If you’re looking to kick things up a notch, a good sauce can be a game changer. While I always love a good dry rub and seasoning – savory, sweet, or spicy sauces can bring your dish to the next level. Take a peek at some favorites, and add amazing flavor all year round
Adding flavor to your barbecued foods is a must, and since I’ve done a deep dive into BBQ rubs, it’s seems necessary to jump into barbecue sauces as well. They’re the perfect addition to any great barbecue, adding flavor, helping to keep things from drying out, and adding a delicious layer of complexity to meats such as beef, chicken, pork, and even veggies. The tough part? It might seem like there are countless variations and options when it comes to barbecue sauces, each with their own unique flavor profile and regional spin. But if you love to experiment with flavor, that’s the best part!
When getting down to basics, you’ll find that the primary ingredients in most barbecue sauces are tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. However, the amount and type of each ingredient really can vary widely. Depending on the recipe and the end game flavor goal, the result is typically a thick, rich sauce that you can either brush on the meat during cooking, add it at the tail end, or even serve it on the side for dipping.
Barbecue sauces are often closely tied to regional styles of barbecue. For example, in the Carolinas, mustard or vinegar-based sauces are popular, while in Texas, a tomato paste-based sauce with a touch of sweetness and heat is preferred. The idea here is to complement, not compete. Kansas City-style barbecue sauces typically feature a combination of tomato, vinegar, and molasses, while over in Memphis, their sauces are known for their tangy, mustard-based flavors.
You can find regional variations, or a wide variety of sauces available commercially, with options that are mild and sweet, or spicy and tangy. Some are made with natural ingredients, while others may contain preservatives or artificial flavors.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional, homemade barbecue sauces or prefer to experiment with different store-bought varieties, there is no shortage of options to choose from. Experimenting with different types of sauces, (and even mixing some) can be a fun way to explore new flavor profiles, find your new favorite and create your own unique barbecue creations.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Brush it on your meats: Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or roasting your meats, brushing on a layer of BBQ sauce can help to add moisture and flavor. You can hit it with a basting brush, or even just a spoon. I try to apply the sauce as evenly as possible – and don’t be afraid to add extra sauce towards the end of cooking for a caramelized finish. Fab!
Dip it on the side: Simply serve it on the side for dipping. This is a great option if you’re grilling up chicken wings or veggie skewers. An added bonus is that it allows everyone to customize their own flavor experience. I like to set out a few different types of sauces for variety. Everyone likes options!
Mix it in: BBQ sauce doesn’t just have to be used as a condiment. You can also mix it into meatloaf, burgers, or meatballs to add an extra layer of flavor. However, if you decide to mix things up (literally), just be sure to adjust your recipe accordingly, as adding too much sauce can take your mixture into soggy city territory. Not the business.
Get creative: Since, BBQ sauce is a versatile ingredient, sometimes I like to get a little creative with it. Try mixing it with mayo or sour cream for a tasty dip, or use it to marinate tofu or tempeh for your vegetarian pals. I’ve used BBQ sauce when grilling up some pizzas, or mixed sauces with a little heat into mac and cheese for a fun twist.
Overall, using BBQ sauce is all about having fun and experimenting with different flavor combinations. Most importantly, spiciness is subjective. What I consider to be not be spicy, might be too much heat for the next person. We’ve picked out a few online favorites below, so go ahead and get saucy!
1.
Stubb's Original Legendary Bar-B-Q Sauce
WHAT’S TO EXPECT
Tangy with hickory pit flavor
USE IT ON:
Wings, Ribs, Beef, Pork – even baked beans
Stubb’s original legendary Bar-B-Q Sauce is a popular barbecue sauce that was created by C.B. Stubblefield in 1968 in Lubbock, Texas. Stubblefield, also known as “Stubb,” was a legendary barbecue pit master who started selling his signature sauce out of his own barbecue joint. Here’s a bit of what you can expect:
Smoky: It has a smoky flavor that comes from natural hickory smoke.
Sweet: There’s a slightly sweet taste that comes from molasses and brown sugar.
Tangy: This sauce has a tangy flavor that comes from the combination of vinegar and tomato paste.
Spicy: There’s a mild to moderate level of spiciness, which comes from a blend of chili powder, cumin, and black pepper.
