In summer, it's that time again – grilling season begins. And what shouldn't be missing from a traditional American BBQ? You guessed it, an authentic BBQ sauce that transforms Pulled Pork, Spareribs, Burgers, and more into a truly special taste experience. We'll show you which dishes are perfect for the BBQ sauce from Rufus Teague and why the sauce is a must-have for classic BBQ.
BBQ Sauce – Did You Know…?
BBQ is the abbreviation for the English word "barbeque" (or "barbecue") and means "grilling" in German. So, BBQ sauce is mainly used for grill and barbeque dishes. Typically, it's used as a dip for ready-made meat dishes such as Pulled Pork or Spareribs. Alternatively, the BBQ sauce can also be used as a sort of glaze at the end of the cooking process in a BBQ smoker. In 1948, the seasoning sauce made its first appearance in nationwide trade in the USA.
There are countless variations of BBQ sauces, but perhaps the most well-known is the Kansas City Style, which, with its sweet and smoky aroma, convinces every food lover. In general, it can be said that BBQ is just as popular and beloved in the USA as beer is in Germany.
BBQ Sauce Pulled Pork – The American Classic
Pulled Pork is gaining popularity in Germany. Typically, pork shoulder with bone (typical American) or pork neck (more common in Germany) is used as the meat. The preparation involves the low and slow cooking method. This means that the meat is cooked very slowly at a low temperature – traditionally in an American BBQ smoker. The smoke generated during cooking later imparts the unmistakable BBQ flavor.
To prepare BBQ classic Pulled Pork, plan some time ahead. The preparations usually start a day before. Before placing the meat on the grill, lightly oil it so that the seasoning blends (also known as "rub") adhere better. For marinating, let the meat sit in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. This allows the flavors of the seasoning blend to infuse the meat.
The next morning, preheat your BBQ smoker to a temperature of about 120°C (248°F), as the cooking process can take up to 8 hours. As the name suggests, Pulled Pork can be simply pulled apart after cooking. The long cooking process has dissolved the structural proteins of the connective tissue, making the meat tender. Traditionally, Pulled Pork is served as a sandwich along with BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and other side dishes. However, preferences vary.
Our tip for an unforgettable grilling evening: a BBQ sauce for Pulled Pork from Rufus Teague.
BBQ Sauce for Spareribs – an Unparalleled Taste Experience
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Spareribs are considered BBQ classics in the USA and are also very popular in Germany. With an authentic American BBQ sauce for Spareribs, you'll create a taste experience you'll remember for a lifetime. Let's begin with the required ingredients for perfect Spareribs.
For your BBQ Spareribs, you'll only need four ingredients:
- 3 kg pork ribs
- 4 teaspoons medium-hot mustard
- ½ cup spice blend (we recommend Rufus Teague Meat Rub)
- 1 bottle BBQ sauce for Spareribs (we recommend Rufus Teague Honey Sweet BBQ Sauce)
Preparing the delicious pork ribs is relatively straightforward. First, remove the skin from the back of the ribs. Then, spread mustard on both sides of the Spareribs. Now, generously rub the spice blend on both sides. Meanwhile, you can preheat your smoker. Once it reaches a temperature of 110°C (230°F), place the pork ribs bone-side down in the smoker. Allow the Spareribs to cook for some time. After 2 hours, check the crust. If the crust is dark enough, you can wrap the Spareribs in aluminum foil. The positive effect is that the cooking process will be slightly accelerated.
Pro Tip: Add a tablespoon of apple juice and always wrap two ribs in one aluminum foil.
When the Spareribs are done depends on the meat and the BBQ smoker. It's difficult to provide an exact time. Americans often say, "It's done when it's done." But how can you tell if the meat is ready to eat? Professionals use a "bend test." The ribs are lifted with tongs (hold the ribs in the middle), causing the ends to bend downward. If no cracks are visible on the surface, the ribs are not yet ready. If you see some cracks, the meat is on the right path but should still continue to cook on the BBQ smoker. Only when the meat almost falls off the bone by itself are the Spareribs ready.
Spareribs taste especially good with a matching BBQ sauce. We recommend the Honey Sweet BBQ Sauce by Rufus Teague. Enjoy your meal!
BBQ Sauce Burger – That's the Taste of America
When one thinks of food and the USA, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the burger. There are countless variations and flavors, ensuring there's something for everyone. We present to you two burgers that we are particularly fond of. With the right BBQ sauce, the burger becomes a real highlight you absolutely shouldn't miss.
