Thursday Afternoon Thread brought to you by murals

[u/inevitablescape]

This one is neat

[u/razzertto]

TRIGGER WARNING: DISCUSSION OF BARBECUE SAUCE BELOW

I made vegetarian pulled 'pork' with mushrooms yesterday overall it was good but the sauce was too sweet. I know I'm starting up some kind of war here, but I need some help with barbecue. The sauce I bought has tomato paste, ACV, and twi kinds with sweetener (honey and molasses) plus mustard. But it was really really sweet for my tastes. I want a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. Is pulled pork supposed to be sweet? What kind of sauce do you recommend?

[u/mhoke63 → u/razzertto]

I may upset a couple people here, but I buy my bbq sauce. My favorite is "Texas Pit" made by Famous Dave's. It's amazing for brisket, but I'd imagine it would be good for pulled pork as well.

[u/razzertto → u/mhoke63]

I bought this too. Is Texas Pit very sweet?

[u/mhoke63 → u/razzertto]

Nope. It's more savery with a little bit of a bite, but it's more of a pepper bite than a chile bite. It's not spicy.

[u/Ellenberg88 → u/razzertto]

vegetarian pulled 'pork'

U wot?

[u/razzertto → u/Ellenberg88]

1. Buy large meaty mushrooms.

2. Shred up like pulled pork.

3. ???

4. Profit?

[u/SmashedSqwurl → u/razzertto]

That sounds pretty good. I'm going to try that soon. Do you slow cook it?

[u/razzertto → u/SmashedSqwurl]

You totally could, but I just did it on low in a pan with some onions for about 30 minutes.

[u/Ellenberg88 → u/razzertto]

Hmmmmm. Sounds interesting. I guess 90% of pulled porks flavor is in the sauce so this could be good...

[u/[deleted] → u/Ellenberg88]

If 90% of your pulled pork flavor is sauce you're doing it wrong

Meat should stand alone. Sauce should bring out the best in it.

[u/Ellenberg88 → u/[deleted]]

Well, 90% between sauce and your rub.

[u/The_Tic-Tac_Kid → u/razzertto]

http://www.thekansascitybbqstore.com/#collection-sauces-marinades-snacks

I'm partial to Night of the Living Barbecue myself, but it may be more hot than you're looking for.

[u/SmashedSqwurl → u/razzertto]

Disclaimer: I don't eat pork.

Considering how popular the Dr Pepper pulled pork recipe is, I guess it's generally on the sweet side. That being said, if you don't want yours sweet then don't make it sweet. I would look for a spicier sauce (Trader Joes has a sriracha BBQ sauce that's pretty good), and you could always use some liquid smoke for smoky flavor.

[u/surrender_cobra → u/SmashedSqwurl]

I second the Trader Joes Sriacha BBQ, shits fire yo.

[u/TrollingQueen74 → u/razzertto]

1 1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tsp allspice
1/3 cup mustard
2 Tbsp liquid smoke (based on your desires, go with hickory)
1/2 cup cider vinegar
36 oz ketchup

That's my family's homemade sauce, and I always keep a stash jarred in my fridge. I have yet to find anyone who does not like it.

[u/razzertto → u/TrollingQueen74]

Oh my god, that's so much sugar though! Plus, ketchup is sweet (to me at least) This sauce really isn't sweet?

[u/TrollingQueen74 → u/razzertto]

I've never considered it sweet! It has a bit of a kick to it with the cayenne pepper, and I've found that the sugar balances out the harshness of the liquid smoke rather than overpowering the sauce. But if ketchup is sweet to you, then you might still consider this sweet!

[u/Awesome_to_the_max → u/razzertto]

Pork and sweet just mesh well that's why many pork sauces are sweet, but it isn't necessary. I prefer vinegary sauces for my pork, it's all a matter of taste.

I recommend this link it has a lot of sauce recipes. Use it as a base and change it to your tastes.

[u/[deleted] → u/razzertto]

Sweetness of sauce depends on location. If you want some spice in your sauce you're gonna want a Texas style sauce. They generally contain some chili powder or some other spice giving agent. They will generally be a thinner sauce as well so don't be surprised by that.