to sauce or not to sauce?

[chefbo]

I was wondering about how much sauce is used at competition level. I am thinking only to moisten or to glaze. We are not judged on the sauce are we? Is the meat what is supposed to be whats happenin. I've been to a small event and it seemed the judges are used to sauced to death bbq, not the real thing. