Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that is cherished by many for its tender, juicy meat infused with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. While pulled pork can be served on its own, it is often paired with barbeque sauce to add even more flavor. But with so many BBQ sauce options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which sauce pairs best with pulled pork specifically. In this article, we’ll break down the top options for BBQ sauce to use with pulled pork, and provide tips on how to choose the right one.
Sweet and Tangy Tomato-Based Sauces
Tomato-based barbecue sauces are amongst the most popular options, as the sweet and tangy flavors complement the pork wonderfully. Kansas City and Memphis styles BBQ sauces are two excellent choices, as they provide the right balance of sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness:
- Kansas City style tends to be thicker, sweeter, and often contains molasses. It has a nice sticky texture that adheres beautifully to pulled pork.
- Memphis style often contains tomato puree and vinegar for tanginess. It has a thinner consistency and really lets the pork shine through.
When using a tomato-based sauce, apply it lightly at the end to avoid overpowering the natural flavors of the pork. Sweet and tangy tomato BBQ sauces are versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes too.
Sweet and Spicy Sauces
For those who like some heat, sweet and spicy barbecue sauces complement pulled pork wonderfully. The contrast of sweet flavors from brown sugar or honey combined with spicy chilies or cayenne creates depth and excitement:
- Asian style sauces like hoisin with Sriracha add a delicious sweet and spicy kick. The hoisin provides sweetness while the Sriracha brings the heat.
- Jamaican jerk style BBQ sauce contains spices like allspice, thyme, garlic and Scotch bonnet peppers for Caribbean flair.
- Chipotle BBQ sauces use smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a deep, earthy heat.
The key is finding the right balance of sweet and heat levels for your preferences. Start with a small amount and add more as desired.
Vinegar-Based Carolina Sauces
For a tangy, peppery BBQ sauce, try a Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce. The two main types are:
- Eastern Carolina style – Made with vinegar, pepper flakes, and spices. Provides a strong tart, spicy flavor.
- Western Carolina style – Includes ketchup and brown sugar with the vinegar for a bit of sweetness and thickness.
The sharp vinegar taste and spicy kick complement pulled pork well. Add the sauce lightly to prevent over-vinegaring the pork. Vinegar sauces pair especially well with coleslaw.
Alabama White Sauce
For a unique tangy and creamy take, try an Alabama white sauce made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and lemon juice. It has a distinctive flavor that enhances the pork’s natural juiciness without overpowering it. The creamy sauce soaks into the meat and gives a cool contrast to the hot pork. It also pairs wonderfully with a traditional Southern-style potato salad.
Things to Consider When Choosing a BBQ Sauce
- Regional styles – Stick with sauces typical for pulled pork such as Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina, or Alabama.
- Sweetness – Sweeter tomato-based sauces complement pulled pork best. But add other flavors like spice or tanginess so it’s not one-dimensional.
- Consistency – Thicker sauces adhere well to shredded pork, while thinner ones let the pork shine. Make sure it matches your preferences.
- Your taste – Consider how much heat, tang, sweetness, and smokiness you enjoy to guide your selection.
- Sides – Choose complementary sides like coleslaw, beans, corn bread, or potato salad.
The most important tip is to not oversauce the pork, as it can make the meat soggy and mask the delicious smoky flavor. Use a light hand and layer flavors as you build your pulled pork sandwich. With so many tasty BBQ sauce options, part of the fun is experimenting to find your perfect match!
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Sauces for Pulled Pork
What is the most popular BBQ sauce for pulled pork?
The most popular styles are tomato-based Kansas City and Memphis BBQ sauces. Their balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors complement pulled pork exceptionally well.
Should you put BBQ sauce on pulled pork before or after cooking?
It’s best to add BBQ sauce after cooking, once the pulled pork is fully smoked and ready to eat. Saucing it before can make the exterior overly sticky or burnt. Lightly mix or brush sauce onto the hot pork just before serving.
How much BBQ sauce should you use on pulled pork?
Use a delicate hand, as too much sauce can ruin the texture and mask the pork’s flavor. Start with 2-3 tablespoons per pound of pork and mix in more to taste. It’s easier to add more than take away.
What’s the difference between BBQ sauce and marinade for pulled pork?
Marinades are used before cooking to tenderize and impart flavor. BBQ sauces are added after cooking to provide a sticky glaze, extra juiciness and flavor contrast. Marinades use more acidic ingredients, while sauces focus on complements like sweet and spice.
Which regional BBQ sauce goes best with coleslaw?
Carolina-style vinegar-based sauces pair exceptionally well with crisp, vinegar-based coleslaw. The tangy pork and slaw combo is a classic Southern barbecue tradition.
Can you use the same BBQ sauce for ribs and pulled pork?
Yes, tomato-based sweet and tangy sauces work well on both. But for ribs, thicker, stickier sauces help create a nice glazed crust. Pulled pork benefits more from thinner, vinegar-based sauces that penetrate the meat.
Conclusion
When it comes to BBQ sauces for pulled pork, you have delicious options to suit any palate. Tomato-based Kansas City and Memphis styles are surefire crowd-pleasers. For heat-seekers, sweet and spicy blends hit the spot. Tangy Carolina vinegar versions provide a refreshing contrast. Or go creatively decadent with Alabama white sauce. Just remember – a light hand prevents sogginess and retains that signature smoky pork flavor. So slather on your favorite regional sauce, grab a side of slaw, and get ready to enjoy mouthwatering pulled pork done right!