Memphis barbecue sauce is a regional style of barbecue sauce originating from Memphis, Tennessee. It has a bold, tangy flavor and is typically tomato-based, although variations exist. Memphis barbecue sauce is an integral part of Memphis-style barbecue, used to season ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and other meats.
A Brief History of Memphis BBQ Sauce
Memphis barbecue traces its origins back to the late 18th and early 19th century when enslaved African Americans were brought to the Memphis area to work on cotton plantations. They brought their grilling techniques and sauce recipes from the Caribbean which involved seasoning meat with vinegar and peppers.
Over time, Memphis pit masters began experimenting with different sauce recipes using local ingredients like molasses, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. By the early 1900s, a tangy, sweet and spicy tomato-based sauce emerged as the signature Memphis-style barbecue sauce flavor.
Some key developments in Memphis barbecue sauce history include:
- Early 19th century – Vinegar and pepper-based sauces brought by enslaved African Americans.
- Late 19th century – Molasses, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce added for sweetness and tanginess.
- Early 20th century – Tomato-based Memphis style sauce takes shape.
- 1970s – Commercial production and bottling of Memphis sauces expands.
- Today – Memphis sauce recognized globally as a classic regional barbecue flavor.
While restaurants and families have their own recipes, the general flavor profile and ingredients of Memphis sauce are well established. It’s a hot debate whether modern commercial brands capture the true heritage of Memphis barbecue sauce or if homemade sauces are more authentic.
Typical Ingredients in Memphis BBQ Sauce
While recipes can vary, most authentic Memphis barbecue sauces contain some key ingredients:
Tomato Product
Ketchup, tomato sauce, or tomato paste provide the rich, tangy tomato base.
Vinegar
Adding a splash of white, cider, or red wine vinegar brightens the flavor.
Molasses or Brown Sugar
For a touch of sweetness to balance the tang.
Spices and Seasonings
Such as garlic, mustard, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce.
Other Potential Ingredients
Onion, mustard, soy sauce, hot sauce, liquid smoke, chili powder, allspice, and more.
The specific ingredients and ratios depend on the recipe, but this gives a general overview of the core Memphis barbecue sauce flavor profile.
Unique Properties of Memphis BBQ Sauce
There are a few key properties that distinguish Memphis-style barbecue sauce:
Tangy-Sweet Flavor – It has plenty of vinegar tartness and molasses sweetness. The tomato adds acidic brightness.
Moderate Thickness – It has a nape-coating viscosity, not as thick as Kansas City sauce but thicker than the Carolinas.
Spicy with Smoky Hints – It has a bold blend of spices like black pepper, mustard, and sometimes hot peppers. Liquid smoke is often used.
Versatile Uses – On ribs, pork, chicken, brisket, or even drizzled over baked beans, slaw, and French fries.
The tangy-sweet with a kick of spice makes it versatile for seasoning all types of smoked and grilled meats. It strikes a flavor balance between the thicker sweetness of Kansas City sauce and the thinner vinegar profile of the Carolinas.
How Memphis BBQ Sauce is Used
Memphis barbecue sauce has some signature uses:
As a Rib Glaze – Generously brushed or slathered onto ribs during smoking for caramelized exterior bark.
Pulled Pork Finish – Mixed into pulled pork and allowed to soak into the meat. Also served on the side.
Dip and Drizzle – Used as a dip for brisket, chicken, fries, etc. Also drizzled over finished meats.
Marinade or Baste – Some pit masters marinate meats in a thinner sauce or baste during cooking.
Condiment Accompaniment – Offered alongside smoked meats as a customizable condiment.
Injection – In competition barbecue, some pros inject a thinned sauce into meats for added flavor.
Memphis pit masters take a culinary artistry approach to layering flavors with sauce throughout the smoking process.
Popular Brands of Memphis BBQ Sauce
Some famous brands synonymous with Memphis barbecue sauce include:
Rendevous – Tangy, slightly thin, peppery sauce served at the iconic Rendevous restaurant. They bottle it for retail sales too.
Corky’s – Sweet, tangy, slightly thick sauce from popular chain Corky’s Ribs and BBQ.
Central BBQ – Well-balanced with a bit of heat from the Central BBQ restaurant chain.
Jack Daniel’s – The famous whiskey brand offers a line of Memphis-style sauces.
