Smoky Texas Barbecue Sauce
Experience the bold and tangy flavors of Central Texas barbecue with this Smoky Texas Barbecue Sauce, inspired by the renowned Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in Llano, TX. This rich, homemade sauce is perfect for drizzling over succulent brisket, tender cabrito, or any grilled meats you desire. With the perfect balance of sweet ketchup, zesty cider vinegar, and the savory depth of rendered bacon fat, this sauce embodies the heart and soul of Texas barbecue. The addition of hot sauce and liquid smoke gives it that extra kick and smoky aroma, making it an essential accompaniment to any barbecue feast. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this sauce will elevate your grilling game to new heights.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
meat drippings or chicken stock
1 cup (Use fresh drippings from cooked meat or store-bought chicken stock.)
ketchup
1 cup (Use your favorite brand of ketchup for best results.)
cider vinegar
1/2 cup (Use apple cider vinegar for a fruity tang.)
rendered bacon fat or lard
2 tablespoons (Melt and measure the bacon fat or lard.)
hot sauce
1-2 tablespoons (Choose a hot sauce to your taste preference.)
liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (Measure liquid smoke; adjust based on desired smokiness.)
coarse salt
to taste (Add as needed, while checking flavor.)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (Add as needed, while checking flavor.)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the meat drippings (or chicken stock), ketchup, cider vinegar, rendered bacon fat (or lard), hot sauce, and liquid smoke. Add 1/2 cup of water to the mix.
2
Place the pot over medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has slightly thickened.
4
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, as needed.
5
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.
6
Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate, covered, until ready to use. It will keep for up to 3 days.
7
Before serving, bring the sauce to room temperature or gently warm it to enhance its flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Texas Barbecue Sauce?
It is a bold and tangy sauce inspired by the flavors of Central Texas barbecue, perfect for brisket and other grilled meats.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the renowned Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que located in Llano, TX.
Can I use chicken stock instead of meat drippings?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 cup of fresh meat drippings or store-bought chicken stock.
What type of vinegar is recommended for this sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of cider vinegar to provide a distinct fruity tang.
Can I substitute bacon fat with something else?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of either rendered bacon fat or lard as a substitute.
How much hot sauce should be added?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 tablespoons, depending on your preferred level of spiciness.
What is the purpose of adding liquid smoke?
Liquid smoke provides the extra kick and smoky aroma that is essential for authentic Texas barbecue flavor.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer gently for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
Do I need to add water to the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of water should be added to the pot along with the other main ingredients before boiling.
How should the sauce be stored?
Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated.
How long will the sauce stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The sauce will keep for up to 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
What is the best temperature to serve the sauce?
It is best served at room temperature or gently warmed to enhance its complex flavors.
Which meats pair best with Smoky Texas Barbecue Sauce?
It is excellent with succulent brisket, tender cabrito, or any grilled meats.
Is this recipe easy for beginners to make?
Yes, the recipe is described as easy to prepare and an essential addition for any barbecue feast.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Combine the meat drippings (or stock), ketchup, cider vinegar, fat, hot sauce, liquid smoke, and water in a large pot.
How do I prevent the sauce from sticking to the pot?
You should stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers over medium-low heat.
When should I add salt and pepper?
After the sauce has finished simmering, taste it and adjust the seasoning with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Does it matter what brand of ketchup I use?
The recipe recommends using one cup of your favorite brand of ketchup for the best results.
How do I cool the sauce before storing?
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the sauce to sit until it reaches room temperature.
Can I adjust the smokiness of the sauce?
Yes, you can measure the liquid smoke and adjust the amount based on your desired level of smokiness.
What kind of salt is specified in the ingredients?
The recipe calls for coarse salt to be added to taste.
What does the bacon fat contribute to the flavor?
Rendered bacon fat provides a savory depth that embodies the heart and soul of Texas barbecue.
What are the primary flavor notes of this sauce?
The sauce is bold, tangy, rich, and savory with a distinct smoky finish.
Will the sauce thicken as it cooks?
Yes, it will slightly thicken during the 30-minute simmering process.
Can I use store-bought stock if I don't have meat drippings?
Yes, store-bought chicken stock is a perfectly acceptable alternative.
What style of barbecue does this represent?
This sauce represents the Central Texas barbecue tradition.
How should I heat the mixture initially?
Place the pot over medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally.
Does the container need to be covered during refrigeration?
Yes, ensure the airtight container is covered before placing it in the refrigerator.
What is cabrito?
Cabrito refers to roast kid goat, a popular meat in Texas barbecue that pairs well with this sauce.
What type of pepper should be used?
The recipe recommends using freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor profile.