Texas Barbecue Sauce

By
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 09/2/21
Brisket with barbecue sauce

 Pinghung Chen
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 28 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
24 Calories
1g Fat
5g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 28
Amount per serving
Calories 24
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 1mg 0%
Sodium 158mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 1mg 5%
Calcium 10mg 1%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 72mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Traditional Texas barbecue sauce is a well-seasoned mixture of tomato, spices, celery, onions, and garlic. It is somewhat old-fashioned compared to today's popular sauces, which generally follow the Kansas City style. Texas-style barbecue sauce is thinner and less sweet. It typically includes vegetables as well as a beefy flavor from meat drippings or bouillon.

This sauce takes a little more time but is definitely worth the effort with its rich flavor. It is perfect when paired with sliced brisket or on brisket sandwiches. This style of barbecue sauce was developed in Central Texas where they had access to good cuts of beef for barbecue; as a thinner sauce, it doesn't cover up the flavor of the meat itself. Let your barbecue shine with this classic sauce next time you smoke a brisket.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the onion and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the onion and celery are soft.

  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for only 15 to 20 seconds (and no longer).

  4. Add the water and bouillon cube. Stir until the bouillon is dissolved.

  5. Add the remaining ingredients. Simmer on low for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  6. Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool for 15 minutes.

  7. Pour the sauce into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth (about 15 to 20 seconds).

  8. Use the sauce immediately to baste brisket or whatever meat you are grilling or smoking.

Use Caution When Blending Hot Ingredients

Steam expands quickly in a blender and can cause ingredients to splatter everywhere or cause burns. To prevent this, fill the blender only one-third of the way up, vent the top, and cover with a folded kitchen towel while blending.

How to Use

You can use this sauce for any kind of meat, including beef, pork, or chicken, or instead of commercial barbecue sauce for topping hamburgers and other sandwiches.

How to Store

Store the Texas barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days after preparation. Warm the sauce slightly before use.

What's the Difference Between Texas vs. Kansas City vs. Carolina BBQ Sauce?

Barbecue is a big deal in each of these parts of America, and they all have their specific style of sauce. While Texas barbecue sauce is thin and beefy tasting with a little spice, Kansas City sauce is known for its sweetness and thick consistency. On the other hand, North Carolina sauce, packs a bit of tang from the vinegar, making it ideal for pairing with fatty meat such as pork.