Rufus Pub Burger with BBQ Sauce
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need for the BBQ Burger:
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 bag frozen onion rings
- ¼ cup grated cheese
- 2 teaspoons spice blend (we recommend Rufus Teague Spicy Meat Rub)
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (we recommend Rufus Teague Whiskey Maple BBQ Sauce)
- 2 hamburger buns
Got all the ingredients? Fantastic, now we can proceed with the individual preparation steps for the BBQ Sauce Burger. Prepare the onion rings as indicated on the package (usually in a pan or in the oven). Meanwhile, from the ground beef, form two equally sized patties and sprinkle them with the spice blend. Then, grill both burger patties until they meet your personal taste. Split the hamburger buns in half and place the inside on the grill. If you'd like, you can spread a bit of butter on the inside of the buns. That makes the burger even more delicious!
When your patties, burger buns, and onion rings are ready, you can begin assembling the BBQ Burger. Take the bottom of the burger bun and place the seasoned patty on it. Sprinkle the patty with half of the grated cheese and add a few onion rings. Then drizzle some of your BBQ sauce (we recommend Rufus Teague Whiskey Maple BBQ Sauce) onto the burger and, finally, place the top hamburger bun on it – done! We wish you a good appetite.
Mega Western Bacon BBQ Burger
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 1
This burger truly packs a punch. Besides the ingredients you need for this gigantic burger, you should definitely come with a huge appetite – or bring along someone to help you tackle this behemoth.
For the Mega Western Bacon BBQ Burger, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 small onion
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 3 cups canola oil
- 500 g lean ground beef
- 8 strips of bacon
- 4-5 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 brioche bun
- 1 tablespoon spice blend (we recommend Rufus Teague Steak Rub)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (we recommend Rufus Teague Touch O Heat BBQ Sauce)
While preparing the gigantic BBQ burger involves several steps, the result will blow you away – promised!
Slice the onion into very thin slices and place them in a bowl. Then pour the buttermilk into the bowl. Let the onion slices soak for at least an hour. Meanwhile, prepare the bacon. Bake it for 20 minutes at about 200°C (390°F) in the oven. Alternatively, you can fry the bacon in a pan. While the bacon is in the oven, heat the canola oil to about 190°C (375°F). Take the soaked onion and coat it with flour. Tap it a few times to shake off the excess flour. Fry the coated onion slices in the hot oil for a few minutes, until they're golden brown. Then place the fried onion slices on a paper towel and blot off the excess oil.
Now, let's turn our attention to the colossal Western BBQ Burger. Shape 4-5 small burger patties from the ground beef and season both sides with the spice blend. Then, add some oil to a pan and fry the patties for about 3 minutes on each side. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each hot patty so that it can melt slightly.
Take the crispy bacon out of the oven and toast the brioche bun. When everything is ready, you can start assembling the BBQ burger.
Take the bottom of the brioche bun and stack the patties with the cheese, alternating with the delicious bacon slices. Place the fried onion slices on top and add some sweet and smoky BBQ sauce (we recommend Rufus Teague Touch O Heat BBQ Sauce). Finally, place the top part of the brioche bun on the burger. Enjoy!
American BBQ Sauce
The word Barbeque, as you know it, originally comes from the Mexican-Spanish word "barbacoa." Nowadays, we mostly associate BBQ with America. Cooking meat this way is widespread, especially in the Southern states of the USA, and it's also gaining popularity in Europe. Since a delicious meat dish, whether it's Spareribs, Pulled Pork, or burgers, becomes a true delight only with the right BBQ sauce, we're introducing our three BBQ sauces imported directly from the USA.
Rufus Teague: Sweet BBQ Sauce – Honey Sweet BBQ
We at American Heritage were truly on the hunt for a really good and sweet BBQ sauce. We are all the more pleased to have finally discovered the Sweet BBQ Sauce by Rufus Teague. The BBQ sauce is refined with honey and has a subtle smoky flavor. Besides brown sugar and molasses, many other good ingredients are included. The sauce is gluten-free and in our view, it's an absolute must for meat dishes like chicken, burgers, lamb, and Spareribs!
Rufus Teague: BBQ Sauce with Whiskey – Whiskey Maple BBQ Sauce
The Whiskey Maple BBQ Sauce by Rufus Teague, produced and bottled in Kansas City, is an absolute must-have for any BBQ enthusiast. Light whiskey flavor meets sweet maple syrup – the sauce is rounded off with a smoky BBQ note, making the Whiskey Maple BBQ Sauce a true highlight. By the way, according to legend, old Rufus used to bottle his BBQ sauces in whiskey bottles. That's why these sauces are still available in the handy glass flask bottle.
Rufus Teague Spicy BBQ Sauce – Touch O Heat BBQ Sauce
For those who like it a bit spicier while not wanting to give up the slightly sweet and smoky aroma of a BBQ sauce, we recommend the Touch O Heat BBQ Sauce by Rufus Teague. Made from the finest ingredients like brown sugar, molasses, various spices, and a dash of chili, this BBQ sauce brings a smile to anyone who tries it.
