Exploring Creative Uses for Barbecue Sauce: Beyond Just Marinating and Slaws

Barbecue sauce is not just for drizzling on grilled meats—it has a wide range of applications in the kitchen. This versatile condiment can transform the flavor and texture of your dishes, whether you're whipping up a flavorful marinade, adding a tangy kick to a coleslaw, or simply enhancing the skin-on goodness of your roasted meats. Let's dive into some innovative ways to use barbecue sauce in your culinary adventures.

Using BBQ Sauce as a Marinade

One of the lesser-known but highly effective uses for barbecue sauce is as a marinade. Thinning the sauce with beer can create a unique flavor profile that enhances both the taste and texture of your meat. Beer, particularly dark ales or lagers, can tenderize meat and add an extra layer of flavor that's hard to replicate.

Here’s how to create a barbecue marinade using beer:

Choose a barbecue sauce with a rich, robust flavor, such as a smoky chipotle or a spicy Alabama white sauce. Blend the barbecue sauce with your preferred type of beer. Dark beers can contribute richer flavors, while lighter beers keep things brighter and more refreshing. Pour the mixture into a resealable plastic bag and add your choice of meat, whether it's chicken, pork, or beef. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. After marinating, you can either use the marinade to baste the meat as it cooks, or discard it and grill the meat directly. This method not only infuses the meat with moisture and flavor but also starts to caramelize the surface, creating a delicious and crusty exterior.

Barbecue Sauce as a Condiment in Slaws

A classic coleslaw doesn't have to be bland or boring. In the North Carolina regions, using barbecue sauce as a substitute for mayonnaise is a standard practice, especially in the Rocky Mountain and Carolina styles of BBQ. This substitution can add a tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet zest to your coleslaw, making it a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts.

To make your own Carolina-style coleslaw, you’ll need:

Shredded cabbage Shredded carrots Red onion, chopped D connexion Some fresh, chopped parsley for garnish

Follow these steps:

Prep all the ingredients by shredding the cabbage, carrots, and red onion finely. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots with a couple of tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This adds a zing to the slaw and helps to keep it crisp. Drizzle the barbecue sauce over the slaw. You can use full-strength barbecue sauce, which brings more complexity and sweetness, or thin it with a little water for a milder, more spreadable consistency. Stir the slaw gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding a little more lemon juice or barbecue sauce if the flavor seems lacking. The final touch is a handful of chopped parsley for freshness. Let the slaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve it alongside your favorite BBQ dishes for a burst of flavor that's both savory and sweet.

Barbecue Sauce in Roast Meats

Roasting meats with barbecue sauce isn't just for restaurants. It's a great way to infuse your meats with a delicious, smoky flavor while ensuring they stay moist and juicy throughout the cooking process. Any piece of meat can benefit from this technique, from chicken to brisket.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to roasting with barbecue sauce:

Clean and season your meat well with your favorite rub or herbs. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the meat as usual until it reaches your desired internal temperature. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the meat generously with barbecue sauce. Continue to brush the meat with the sauce every 15 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and creates a crispy, savory crust. If the sauce begins to dry out, thin it with a little water to help it adhere. Once done, let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.

By utilizing barbecue sauce in creative ways, you can enhance the flavor and texture of your dishes beyond the typical uses. From marinades and slaws to roasting meats, barbecue sauce is a versatile ingredient that brings depth and character to any recipe. Experiment with different types of barbecue sauce and new culinary applications to discover your own personalized BBQ adventures in the kitchen.