What Is A Cookout Sauce & What Does It Taste Like?

Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Shari Mason

A popular addition to many American barbecue menus is the cookout sauce, known for its sweet and tangy taste. This sauce is often used for dipping chicken, pork, or beef and is a favorite among many.

But, really, what is a cookout sauce?

We will explore cookout sauce’s history, ingredients, uses, and why it has become such a beloved condiment for barbeque enthusiasts.

What Is Cookout Sauce & Where Did It Come From?

Cookout sauce is a condiment that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a tangy and sweet sauce often used as a dip for grilled meats, especially in the southern United States. 

The sauce originates in the southern states, where it has been a staple for generations. It is believed that cookout sauce was initially created by combining commonly available ingredients, such as ketchup [1], mustard, and vinegar. 

Over time, cooks began to add additional ingredients to customize the sauce to their liking, resulting in a wide variety of regional and personal variations of the sauce. 

Today, cookout sauce is widely available in supermarkets and is enjoyed by barbeque enthusiasts worldwide.

Read: What Does It Mean When A Sauce Breaks?

What Are The Ingredients?

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

How Is Cookout Sauce Made?

1. Combine the ketchup, mustard, and apple cider vinegar [2] in a mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined.
2. Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for acidity, or more spices for additional flavor.
4. Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
5. Serve the cookout sauce as a dip for grilled meats, as a marinade or a basting sauce, or as a condiment for fries or onion rings.

What Are The Different Uses Of Cookout Sauce?

1. Dipping sauce: Cookout sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef. It provides a tangy and sweet flavor that pairs well with the smoky flavor of grilled meat.
2. Marinade: Cookout sauce can also be used as a marinade for meats before grilling. Coat the meat in the sauce and let it marinate for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. The sauce will infuse the meat with flavor and help to tenderize it.
3. Basting sauce: Cookout sauce can also be used as a basting sauce for grilled meats. Brush the sauce onto the meat during the last few minutes of cooking to add flavor and create a sticky, caramelized glaze.
4. Topping: Some people use cookout sauce as a topping for burgers or hot dogs. It adds a tangy and sweet flavor that complements the savory flavor of the meat.
5. Condiment: Cookout sauce can also be used for fries or onion rings. Its sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with the salty flavor of fried foods.

Where Can You Find Cookout Sauce?

Cookout sauce is a popular condiment widely available in many grocery and specialty food stores. It can usually be found in the condiment aisle and other barbecue sauces and marinades. 

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Many supermarkets also carry their store brand of cookout sauce. If you need help finding cookout sauce in your local grocery store, it can be easily purchased online from retailers like Amazon or the manufacturer’s website. 

Many recipes are available online for making homemade cookout sauce if you prefer to customize the flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Cookout sauce is a delicious condiment that has become a staple for barbeque enthusiasts, particularly in the southern United States. 

The exact recipe for cookout sauce can vary depending on personal preference and regional differences, but common ingredients include ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and spices. 

Cookout sauce is widely available in supermarkets and specialty food stores and can be easily made at home. 

With its unique flavor profile and versatility, cookout sauce is an excellent addition to any barbeque menu.

References:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/232397/homemade-ketchup/
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar