Ever notice just how popular barbecue sauce is in the United States? Maybe you’ve failed to realize just how many barbecue sauces are truly available to consumers throughout the states. Registered barbecue sauce production exceeds nearly $2 billion per year. But wait, that still doesn’t even consider some of the best barbecue sauces around: home-made variants. Some of the home-made sauces may an extensive tenure in some families, while some are just being discovered.
With so many sauce options available, making the right decision often comes down to the meat you’re planning on pairing it with. For example, which sauce pairs best with slow-cooked ribs? Or a pulled chicken sandwich? It’s clear that the best sauce is meant to compliment the meat but finding the perfect match can be tricky. Choosing the wrong sauce can often lead to a disappointing meal, but this doesn’t always have to be the case.
In order to avoid ever pairing your meats with the incorrect sauce, you might want to consider checking out the infographic featured alongside this post. The infographic details countless different sauces and their flavor profiles, in addition to which meats pair best with the sauces. You’ll certainly finish reviewing it with a much better understanding of which meat and sauce pairs are universally loved.
It’s worth mentioning though that there will always be some form of overlap. Namely because everyone has their own barbecue preferences when it comes to meats and sauces. Let’s take a classic, Texas BBQ sauce, as an example. Most often you’ll find this sauce complimenting a beef brisket, but it’s hard to believe a pulled pork sandwich couldn’t benefit from a serving of some Texas BBQ sauce.
For those planning on hosting a summer barbecue, these preferences can cause some trouble. The best way to accommodate to guests as a hosts in this regard is by providing as many choices possible, being mindful of the meats served of course as you don’t want any conflicting flavors to ruin the experience.
Here are some final tips for pairing your barbecued meats with the right sauces:
- The best sauce can’t salvage the worst prepared meats. Perfecting your barbecue skills is of utmost importance when it comes to barbecue execution.
- Variety is the spice of life. Restricting yourself to only a few barbecue sauce flavors will limit what you can confidently offer to your guests.
- Branching out of your flavor comfort zone is always recommended. One of the best ways to do this is by visiting local barbecue spots for some inspiration and delicious meals.
For more information on the best barbecue pairings, be sure to check out the featured infographic below. Courtesy of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants.