Memphis Barbecue Sauce

Well, there goes that idea. I have (er… had) this big list of BBQ sauce recipes I was going to make. I figured I’d go through them, make them, and see which one I liked best. One of the first ones on the list was this Memphis barbecue sauce. And now, the last one. I don’t need to keep going. This is what I was looking for. I prefer my sauce a little sweet. And rich. Deep flavors. In a sauce that sticks to whatever I’m putting it on without being gloppy. And this is it.

Memphis Barbecue Sauce

That Lemon Thing

The original recipe for this sauce called for a full tablespoon of lemon juice. I like lemon juice, but I have a limit for how much I like it. I didn’t want a citrusy BBQ sauce but I don’t want a little ‘pop’, a little livening up from the lemon juice. So I went with 1/2 of a tablespoon and loved it!

I have already found myself putting this Memphis barbecue sauce on darned near everything I cook. Pulled smoked chicken sandwiches. Grilled chicken wings. Hamburgers. Potato chips. Yes, potato chips. Try it. Just dip your chips into it. You’ll thank me. Use those big, thick, ruffled chips too. Load up. Trust me.

Also try my copycat of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce.

Memphis Barbecue Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Memphis Barbecue Sauce

This is what I was looking for.
Course BBQ Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, sauce
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 102kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except for the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let simmer for 1 – 1 1/2 hours until thickened, stirring often.
  • Stir in the lemon juice (to taste) and Worcestershire sauce. Continue simmering another 30 minutes.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

I prefer to not serve my BBQ sauce cold if refrigerated. I like to warm it on the stovetop or set it out on the countertop for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Add a few (big) drops of hot sauce if you want a spicy version.
Add a few (small) drops of liquid smoke if you want a smoky version.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 476mg | Potassium: 176mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 260IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Wood Shop BBQ Sauce

This sauce originates from a BBQ joint in Seattle, Washington, called Wood Shop BBQ. It’s pretty much a traditional (great) BBQ sauce but with a pretty healthy dose of Worcestershire sauce to boot. I used it on my awesome pulled pork BBQ, but I think this sauce would be even better on smoked brisket or beef ribs.

Wood Shop BBQ Sauce

The Big BBQ Sauce Feud

It has been a while since my wife and I sort of disagreed on a recipe. While this Wood Shop BBQ sauce is pretty Worcestershire-sauce-y, I thought it was pretty darned good. But my wife couldn’t get passed the amount of Worcestershire sauce. I also thought that the sauce got way better after sitting in the fridge for a few days. So, I recommend you start with half of what the recipe states and go from there. I am a huge Worcestershire sauce fan, so I used almost the full amount.

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Also try my copycat of Dreamland’s BBQ sauce.

Wood Shop BBQ Sauce
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4 from 1 vote

Wood Shop BBQ Sauce

I would recommend that you use half of the Worcestershire sauce stated, taste, and add more if desired.
Course BBQ Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 quart
Calories 3518kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, molasses, brown sugar, hot sauce and lemon juice together in a large saucepan and whisk until blended.
  • Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, then add the chili powder, granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper and cayenne.
  • Continue to simmer 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep from burning.

Notes

Store leftover sauce in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 3518kcal | Carbohydrates: 825g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 32496mg | Potassium: 13724mg | Fiber: 54g | Sugar: 648g | Vitamin A: 44869IU | Vitamin C: 134mg | Calcium: 1681mg | Iron: 57mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Copycat Dreamland BBQ Sauce

I found a big batch of smoked pulled pork in the freezer the other day. I was going to make one of my ‘usual’ BBQ sauces but this copycat of the sauce at Dreamland BBQ in Alabama has been on my to-try list for a while so I made a few quarts of it.

Visiting Dreamland BBQ (and honestly, just about any BBQ joint) is also on my to-do list, so I can’t vouch for how much of a copycat it is, but I can vouch for how good it is. Not too thick, not too runny with just a hint of heat. It’s a great all-purpose BBQ sauce.

Copycat Dreamland BBQ Sauce

Delicious As Is. But Changeable Too.

You can make this sauce as shown, or play with it to suit your own needs. I was looking for a light red sauce, and that’s exactly what I got. The beauty of a good BBQ sauce like this is you’ve got a great base for your preferences. Want more heat? Add more cayenne. A little sweeter? More sugar. Thicker? Let it simmer a while longer. You can’t go wrong with Dreamland BBQ sauce whether you follow the recipe to a T or use it as a starter for your own version.

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This sauce is fantastic on my Backyard BBQ wings.

Also try my copycat Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce and Wood Shop’s BBQ sauce.

Copycat Dreamland BBQ Sauce
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3.67 from 3 votes

Copycat Dreamland BBQ Sauce

Visiting Dreamland BBQ (and honestly, just about any BBQ joint) is also on my to-do list, so I can’t vouch for how much of a copycat it is, but I can vouch for how good it is.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, sauce
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 quarts
Calories 447kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place puree and yellow mustard in a large saucepan and whisk until combined.
  • Whisk in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce to a simmer and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often.
  • Keep in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.

Notes

Note: Dark corn syrup makes for a nice dark syrup with a hint of molasses. For a lighter syrup, use light corn syrup.
Note: If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine 1/4 cup corn starch and 1/4 cup cold water and whisk into the sauce as it simmers.