Sweet Baby Ray’s – While not from Memphis, they make a popular Memphis-style sauce product.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken – Bottles the bright tangy sauce served in their restaurants.
There are also many homemade and small batch sauces that capture the Memphis flavor.
How To Make Memphis BBQ Sauce at Home
Here is an easy homemade Memphis barbecue sauce recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Whisk together all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks.
Notes and Variations:
- For smokey flavor, add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke.
- For spicier sauce, increase cayenne or add hot sauce.
- For tangier sauce, add more vinegar to taste.
- For thicker sauce, simmer longer or add tomato paste.
Experiment with ingredients like grated onion, minced garlic, mustard seeds, allspice, and more to personalize the flavor. Apply your homemade sauce to ribs, pulled pork, chicken wings, and more for authentic Memphis barbecue right at home.
How Memphis BBQ Sauce Differs from KC and Carolina Sauces
While all are tomato-based barbecue sauces with sweet and tangy flavors, Memphis sauce differs from Kansas City and Carolina sauces in some ways:
Vs. Kansas City Sauce
- Memphis – Thinner, more vinegar tang
- KC – Thicker, sweeter, less acidic
Vs. Carolina Sauce
- Memphis – Higher tomato content, touch of sweetness
- Carolina – More vinegar focus, little to no sweetener
Vs. South Carolina Mustard Sauce
- Memphis – Tomato-based with spices
- SC Mustard – Mustard-based with tangy vinegar
The Memphis style strikes a balance between the thick sweetness of KC and the very thin, vinegar-heavy sauces of the Carolinas.
Memphis BBQ Sauce in Popular Culture
As a distinctive regional barbecue style, Memphis sauce has made its mark on pop culture:
- Featured on cooking shows like BBQ Pitmasters, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Man v. Food, etc.
- Bottle labels have iconic Memphis themes like blues music, Elvis, and the city skyline.
- Served at high-profile events like the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
- Subject of debates among barbecue enthusiasts on best store-bought brand.
- Inspires creativity from home cooks seeking to clone recipes from famous Memphis barbecue restaurants.
- Represented in music – rapped about by artists ranging from Three 6 Mafia to Justin Timberlake.
A bottle of tangy, tomato-red Memphis sauce is a piece of edible Americana representing a taste of Tennessee barbecue history.
Common Questions About Memphis BBQ Sauce
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Memphis-style barbecue sauce:
Is it the same as Tennessee barbecue sauce?
Yes, Memphis sauce is considered the signature sauce for across the state of Tennessee. The Memphis region is most famous for originating this style.
What’s the difference between Memphis and Tennessee Whiskey BBQ sauces?
Tennessee Whiskey sauces have added Jack Daniel’s or other Tennessee whiskey. They give a charred, boozy flavor. Memphis sauce is more focused on tangy tomato and molasses flavors.
What goes best with Memphis sauce – ribs or pulled pork?
It goes excellently with both. Ribs benefit from saucing during smoking. Pulled pork soaks up flavor when mixed with sauce after shredding.
Is Memphis sauce good on grilled chicken?
Yes, it makes a great marinade and basting sauce for chicken. The tomato tang complements poultry.
Is it gluten free?
Most Memphis sauces are gluten-free, but check bottle labels to be sure, as some recipes may have soy sauce or other gluten ingredients.
Memphis barbecue sauce is versatile for many meats and recipes beyond just ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Don’t be afraid to try it on chicken, brisket, baked beans, stuffed peppers, meatloaf and more for a flavorful regional twist.
Final Thoughts on Memphis BBQ Sauce
Memphis barbecue sauce is a tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based sauce that adds signature flavor to smoked meats from the Memphis region. It emerged as Memphis pit masters added molasses, ketchup and other ingredients to the original vinegar sauces brought by enslaved African Americans. It strikes a flavor balance between the thick, sweet Kansas City style and the very thin, vinegary sauces of the Carolinas. Competition exists between long-time Memphis restaurants, commercial brands and homemade recipes over the “right” way to replicate original Memphis flavor. There’s room for creativity and personalized tweaks when making your own at home. Beyond just ribs and pulled pork, this versatile sauce adds character to poultry, brisket, vegetables and more. A bottle of Memphis sauce represents generations of barbecue tradition in one of America’s most storied barbecue cities.