Alabama White Sauce—oh, what a marvel it truly is! Imagine a creamy, tangy concoction that dances on your taste buds like a summer afternoon in the Deep South, where the humidity hugs you like an old friend.
This sauce, my friends, is an enigmatic masterpiece, like discovering a new song that you can’t stop humming. It’s not just another condiment; it’s a revelation.
I first encountered this saucy wonder at a backyard barbecue last July—right after another scorching heatwave was declared over, remember? The way it embraced the smoky flavor of grilled chicken was like a love story you never want to end.
I promise you, once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without its zesty, peppery kick. Let’s get into this recipe that might just change your culinary life forever.
Steps
- Gather all the ingredients, including mayonnaise, distilled white vinegar, black pepper, kosher salt, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of mayonnaise with 3/4 cup of distilled white vinegar.
- Add 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar to the bowl.
- Squeeze in 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, then add 1/2 teaspoon each of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
- Whisk all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- If not using immediately, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to meld for at least two hours or overnight for best results.
- Enjoy the Alabama white sauce drizzled over smoked meats, as a dip for veggies, or spread on sandwiches and burgers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise (Duke’s is recommended)
- 3/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (from one small lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
FAQ
- What are the primary ingredients in Alabama white sauce?
- The main components of Alabama white sauce include mayonnaise and vinegar. Additional common ingredients are black pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, among others.
- How can you use Alabama white sauce?
- Traditionally, Alabama white sauce is poured over smoked chicken, but it is versatile enough to be used with grilled or barbecued meats, wings, vegetables, pizza, burgers, and much more.
- Is the taste of Alabama white sauce similar to ranch dressing?
- Alabama white sauce has a tangy flavor profile with noticeable vinegar and black pepper notes, whereas ranch dressing is more herbaceous and slightly sweeter.
- Can Alabama white sauce be prepared in advance?
- Yes, it’s actually recommended to make it ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Where did Alabama white sauce originate?
- This unique sauce was first created at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama, around 1925. It was originally used to keep smoked chicken moist and flavorful.
Tips
- For the best flavor, prepare Alabama white sauce ahead of time and let it chill for at least two hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Experiment with different spices to enhance the sauce’s flavor. Try adding garlic or onion powder, or a sprinkle of traditional barbecue spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder.
- Substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a slightly tangier and healthier version of the sauce.
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, don’t be shy with the hot sauce or consider incorporating prepared horseradish or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Equipment
- Whisk – Essential for mixing the ingredients smoothly.
- Medium Bowl – Needed to combine and mix the ingredients. If you don’t have a suitable mixing bowl, you might want to get one.
- Airtight Container – Useful for storing the sauce in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to two weeks.
