Tennessee Red BBQ Sauce

Tennessee red BBR sauce is a tangy, flavorful barbecue condiment. It goes well with any type of meat you grill or roast. It is a great option for those who try to avoid excessive heat in their dishes. 

Making this sauce at home won’t make you break a sweat. Most of the ingredients are already in your kitchen. Just learn how to do it, and you’re ready for it. 

So, let’s tell you how to make this Tennessee red sauce from my own experience. 

What Is Tennessee Red BBQ Sauce?

It is a vinegar-based sauce popular in Tennessee and the surrounding regions. Barbecue sauces found in other parts of the U.S. usually have a sweeter, tomato base. This sauce, on the other hand, has a more tangy and slightly spicy flavor. It’s typically made with a base of vinegar, ketchup, and mustard. Plus, it has a touch of heat from cayenne pepper or hot sauce. The unique flavor profile makes it ideal to accompany every smoked or grilled meat. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own Tennessee Red BBQ sauce:

• Apple Cider Vinegar- 1 Cup

Provides the tanginess that makes the sauce stand out. It’s the key ingredient that gives the signature sharp flavor. 

• Ketchup- ½ cup

Adds a touch of sweetness and provides some body to the sauce. It helps balance the acidity of the vinegar. 

• Yellow Mustard- 2 Tablespoons

Adds a layer of flavor with its tanginess and slight bitterness. It complements the vinegar and ketchup, making the sauce well-rounded. 

• Brown Sugar- 2 Tablespoons

Brings subtle sweetness into the mix. It helps balance the tang and spiciness of the sauce. 

• Worcestershire Sauce- 1 Tablespoon

Adds umami depth and complexity. Brings savory and slightly tangy notes to the sauce. 

• Hot Sauce- 1 Tablespoon (Optional)

Gives the BBQ sauce its spicy kick. Adjust the quantity depending on your tolerance level. 

• Cayenne Pepper- ½ teaspoon

Adds heat and a smoky note to the overall taste. If you want a lighter version reduce the quantity or simply avoid this item. 

• Garlic Powder- ½ teaspoon

Adds a savory depth and richness to the sauce. 

• Onion Powder- ½ teaspoon

Rounds out the flavor and adds a little sweetness and earthiness. 

• Salt- To taste

Enhances all the flavors in the sauce. Essential for balancing the tang and the heat. 

• Black Pepper- To taste

Adds a little heat and sharpness to the sauce. 

How to Make Tennessee Red BBQ Sauce (5 Easy Steps)

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.

Tip: Make sure to use a good-quality apple cider vinegar. This will be the dominant flavor in the sauce. 

Step 2: Add the Sweetness and Seasonings

Add the brown sugar,  Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to dissolve all the sugar and incorporate all the seasonings. 

Tip: Adjust the sugar depending on how sweet or tangy you want your sauce to be. Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you want it spicier. 

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the base. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken. 

Tip: Add a splash of water or vinegar if the sauce gets too thick. 

Step 4: Taste and Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the sauce after simmering. Adjust the flavor with the seasoning to your preference. If you want it sweeter, add more brown sugar. For extra tang, add more vinegar. If you prefer more heat, add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper. 

Tip: If you want the sauce to be smoother, strain it to remove any small bits of spice or garlic. 

Step 5: Cool and Store

Remove the sauce from the heat once you reach the desired consistency. Let it cool to room temperature and transfer to a jar or an airtight container. Store the sauce in the fridge for up to two weeks. 

Tip: The more you let the sauce rest, the more the flavor will develop. Better to store it overnight and serve the next day. 

Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve prepared the sauce, here are some delicious ways you can serve: 

On Ribs

Brush it on baby back or spare ribs during the last few minutes of cooking. It gives a tangy, sticky glaze that complements the smoky heat.

With Beef Sandwiches

Toss the grilled beef into the sauce. Serve it on a soft bun with coleslaw. Enjoy a classic BBQ sandwich. 

As a Dipping Sauce

Serve Tennessee Red BBQ sauce as a dip. Goes well with smoked or grilled meat like brisket, pork, or chicken wings. 

With Grilled Vegetables

This sauce is not limited to meat. It goes great with grilled veggies, too. Corn on the cob, zucchini, and bell peppers are at the top of the list. 

In a BBQ Salad

Drizzle it over a BBQ chicken salad with mixed greens, grilled corn, and avocado. It brings a fresh twist on a classic BBQ meal.

Conclusion 

So there you have it. We have shared the complete recipe and the process step by step. Now it’s time to grab the ingredients and start making. Once you’ve prepared it, you will realize how vibrant the flavors are compared to the store-bought ones. And once you master it, you will never buy from stores. So, fire up the grill and whip up this sauce within minutes. Enjoy a truly authentic Tennessee-style BBQ meal.

FAQs

What Makes Tennessee Red BBQ Sauce Different From Other BBQ Styles?

Tennessee Red BBQ sauce is tangy, vinegar-based, with a balance of sweetness and heat. It’s more acidic and less sweet than tomato-based BBQ sauces. So it offers a unique flavor profile. 

How to Use Tennessee Red BBQ Sauce for Ribs, Pork, or Brisket?

Use it as a glaze for ribs during the last few minutes of cooking. Also, toss pulled pork in it for sandwiches. Serve it on the side for brisket and chicken. 

Is Tennessee Red BBQ Sauce Spicy, Sweet, or Tangy?

Tennessee Red BBQ sauce is tangy with a hint of sweetness and mild heat. It’s the perfect balance of flavors to complement smoky meats.