What is in Barbeque Sauce? Well, that’s a loaded question, because there are so many different types of Barbeque (BBQ) sauces. The various regions of the United States all lay claim to the best BBQ sauces, and they’re all quite different. We’ll break down the most popular types of BBQ sauces here and highlight for you the one that we think combines the best of all the BBQ sauces.
Types of BBQ Sauce
There are 4 basic categories of BBQ Sauce: Tomato-based, Vinegar-based, Mustard-based Sauces and the Alabama White Sauce. Given that there are more tomato-based types, one might conclude that this is the best sauce. But, then again, it all depends.
What is in Barbeque Sauce? – Tomato-based Types
As the category would indicate, Tomato-based BBQ sauces have some form of tomato as their most prominent ingredient. It may be fresh crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste or even ketchup for the sweeter varieties.
Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce
This tomato-based sauce is thick and sticky, with a tangy sweet taste, with a bit of spiciness that’s not always evident at first. It can be made from thick tomato sauce, tomato paste or ketchup as a base. The tang comes from vinegar, usually apple cider vinegar, and a touch of mustard… While the sweet and sticky comes from a good doses of brown sugar, molasses AND honey. A little chili powder, cayenne or red pepper flakes can be added for a little kick. Spread it onto ribs, chicken, pork chops, etc.
St. Louis Style BBQ Sauce
St. Louis Style is also a tomato-based sauce that is just a bit thinner than the thick and sticky KC variety. With a bit less sweetness, the tanginess of the mustard and vinegar is more prevalent. It still has plenty of sweetness, though, with the combination of brown sugar, molasses and/or honey.
Memphis Style BBQ Sauce
Memphis Style BBQ sauce has the same basic ingredients as the KC style but it’s also a bit thinner and tangier, with a little more mustard and vinegar. It’s also less sweet than both the KC and St. Louis styles, due to much less (or no) molasses and honey. KC, St. Louis, and Memphis BBQ sauces each have very passionate fans who are quick to point out the differences between them and why theirs is the best!
Texas Style BBQ Sauce
Texas Style BBQ sauce is the thinnest of the tomato-based sauces. And it comes with a definite kick of heat, as well as a distinct smoky flavor. The spice comes from cayenne. red pepper flakes, chili powder and/or any number of bottled hot sauces… While the distinct smoky flavor comes from Worcestershire sauce and/or paprika. It may also have a meatier flavor from added meat bases or bullion. The much lower sugar content means the sauce is less likely to burn than any of the above tomato-based sauces. Also, this sauce is used more as a baste (or mop, if you’re southern) which helps to preserve the juiciness of the meat. If you like some heat in your sauce, Texas style is a good choice.
What is in Barbeque Sauce? – Vinegar-based Types
All across the Carolinas, vinegar-based BBQ sauces reign supreme. If you’re accustomed to tomato-based BBQ sauces, you may be reluctant to try the vinegar-based ones. But try them anyway! They’re really good, especially on pork! However, even in the Carolinas, there are 2 different key types of Vinegar-based sauces.
Eastern Style BBQ Sauce
This sauce has a very thin consistency and is mostly vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. It’s super simple, but oh, so good, especially on pulled pork. The flavor value of the black pepper in this sauce cannot be overstated.
Lexington Style BBQ Sauce
This vinegar-based sauce has the same base as the Eastern Style, but ads a bit of ketchup or tomato paste for a little added sweetness.
What is in Barbeque Sauce? – Mustard-based
Some people will lump this into the Vinegar-based sauces, but I think Mustard deserves its own category. Most popular in South Carolina, this sauce has a distinctively yellow color because it often contains both yellow mustard and mustard powder. Like many of the sauces above, it also contains vinegar, brown sugar and usually a little cayenne. Another distinction in this type of BBQ sauce is that it uses butter instead of oil, and may or may not have Worcestershire sauce for a bit of smoky flavor. The Worcestershire also adds a slightly brown tinge to the yellow color. Some mustard-based sauces also include honey for a sweeter taste and thicker, gooier texture. Personally, my favorite is the Mustard-based sauce with Worcestershire and without the honey.
What is in Barbeque Sauce? – Alabama White Sauce
And last, but not least is Alabama’s famous White BBQ sauce. This sauce really breaks the mold when it comes to BBQ sauces. Made with mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, horseradish and plenty of black pepper, this sauce can be found at virtually every Alabama tailgating event. This sauce is great for basting and dipping, so make extra!
So, Which One Is The Best?
Well, that depends… On a lot of things, what you’re cooking and your personal taste being the most important. The new favorite in our house is called Redneck Lipstick. It seems to be the perfect combination of everything above (except the Alabama White Sauce, which is really it’s own category, anyway).
Redneck Lipstick
Redneck Lipstick BBQ Sauces blend the tomato- and vinegar-based sauces into the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, smoky, and spicy all in one jar. It comes in original, with just a little spice, and Hot & Spicy, with a serious kick. Choose your perfect sauce!
And their dry seasoning is to die for. It’s so versatile, we dare you to find something it’s not good on! Sprinkle it over your meats before the BBQ sauce, for added flavor… Or alone without the BBQ sauce. It’s also fantastic on fries, broccoli, green beans, squash and many other veggies. Stir some into any dip for an incredible flavor boost. It can even give a delicious, savory flavor to your freshly popped popcorn.
The Redneck Lipstick site is fun, too, with some recipes you’ve probably never considered. They also give you easy access to their blog posts about everything from recipes to hosting a cookout to tutorials on everything redneck.
And for dessert, the sweet, delicate taste of Churros is the perfect ending to a hearty, spicy BBQ meal. Get your homemade Churro Kits, here!
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