Nutrition

Calories: 447kcal | Carbohydrates: 95g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1974mg | Potassium: 2247mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 67g | Vitamin A: 5411IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 185mg | Iron: 10mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Southwestern BBQ Sauce

The simple addition of a few chipotles in adobo sauce to what is normally just a great regular-ole tomato-based BBQ sauce really makes for a totally different, utterly fantastic sauce for ribs, chicken, pulled pork… you name it. Chipotles (smoke-dried jalapenos) are one of my favorite things. I love the combination of heat and smokiness. They’re perfect for things like this southwestern BBQ sauce.

Southwestern BBQ Sauce

Smoky Spicy Deliciousness

I rubbed down a rack of St. Louis-style ribs with homemade Cajun seasoning. Then I smoked it for 6 hours until the meat was nice and tender.  I then brushed on some of this great southwestern BBQ sauce let the ribs smoke for another 15 minutes, just long enough to set the sauce up just a bit. It’s not a thin sauce, and it’s not a thick sauce. I’d call it just the right consistency for things like ribs. You know you’re going to get messy eating them, but there’s no reason to drown in the sauce or to have it all just roll off the ribs and down your arms.

I like to keep my sandwich sauces in squirt bottles. It’s fun to squirt sauces onto sandwiches or well, just about anything.

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Also try my strawberry chipotle BBQ sauce.

Southwestern BBQ Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Southwestern BBQ Sauce

The simple addition of a few chipotles in adobo sauce to what is normally just a great regular-ole tomato-based BBQ sauce really makes for a totally different, utterly fantastic sauce for ribs, chicken, pulled pork… you name it.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword BBQ, sauce, southwestern
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Calories 226kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onions and saute until starting to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and the chipotles and cook for 1 minute.
  • Deglaze the pan with the vinegar and lime juice.
  • Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half.
  • Add the adobo sauce, tomato sauce, molasses, mustard, bay leaves and salt.
  • Increase heat and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and continue simmering, stirring often, for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce is the desired thickness.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly before straining through a fine-mesh strainer.

Notes

Store sauce in the fridge. Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1799mg | Potassium: 1524mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 1647IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Atomic BBQ Sauce

I’ve made mustard-based BBQ sauces before, but nothing even comes close to this Atomic BBQ sauce. It takes mustardy sauces to a whole new place, thanks mostly to the addition of pickled banana peppers. Of course, there’s a pretty good kick to the sauce. It is called Atomic BBQ sauce for a reason. Perfect on a rack of smoked St. Louis-style ribs, and outstanding on a pulled pork sandwich.

Atomic BBQ Sauce

A Totally Different, Totally Delicious Sauce

For a little extra kick, substitute spicy banana peppers. Don’t want the heat? Substitute jalapenos for the habaneros. You’ll still get a bit of a spicy kick, but it’ll be tame enough for just about anyone. Or just leave out the pepper completely.

This sauce is a great thing. Definitely my new favorite when it comes to non-ketchup-based BBQ sauces.

I like to keep any leftover sauce in these squeeze bottles. That way I can squirt it back out in cool patterns! This sauce is a bit ‘chunky’. For the thicker sauces like it, I end up cutting a bit off the tip of a squeeze bottle so that the sauce comes out nice and easy!

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For even less of a kick (but still some) try my hot pepper jelly BBQ sauce too.

Atomic BBQ Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Atomic BBQ Sauce

I’ve made mustard-based BBQ sauces before, but nothing even comes close to this Atomic BBQ sauce. It takes mustardy sauces to a whole new place.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, sauce, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 799kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk all ingredients except salt and pepper together in a bowl.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • For a less chunky sauce process in a blender until smooth before using.

Notes

Substitute jalapenos for the habaneros for a little less heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 799kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 45g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1133mg | Potassium: 759mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 1034IU | Vitamin C: 97mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Cherry Doctor Pepper BBQ Sauce

I smoked some pork shoulders this weekend that were injected and basted with Cherry Doctor Pepper. The end result was the best pulled pork I’ve ever had. Everyone that ate it said it was fantastic. Super tender, super moist, and just the right smoke flavor. Along with the pulled pork I served this great Cherry Doctor Pepper BBQ sauce.

Cherry Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Sauce On The Side, Please

I like to serve (and be served) Cherry Doctor Pepper BBQ sauce on the side. First, you get to add as little or as much as you want. Second, it doesn’t let you hide less-than-perfect meat. I always sample meats first before saucing them. A good sauce can cover up for over-cooked, under-smoked meat, so order yours “dry” (sauce on the side).

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Also try my Dr Pepper hot wings!

This recipe is based on a recipe from The Smoking Pit.

Cherry Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
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5 from 1 vote

Cherry Doctor Pepper BBQ Sauce

I like to serve (and be served) Cherry Doctor Pepper BBQ sauce on the side. First, you get to add as little or as much as you want. Second, it doesn’t let you hide less-than-perfect meat. 
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword BBQ, sauce
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 3 cups
Calories 390kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the soda and BBQ sauce in a sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
  • Whisk in the brown sugar and honey.
  • Let simmer until the desired thickness is achieved.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Also try other flavors of Dr. Pepper. Just don’t use diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1487mg | Potassium: 359mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 85g | Vitamin A: 320IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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