Memphis Barbecue Sauce is a flavorful addition to your summer picnics and grilling adventures. This tangy sauce perfectly balances sweetness and spice, making it an ideal companion for ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a delicious homemade sauce, this recipe brings the taste of Memphis right to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Memphis Barbecue Sauce
This sauce offers more than just great flavor. Here are some reasons to love it:
- Quick to Prepare: In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this delightful sauce.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: The blend of sweet and spicy makes it perfect for various meats and dishes.
- Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a month.
- Easy Basting Sauce: Ideal for grilling; it enhances the taste of meats as they cook.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spiciness according to your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium saucepan: Essential for simmering the ingredients together evenly.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.
- Airtight container: Keeps your Memphis Barbecue Sauce fresh in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
I created this Memphis BBQ sauce recipe for our summer picnics because we love to grill. It can be made ahead, so it’s ready whenever you fire up the grill. —Angela Spengler, Niceville, Florida
For the Base
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 tablespoons butter
For Flavoring
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup white or cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
How to Make Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
In a medium saucepan, sauté the finely chopped onion in butter over medium heat until tender.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Stir in the ground mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional minute, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients
Add the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer
Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered until you reach your desired consistency. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once done, allow the sauce to cool completely. Transfer it into an airtight container for storage. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Enjoy using your homemade Memphis Barbecue Sauce on grilled meats or any dish that needs a flavorful kick!
How to Serve Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Memphis Barbecue Sauce is versatile and can elevate many dishes. Whether you’re grilling meats or looking for a flavorful dip, this sauce is a perfect choice. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy this tangy and sweet barbecue sauce.
BBQ Ribs
- Juicy ribs slathered with Memphis Barbecue Sauce create a delicious main course. The sauce complements the meat’s richness perfectly.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Use this sauce on pulled pork sandwiches for a Southern classic. The sweet and spicy notes enhance the tender pork, making every bite memorable.
Grilled Chicken
- Brush the sauce onto grilled chicken for added flavor. It caramelizes beautifully, giving the chicken a nice glaze.
Meatball Skewers
- Toss meatballs in Memphis Barbecue Sauce for an easy appetizer. Serve them on skewers for a fun party dish.
Veggie Dippers
- Serve the sauce as a dip for fresh vegetables. It adds a zesty kick to carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
Tacos
- Drizzle Memphis Barbecue Sauce over taco fillings for a smoky twist. It pairs well with beef, chicken, or even roasted veggies.
How to Perfect Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Making the perfect Memphis Barbecue Sauce requires attention to detail and personal taste adjustments. Here are some tips to enhance your sauce-making skills.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar or honey to balance the tanginess of the vinegar.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to mix in spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder for added depth of flavor.
- Let it rest: Allow the sauce to sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Use quality ingredients: Choose high-quality ketchup and vinegar for the best taste. Fresh onion also enhances flavor significantly.
- Check consistency: If your sauce is too thick, thin it with additional vinegar or water until you reach your desired texture.
Best Side Dishes for Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Memphis Barbecue Sauce pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavor profile. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside your barbecue feast.
- Coleslaw
A creamy coleslaw provides crunch and balances the tanginess of the sauce, making it an ideal side dish. - Cornbread
Sweet cornbread offers a soft texture that contrasts nicely with smoky meats and barbecue flavors. - Baked Beans
Savory baked beans bring sweetness and heartiness that perfectly match grilled dishes smothered in barbecue sauce. - Potato Salad
A classic potato salad adds creaminess and coolness, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor experience. - Grilled Corn on the Cob
Charred corn brushed with butter creates a delightful side that complements the smoky essence of Memphis-style dishes. - Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy macaroni and cheese delivers comfort food vibes that pair perfectly with barbecue meals, balancing richness with tangy sauces. - Pickles
Tangy pickles provide a refreshing crunch that cuts through richer meats and sauces, enhancing your plate’s overall balance. - Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and texture that work well alongside savory barbecue flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Memphis Barbecue Sauce, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using the wrong vinegar: Different types of vinegar can alter the sauce’s flavor. Stick with white or cider vinegar for the best balance.
- Overcooking the sauce: Cooking too long can thicken the sauce excessively. Keep an eye on it and simmer only until you reach your desired consistency.
- Skipping the onions: Onions add depth of flavor. Don’t skip sautéing them; it enhances the overall taste of your barbecue sauce.
- Not adjusting spices: Everyone has different spice preferences. Taste your sauce and adjust mustard, cayenne pepper, or sugar to suit your palate.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- The sauce stays good for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instructions
- Use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months, but ensure it’s cool before sealing.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Memphis Barbecue Sauce?
Memphis Barbecue Sauce is a tangy and slightly sweet barbecue sauce that blends flavors like ketchup, vinegar, and spices. It’s perfect for grilling meats.
How can I customize my Memphis Barbecue Sauce?
You can customize this sauce by adding more cayenne pepper for heat or extra brown sugar for sweetness. Experiment with different spices!
Can I use Memphis Barbecue Sauce on pulled pork?
Absolutely! This sauce pairs wonderfully with pulled pork, enhancing its flavor and adding moisture.
How long does Memphis Barbecue Sauce last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Memphis Barbecue Sauce lasts about one month in the refrigerator.
Is Memphis Barbecue Sauce gluten-free?
Yes, if you choose gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
This Memphis Barbecue Sauce recipe is not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for summer picnics or any grilling occasion, it adds a delicious kick to meats. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or sweeteners to create your signature sauce!
Memphis Barbecue Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Elevate your summer grilling with this easy Memphis Barbecue Sauce recipe, a perfect blend of tanginess and sweetness that enhances any dish. Ideal for ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken, this sauce is quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time. With just a handful of ingredients, you can bring the authentic taste of Memphis to your backyard barbecue. Customize the flavors to suit your palate—whether you prefer it sweeter or spicier. Enjoy this versatile sauce as a dip for veggies or drizzled over tacos for a smoky twist.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup white or cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Sauté the finely chopped onion in butter over medium heat until tender.
- Stir in ground mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper; cook for another minute.
- Add ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until desired consistency is reached.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: SIDES
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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