Overall, Stubb’s Original Bar-B-Q Sauce is a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that is made with a blend of tomato, vinegar, and molasses, as well as a unique blend of spices and seasonings. It is a versatile sauce that can be used on a variety of meats, from ribs to chicken to brisket.
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2.
Blues Hog Original Barbecue Sauce
WHAT’S TO EXPECT
The perfect blend of sweet and heat
USE IT ON:
Beef, Chicken, Fish, and Pork
This one’s a winner. Literally. Their sauces have received more awards than any other commercial sauce. An added bonus? They’re also gluten free and use all natural ingredients. Here’s a bit of what you can expect:
Sweet: There’s a noticeable sweetness that comes from a blend of molasses and brown sugar. However, the sweetness is balanced by other flavors and seasonings to prevent the sauce from being overly sugary.
Tangy: It has has a tangy flavor that comes from vinegar, mustard, and tomato. This tanginess helps to cut through the richness of the meat and adds a bright, refreshing taste.
Spicy: This sauce has a mild to medium level of heat. It’s not too spicy, but it does provide a nice kick of flavor.
Smoky: There’s also a subtle smoky flavor that comes from natural smoke flavoring. This smokiness adds depth and complexity to the sauce and makes it taste like it’s been slow-cooked over a fire. Perfection!
Commonly used in competitions, this original sauce is sweet and tangy – perfect for barbecuing, grilling, or marinating. It has a thick, sticky consistency with a deep mahogany color. The online reviews are fabulous on this one, making it a great one to try across the board.
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3.
Capital City Mambo Sauce
WHAT’S TO EXPECT
Lightly sweet and tangy, with a kick of heat on the sweet hot flavor
USE IT ON:
Wings! But also perfect when added to pork, beef & seafood
Capital City Mambo Sauce originated in Washington D.C. and is a blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. This one can be used as a glaze or marinade, but is often used as topping or dipping sauce. Here’s a bit of what you can expect:
Sweet: There’s a sweet taste, especially in the sweet and hot option.
Tangy: It has a tangy flavor that comes from the blend of vinegar, and tomato paste.
Spicy: The sauce has a moderate level of spiciness, which comes from a blend of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and garlic. But you can keep it mild, or kick it up with the sweet and hot option – which includes chile extract and habanero chile extract.
Savory: There’s also has a savory flavor that comes from the soy sauce and onion powder.
Overall, Capital City Mambo Sauces have a complex and well-balanced flavor profile that make them a great marinade, glaze, dipping sauce or topping that can be used on a variety of food. While the fan favorite seems to be wings, you can also add to burgers, pork, and seafood.
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4.
Rufus Teague Honey Sweet BBQ Sauce
WHAT’S TO EXPECT
Sweet (plenty of real honey!) and smoky, but not too spicy
USE IT ON:
Any type of meat. In fact, it says right on the bottle – “eat on meat”
Rufus Teague Honey Sweet BBQ Sauce combines sweetness, smokiness, tanginess, and savory flavors. It can be used on a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, and beef. It’s also great as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings, or even as a marinade for grilled vegetables. Here’s a bit of what you can expect:
Sweet: The sauce has a sweet taste that comes from honey and brown sugar.
Smoky: You’ll find a smoky flavor that comes from natural hickory smoke.
Tangy: A kick of tangy flavor that comes from the combination of vinegar and tomato paste.
Savory: This sauce also has a savory flavor that comes from dried onion and garlic powder.
Overall, the sweetness of the sauce makes it a good choice for those who prefer a sweeter barbecue sauce. It’s perfect for glazing meats and vegetables on the grill or in the oven. The smoky flavor pairs well with grilled meats, while the tanginess helps to provide a little bit of balance. It’s not typically considered a spicy sauce, making this one a great family friendly pick!
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5.
KC Butt BBQ Sauce
WHAT’S TO EXPECT
Sweet, (with real molasses), but also zesty.
USE IT ON:
Pork, Beef, or Chicken
KC Butt BBQ Sauce combines sweetness, tanginess, smokiness, and spiciness. It is not overly spicy, but has enough of a kick to add a little heat to your barbecue dishes. The tanginess helps to balance out the sweetness, while the smokiness adds some depth. Here’s a bit of what you can expect:
Sweet: There’s a sweet taste that comes from brown sugar and molasses.
