BBQ 101: White BBQ Sauce—Barbecuing is not what it used to be. When growing up, my family's only time to start up the grill or smoker was in the summer and on the weekends. Today, people barbecue every night and all year round. Barbecue sauces have come a long way since then, too. There used to be only a couple of choices at your local market.
But now, with the invention of "super" markets, the amount of barbecue sauces you can buy locally has grown significantly. For those gourmet barbecue sauces, the web is probably the only place you will find these unique sauces. If you don't live in the Alabama area, the only place you will find traditional White BBQ Sauce like Big Bob Gibson's is on the web, or of course, you can try to make it yourself.
Traditional barbecue sauce uses Mayonnaise instead of tomato sauce, vinegar, or other more typical barbecue sauce bases in Alabama. It is a regional favorite. Bob Gibson of Decatur, Alabama, is credited with the invention of the white sauce back in 1925. Friends and family were first treated to this secret recipe sauce on chicken and pork at weekend barbecues, where they nailed boards to trees for tables. This famous mayonnaise-based condiment is traditionally used to baste chicken, seafood, and pork.
White BBQ Sauce is synonymous with the state of Alabama and the legendary "BAMA" football program. White BBQ Sauce's intriguing flavor complements salads and is a superb baste for chicken, pork, and turkey. You can also use White Sauce as an ingredient to add an extra kick to your favorite slaw or potato salad. However, because the racks of your local grocer are dominated by many incarnations of tomato-based sauces, and white BBQ sauce is such a regional anomaly, most people outside Alabama have not tested this concoction flavor.
Like many barbecue sauces, you want to apply this only at the end of your grilling or smoking. It will break down and separate if it is heated too long. Use this sauce on chicken and turkey. It is also good on pork. Alabama White Barbecue Sauce has a tangy flavor that is an excellent addition to grilled foods.
White BBQ Sauce makes a unique experience. Use this recipe when grilling chicken; brush lightly over the chicken during the last few minutes. This sauce is also great for dipping; keep some sauce aside for passing at the table.
White BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
1-quart Mayonnaise3/4 quart apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 tablespoon cayenne pepper
Prepared horseradish
Lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a large blender or food processor. Blend for 1 minute or until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Pour the sauce into a large container or bowl.
