Memphis Barbecue Sauce

Name: Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup finely chopped onion; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup white or cider vinegar; 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Published: June 6, 2025

by eva

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Memphis Barbecue Sauce is the perfect companion for your summer picnics and barbecues. This sauce strikes a balance between sweet and tangy, elevating any grilled dish. Whether you’re basting ribs or drizzling it over pulled pork, its rich flavors make every meal memorable. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, ensuring you’re always ready to fire up the grill!

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Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tools and Preparation
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
Ingredients
For the Sauce
How to Make Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Step 4: Cool and Store
How to Serve Memphis Barbecue Sauce
On Grilled Meats
As a Dipping Sauce
In Sandwiches
As a Marinade
How to Perfect Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Best Side Dishes for Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Freezing Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Reheating Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Memphis Barbecue Sauce unique?
Can I customize my Memphis Barbecue Sauce?
How long does Memphis Barbecue Sauce last?
What dishes pair well with Memphis Barbecue Sauce?
Can I make this BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Final Thoughts
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this flavorful sauce.
Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and store it for up to a month.
Versatile Flavor: Ideal for various meats, from ribs to chicken and even veggies.
Balanced Taste: The combination of sweetness and tanginess makes it irresistible.
Easy to Customize: Adjust spices to fit your taste preferences easily.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking effortless and enjoyable. For this Memphis Barbecue Sauce recipe, you’ll need a few essential items that help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Medium saucepan: Perfect for simmering sauces evenly without burning.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping onions efficiently.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and precise cutting of ingredients.

Ingredients

I created this Memphis BBQ sauce recipe for our summer picnics because we love to grill. It can be made ahead, so it’s ready whenever you fire up the grill. —Angela Spengler, Niceville, Florida

For the Sauce

1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup ketchup
1/3 cup white or cider vinegar
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon yellow mustard

How to Make Memphis Barbecue Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until tender. Stir in the ground mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper; cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Next, stir in the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Don’t forget to stir occasionally.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Once finished, remove from heat and allow it to cool completely. Transfer the sauce into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one month. Use as a basting sauce for all your grilled meats!

How to Serve Memphis Barbecue Sauce

Memphis Barbecue Sauce is versatile and can enhance various dishes. Here are some serving suggestions that will take your summer picnics to the next level.

On Grilled Meats

Ribs: Brush this tangy sauce on smoky ribs for a flavorful finish.
Pulled Pork: Mix with shredded pork for a classic barbecue sandwich.
Chicken: Baste on grilled chicken for an extra layer of flavor.

As a Dipping Sauce

Vegetables: Serve as a dip alongside fresh veggies for a zesty crunch.
Fries: Pair with crispy fries for a sweet and spicy twist on your favorite snack.

In Sandwiches

BBQ Sandwiches: Use it as a spread in sandwiches filled with meats.
Burgers: Add a dollop to your burgers for unexpected flavor.

As a Marinade

Marinate Meats: Use the sauce to marinate before grilling, infusing flavors throughout.

How to Perfect Memphis Barbecue Sauce

To achieve the best version of Memphis Barbecue Sauce, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and spices enhance the flavors significantly.
Adjust Sweetness: Customize the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or using honey if desired.
Experiment with Heat: Modify the cayenne pepper amount for your preferred spice level.
Simmer Longer: Allow the sauce to simmer longer for thickening and deeper flavor development.
Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Memphis Barbecue Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your Memphis Barbecue Sauce can elevate any meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy salad that balances out the rich flavors of barbecue.
Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy bread that complements the tanginess of the sauce beautifully.
Baked Beans: Hearty and savory beans provide a filling side that pairs well with barbecue.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad adds texture and richness to your plate.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables provide a healthy, vibrant contrast to rich meats.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a favorite alongside smoky barbecue dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Memphis barbecue sauce is easy, but a few common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here’s how to avoid them:

Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can compromise the flavor. Always opt for fresh onions and spices for the best taste.
Overcooking the Sauce: Simmering too long can thicken the sauce excessively. Keep an eye on it while cooking to achieve your desired consistency.
Skipping Tasting: Failing to taste as you go might lead to an unbalanced sauce. Adjust sweetness or spice levels based on your preference throughout the cooking process.
Not Storing Properly: Improper storage can spoil your sauce quickly. Use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly after cooling.
Neglecting Customizations: Sticking strictly to the recipe may limit your creativity. Experiment with additional spices or sweetness for a personalized touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

item Store in an airtight container.
item Keeps well in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Freezing Memphis Barbecue Sauce

item Pour into freezer-safe bags or containers.
item Lasts up to 6 months in the freezer.

Reheating Memphis Barbecue Sauce

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sauce in an oven-safe dish and cover; heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer sauce to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until warm.
Stovetop: Pour sauce into a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Memphis barbecue sauce:

What makes Memphis Barbecue Sauce unique?

Memphis barbecue sauce is known for its balance of sweet and tangy flavors, with a base of ketchup and vinegar, making it perfect for meats.

Can I customize my Memphis Barbecue Sauce?

Absolutely! You can add more heat with cayenne pepper, or increase sweetness by adding more brown sugar according to your taste preferences.

How long does Memphis Barbecue Sauce last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last up to 1 month. If frozen, it will keep for about 6 months.

What dishes pair well with Memphis Barbecue Sauce?

This sauce is excellent with grilled meats like ribs and pulled pork but also enhances burgers and sandwiches beautifully.

Can I make this BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making meal prep easier.

Final Thoughts

Memphis barbecue sauce is a versatile addition to any summer picnic or backyard barbecue. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile pairs perfectly with various grilled meats and even sandwiches. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe; adding unique spices or adjusting sweetness can make it truly yours. Give this recipe a try, and elevate your grilling game!

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