6, 2021: Troubadour Festival — Celina, Texas
The first-ever Troubadour Festival will feature an all-star lineup of musical acts and BBQ joints from all over Texas. More than 40 of the best BBQ joints in Texas (many on the Texas Monthly Top 50 list) will be there slinging smoked meats, so don't miss out. MORE INFO HERE.
November 13, 2021: Holy Smokes: Lowcountry BBQ Festival — Charleston, South Carolina
The Holy Smokes BBQ Festival from Home Team BBQ, Swig & Swine, and Robert Moss will be held November 13 in Charleston. The big new event will include pitmasters from around the country including Chris Lilly of Big Bob Gibson BBQ, Patrick Feges and Erin Smith, Feges BBQ, Billy Durney of Hometown BBQ, Matt Horn of Horn Barbecue, and Rodney Scott of Rodney Scott’s BBQ. MORE INFO HERE.
November 20, 2021: Tex Mex BBQ Festival — San Antonio, Texas
This event will be full of the best food, education, and entertainment ever assembled in one spot. The menu will be masterminded by Miguel Vidal of Valentina’s Tex-Mex from Austin, Tx. The food will be executed by some of the most talented pitmasters, chefs, and cooks coming in from all over the nation. Mark your calendar for an amazing experience! MORE INFO HERE.
December 10-12, 2021: Jacksonville BBQ Fest — Jacksonville, Florida
The inaugural Jacksonville BBQ Fest is happening this December at TIAA Bank Field, home of the Jaguars. Don’t miss this chance to grab an ice-cold brew and sample pure smoked bliss from award-winning pitmasters from across the country. MORE INFO HERE.
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