Tangy: This sauce has a tangy flavor that comes from the combination of vinegar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
Spicy: It also has a moderate level of spiciness, which comes from a blend of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and other spices.
While KC Butt BBQ Sauce is not as tangy as some other barbecue sauces, it does have a noticeable tang that helps to cut through the sweetness and spiciness. It can be used on a variety of meats, including ribs, pulled pork, and chicken – or even a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or other fried foods.
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6.
Lambert's Sweet Sauce O' Mine
WHAT’S TO EXPECT
Sweet and tangy with a kick of spice
USE IT ON:
Beef, Chicken, Fish, Pork, Seafood, Turkey
Lambert’s Sweet Sauce O’ Mine is a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce that was developed by pitmaster Mark Lambert. Here’s a bit of what you can expect:
Sweet: As the name suggests, this sauce has a sweet flavor that comes from brown sugar, honey, molasses and ground apricots (Yum!).
Tangy: This sauce also has a tangy flavor that comes from the combination of vinegar and tomato paste.
Mild: This one is not considered to be a very spicy sauce. It has a mild level of heat that is balanced by the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce.
Overall, the main flavor of Lambert’s Sweet Sauce O’ Mine is a sweet and tangy combination, that can be used on a variety of meats – including pork, chicken, and beef, but I find it’s especially well-suited for use on ribs and pulled pork. Due to its sweetness and tanginess, this sauce is often used as a finishing glaze or dipping sauce. It can be applied to the meat during the last hour to few minutes of cooking to create a caramelized, flavorful crust. You can also serve it up on the side as a dipping sauce for extra flavor.
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7.
Kosmos Q OP X-1 Secret BBQ Sauce
WHAT’S TO EXPECT
Strong, sweet, tangy and smoky
USE IT ON:
Pork, Beef & Chicken
America! Kosmos Q OP X-1 Secret BBQ Sauce is referred to as “Fourth of July in a bottle” inspired by freedom, our men and women in uniform, Americana and the ability to nail the flavor of barbecue dishes on one of America’s most beloved holidays – The Fourth of July. Here’s a bit of what you can expect:
Sweet: This sauce has a sweet taste that comes from cane sugar and vanilla extract.
Tangy: There’s a tangy flavor that comes from a blend of vinegar, and tomato paste.
Smoky: You’ll find a smoky flavor that comes from natural smoke.
Savory: Savory flavors come from a blend of ancho powder, dried onions, dried garlic, and other spices.
Overall, Kosmos Q OP X-1 Secret BBQ Sauce (their newest addition) has a well-balanced combination of sweet and savory – but not overly so. It has enough of each to create the perfectly balanced flavor profile. How zen! The sweetness helps to balance out the tanginess and hint of heat, while the smokiness adds depth to the flavor. It can be used on a variety of meats, including pork, chicken, beef, and more.
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8.
Lanes BBQ Sorta White Barbecue Sauce
WHAT’S TO EXPECT
Creamy, tangy with a kick of pepper
USE IT ON:
Beef & Chicken – or as a dip and dressing
Lane’s BBQ Sorta White Barbecue Sauce is different from traditional barbecue sauces. It is a white sauce that has a creamy texture and a tangy, slightly spicy flavor. Here’s a bit of what you can expect:
- Creamy: Sorta White Barbecue Sauce gets its creamy texture from mayonnaise, which is a primary ingredient in the sauce. The creaminess adds a smooth texture and richness to the sauce
- Tangy: This sauce has a tangy flavor that comes from the use of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. The tanginess is balanced with a bit of sweetness to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Spicy: There’s a mild level of spiciness that comes from the addition of black pepper and cayenne pepper – but it’s not overpowering and adds a little bit of heat to the sauce.
- Other: There’s a great kick of flavor thanks to horseradish that complements the tanginess of the vinegar and lemon juice.
Overall, Lane’s BBQ Sorta White Barbecue Sauce has a unique flavor profile that is tangy, slightly spicy, and creamy. It pairs well with grilled chicken, pork, and seafood, and can also be used as a dipping sauce or dressing. White barbecue sauce can be a bit “controversial” in the BBQ world and can split people right down the middle when it comes to opinions. It seems like people either like it, or don’t want to acknowledge its existence. Personally, I’m a fan and think it’s definitely worth a whirl.
