BBQ For the 4th of July
Happy 4th of July to all! What’s more American than BBQ? Here is a look at some of the signature BBQ styles found across the US:
Memphis: Memphis BBQ is known for it heavy smoke, dry rubs, and sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Slow smoke is used to cook the meat over many hours to provide maximum flavor, and typically a wood fire is involved also. Pork is a common ingredient, and it is typically served either pulled or as a rack of ribs. Memphis BBQ sauce is thin and vinegar flavored.
North Carolina: pork is the most common type of meat used for Carolina style BBQ. The sauce is peppery and vinegar based. Whole pig roasts are common, especially in the eastern part of the state, or hand chopped pork shoulders. Boiled potatoes and corn bread are typically side dishes.
South Carolina: also pork heavy, South Carolina is actually home to four distinct varieties of BBQ sauce: vinegar and pepper, light tomato, heavy tomato, and mustard sauce. The mustard tradition origination with German immigrants who settled in the region.
Alabama: smoked pork is common in Alabama. The meat can be served either pulled, chopped, or sliced. BBQ sandwiches are common with coleslaw and dill pickles as condiments. Alabama is known for its white sauce: a distinct combination of mayonnaise and vinegar.
Florida: not surprisingly, Florida has taken to barbecuing fish, including smoked mullet. Smoked over oak, the mullet becomes tender and flaky. Although very popular in the 50s, smoked mullet is now hard to find due to a ban on the type of fishing that was used to catch mullet. But it can still be found in St Petersburg, where it is traditionally served with a side of coleslaw.
Texas: beef BBQ is king in Texas, home to many, many cattle ranches. Slow smoked brisket is traditional, and is thought to also be of German origin. Meat can be smoked from six to twelve hours. East Texas has its own distinct BBQ tradition, chopped on a bun with hot sauce. South Texas BBQ borrows from Mexican traditions.
Kansas City: perhaps the most famous of all BBQ destinations, Kansas City is home to an amazing amount of BBQ restaurants. Kansas City BBQ employs a variety of meats, from chicken to sausage. Burnt ends – tender pieces of fatty smoked brisket smothered in sauce – are a Kansas City tradition.