BBQ Sauces Around the World: A Global Flavor Tour

Take a tour around the world and learn about sauces from the U.S., Korea, Japan, South Africa, and other countries.

Bre Via, who leads the Smoke 'n Magic competition BBQ team, writes this week's guest article. With a mission to make the smoke and magic of BBQ approachable for everyone, Smoke 'n Magic is known for its family-made, competition-tested sauces and rubs. Whether on the competition stage or in the backyard, Bre and her team bring a touch of magic to every BBQ experience. If you want to write for The Smoke Sheet, please get in touch.

Barbecue is a culinary tradition that spans continents, and one of its most exciting aspects is the wide range of BBQ sauces used around the world. From sweet and smoky to tangy and spicy, each culture has developed its unique take on barbecue sauce, pairing it with local ingredients and cooking methods.

Let’s travel the globe to discover how different regions approach BBQ. We'll also examine their signature sauces and how they complement various types of meat.

American BBQ Sauces

America has a rich barbecue tradition, and the diversity of BBQ sauces across the country reflects that. Here are the major styles:

Kansas City BBQ Sauce: Thick, sweet, and tangy, Kansas City sauce is a crowd-pleaser, made from a tomato base, brown sugar, molasses, and vinegar. It pairs perfectly with pork ribs, brisket, and chicken. Its sweetness complements slow-cooked meats, especially those with a crispy bark, adding a caramelized layer when slathered on while grilling or smoking.

Carolina BBQ Sauce: There are two main varieties of Carolina BBQ sauce, Eastern Carolina and Western Carolina (or Lexington-style). Eastern Carolina sauce is a thin, vinegar-based sauce with a kick of red pepper, perfect for cutting through the richness of pulled pork. Western Carolina sauce is a bit sweeter, adding ketchup or tomato paste to the vinegar mix. Both are ideal for whole-hog barbecue and pulled pork sandwiches.

Texas BBQ Sauce: Known for its bold, smoky flavors, Texas BBQ sauce typically has a thinner, tomato-based consistency with smoky notes from chili powder or cumin. It's a great match for Texas’s preferred meats: beef brisket and ribs. The sauce is often used as a mop during cooking to keep the meat moist and enhance the smoky flavor.

Korean BBQ Sauce

Korean BBQ, or "gogi-gui," is all about quick grilling of thinly sliced meats, and the sauce that accompanies it is packed with flavor. Korean BBQ sauce, known as galbi sauce or bulgogi marinade, is a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger, creating a balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. This sauce is perfect for beef (especially short ribs) and pork, and it can be used as a marinade before grilling or as a dipping sauce after the meat is cooked. The sweetness caramelizes beautifully on the grill, while the soy sauce adds depth to the meat’s natural flavors.

South African Braai Sauce

In South Africa, BBQ is referred to as “braai”, and the signature sauce is often called Chakalaka sauce or braai sauce. This sauce is a mix of spicy and sweet, made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices like curry powder, chili, and sometimes beans or vegetables. Chakalaka has an earthy, slightly smoky flavor that pairs well with beef, lamb, and chicken, particularly those cooked over open flames. The sauce adds a bright, zesty punch to the charred meats, making it a must-try for those who love bold flavors.