· By Sterling Smith
American BBQ Sauce Styles
When it comes to BBQ sauce in America, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on where you are in the country, BBQ might be served dry, lightly brushed with sauce, or completely smothered in it. Some sauces are tangy and vinegar-based, and others are sweet, smoky, spicy or rich and thick.
Certain regions around the country have become known for their own specific style of BBQ sauces. Let’s take a look at some of the most well-known regional BBQ sauce styles in America:
The Carolinas
The Carolinas have subregions including Eastern North Carolina, Western North Carolina and South Carolina, all of which have their own styles of BBQ sauce. Eastern North Carolina is known for its traditional vinegar-based sauce with red pepper, cayenne and other spices mopped on whole hog.
Western North Carolina is known for sweeter sauces with ingredients like ketchup and brown sugar, typically used for whole pork shoulders. Mustard-based sauce with vinegar and spices has become synonymous with South Carolina BBQ. This tangy version is perfect for ribs and pulled pork.
Memphis
When I think of Memphis-style BBQ, I think of slow-smoked, dry-rubbed pork spareribs, baby back ribs and pork shoulder. In Memphis, BBQ sauce is often served on the side and is definitely on the sweeter side, thanks to the addition of molasses. A thin vinegar-based mop sauce is usually used on Memphis BBQ for basting, flavoring and tenderizing the meat while it slow cooks. Then that famous Memphis dry rub is added before serving.
Kansas City
Kansas City-style BBQ sauce is sweet, sticky, spicy and thick. It’s usually tomato- or ketchup-based, with molasses, brown sugar, vinegar and spice. It has it all! Kansas City-style BBQ sauce is served on everything from pork ribs and pork shoulder to beef brisket, chicken, sausage, turkey, and, of course, burnt ends!
Texas
Like the Carolinas, the Lone Star State has a variety of sauce styles, from East, West, South and Central Texas. One thing these regions have in common is that they tend to focus on beef rather than pork. And you can’t forget smoked sausage at a Texas BBQ joint; it’s pretty much a staple. Sauce in general is a hot topic in Texas. Some say there’s no need to sauce your BBQ meat at all!
For those that do, it can range from a light tomato-based sauce to mustard-based sauces (more prevalent in Central Texas. When it comes to Texas BBQ sauce flavors, it’s all about peppers, cumin and other Southwest flavors that lend a deep, smoky flavor to the sauce and the meat it’s topping.
Southwest Style
Speaking of the Southwest... I’ve been representing BBQ in Arizona for decades, and I like to think that competitive BBQ pitmasters from Out West have our own distinct BBQ sauce style. I’ve been creating my own BBQ sauces in Arizona, and I believe a Southwest BBQ sauce is a little spicier than other BBQ sauces that tend to be a little sweeter.
I don’t want a BBQ sauce that is so spicy it burns your mouth, but just the right amount of heat and spice can add incredible flavor to any meat that you’re cooking. Want to try my Southwest Style BBQ? Loot N’ Booty BBQ Cherry Chipotle BBQ sauce is that perfect blend of heat and sweet that complements your BBQ.
If you want a more balanced, traditional BBQ flavor, with hints of apple and cherry, my Loot N’ Booty Apple Cherry BBQ sauce is robust in flavor, without overwhelming your taste buds with heat or spice.
Don't sleep on Loot N' Booty Honey Gold BBQ sauce. It's my approach to a mustard-based sauce, Southwest style, and it's amazing on chicken, pork and ribs. Of course you could try all three -- I won't stop you!
This is by no means a comprehensive list. There are dozens of other American BBQ styles, from Florida to Southern California! I love BBQ sauce so much, I wrote a whole cookbook filled with recipes from various regions around the world!
No matter where you’re from or which style you prefer, BBQ sauce is all about adding another layer of flavor to the cook. Sweet, tangy, smoky or spicy, there’s a regional style and a sauce for just about every BBQ lover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): American BBQ Sauce Styles
Q: What is the best American BBQ sauce style?
A: The good thing about America is we have choices and the freedom to pick whatever BBQ sauce we like. There is room for all the various styles, and each has its place, depending on what you’re cooking.
A: The good thing about America is we have choices and the freedom to pick whatever BBQ sauce we like. There is room for all the various styles, and each has its place, depending on what you’re cooking.
Q: What is the difference between Carolina, Memphis, Kansas City and Texas BBQ sauce?
A: Carolina BBQ sauces are often vinegar- or mustard-based, Memphis sauces tend to be thinner and sweeter, Kansas City BBQ sauce is typically thick and sweet and Texas-style sauces often lean savory, smoky and spicy.
A: Carolina BBQ sauces are often vinegar- or mustard-based, Memphis sauces tend to be thinner and sweeter, Kansas City BBQ sauce is typically thick and sweet and Texas-style sauces often lean savory, smoky and spicy.
Q: How do I choose the best BBQ sauce for different meats?
A: The best BBQ sauce depends on both the meat and your personal preference. Tangy vinegar sauces pair well with pulled pork, sweeter sauces are popular with ribs and chicken, and smoky or spicy BBQ sauces can complement beef, brisket and other rich meats.
A: The best BBQ sauce depends on both the meat and your personal preference. Tangy vinegar sauces pair well with pulled pork, sweeter sauces are popular with ribs and chicken, and smoky or spicy BBQ sauces can complement beef, brisket and other rich meats.