When it’s time for Fourth of July celebrations, grilling and barbecue become the highlights of the day. And what better way to elevate your meat course than with the perfect Oklahoma BBQ sauce? Oklahoma is renowned for its wide variety of delicious and abundant sauces. Whether you’re a fan of hot or sweet flavors, or prefer a combination of both, there’s a sauce out there that is sure to take your meal to the next level.
A Journey through Oklahoma’s BBQ Sauces
Oklahoma’s BBQ sauces come in all flavors and essences imaginable. It seems that they all start with ketchup, just like the numerous varieties of ketchup available. In fact, there are so many barbecue sauces made in Oklahoma that you’ll be spoiled for choice. I’ve personally discovered six bottles of Oklahoma barbecue sauce in my own cabinet, and my son-in-law even gave me several bottles from across the Red River.
The Joy of Cooking with Oklahoma BBQ Sauces
As someone who enjoys good food, but doesn’t consider myself a master of the pit or grill, I find great pleasure in being friends with those who are. My earliest memories of cooking meat outside are of my dad constructing a half pit and half grill in our backyard. We would venture into the woods to cut hickory, which added a smoky flavor to our meals. While the adults had steaks, the younger ones savored hot dogs. We even raised our own beef and chickens. My mother made her own tomato-patch thin barbecue sauce, which was perfect for mopping onto the meat. It was loaded with sweet onions that melted in your mouth. Unlike the thick sauces we find today, her sauce had a unique and delicate flavor.
Choosing the Perfect Sauce
When it comes to choosing a barbecue sauce, it’s important to read the label. Most sauces begin with ketchup, which can contain a variety of ingredients. Worcestershire sauce, often added to barbecue sauces, can even contain anchovies. Who would have thought those little critters would contribute to the common layers of flavor found in barbecue sauce?
Unearthing the Hidden Gems
Head Country has been producing barbecue sauce since 1947, establishing itself as a true authority in the field. While my personal favorite is the hickory variety, they also offer reliable regular and hot sauces. If you find yourself in Ponca City and craving barbecue, make sure to visit Head Country. Their sauces are widely available in groceries across the state, and their website is a wealth of barbecue information.
Some Oklahoma sauces are highlighted with the addition of fruits. Peach Crest Farm’s Peach Glaze and Livesay’s Porter Peach BBQ Sauce incorporate delicious Oklahoma peaches into their recipes. Three Guys Smokin’ from Tulsa bottle up their championship sauces with the flavors of blueberries and raspberries. Check out their selection and more at smokinfoods.com, where you can also find barbecue recipes and information.
A Delectable Selection for Every Palate
Oklahoma boasts a wide range of barbecue sauces that cater to different tastes and preferences. Split-T Hickory Sauce and Van’s Pig Stand sauces are local favorites. Iron Star Barbecue has its own exceptional sauce. If you’re looking for something unique, try the Pigcicle Barbecue Sauce, available on the Farm to Fork Market Bus. Sandy’s Sauce and Sweet Spirit Barbeque Sauce, available in both mild and medium heat options, are also worth a try. Pepper Creek Farms offers Chipotle Fire and Hickory Maple sauces that will add a delightful twist to your grilled dishes.
Support Local Sauce Artisans
Trader Dave’s Cracked Pepper BBQ Sauce, made by David Inselman in Ponca City, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Edmond police detective Tom Evans created Eagle Rub, which comes in mild and hot versions. Okie Bob’s Big Red Barbeque Sauce, made by Bob Henderson in Cleveland, OK, is available in mild, medium, and hot varieties. You can find a wide selection of these sauces at Gourmet Gallery in Edmond and Oklahoma City, as well as the Red Dirt Emporium.
The Quest for the Ultimate Sauce
As someone who appreciates the art of barbecue, my favorite sauce is always the one I am enjoying in the moment. Perhaps one day, after tasting them all, I will have a specific favorite. I must admit, though, that I have a soft spot for those fruity flavors. Whenever I find myself in Guymon, I make sure to swing by Honey’s to pick up some of their wonderful sauce to bring home. I hope that an Oklahoma barbecue sauce is adding its sweet and spicy homemade flavor to your Fourth of July celebration. Happy birthday, America!
To explore more barbecue options and learn about the flavors that make Oklahoma sauces truly special, visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill.