While some barbecue sauce styles are popular around the world there are both familiar and lesser-known regional variations from across the United States. From popular options like Kansas City barbecue to specialty gems like Alabama white sauce these are the sauces you should try to get a full range of barbecue flavors. You can find barbecue sauce from coast to coast and there are also different cooking techniques for barbecuing meat. Some areas stick to grilling for a flavorful charred crust while others are known for smoking meat in pits for hours on end to get deliciously tender meat.
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 Eater | 2014-07-10 18:33:34 |  91,402 Views |
American BBQ Explained in 2 Minutes: Eater Explainer
Barbecue sauces can be categorized by their main ingredient: tomatoes vinegar mustard or mayonnaise. However many sauces combine multiple bases and other flavorful ingredients like herbs fresh garlic and even chilies and hot sauce to create a blend that works with barbecued meats and vegetables. Some types of barbecue sauce are known for pairing particularly well with different types of meat although many sauces can be used in a variety of applications. Whether you’re firing up the grill or smoking low and slow over wood pellets these sauces are the way to transform your barbecue into a world-class feast.
When most people think of barbecue they think of a thick sweet Kansas City-style sauce that has just enough kick to make your taste buds beg for more. It’s tomato-based with ketchup and tomato paste or relish as two of the core ingredients. But real KC barbecue has a unique sweetness to it that gives it extra flavor and makes it stick to your food and your belly. Kansas City barbecue sauce tends to be the richest thickest sauce out there thanks to this syrupy base. Vinegar also adds a bit of a tangy acidity though it’s important to note that KC barbecue is not vinegar-based. Instead the vinegar is a minor addition meant to work with the other flavors. The exact spice mix can vary but it typically includes garlic powder onion powder paprika and a bit of chili powder. However the brown sugar and molasses are the main ingredients and the spices used are meant to complement them.
Kansas City barbecue is known as one of the heartier options available and is perfect with burnt ends a Kansas City specialty. It’s also delicious slathered over brisket ribs or just about any barbecued meat. KC barbecue often uses a dry rub in addition to this rich sweet sauce for meats that are both flavorful and extra juicy.
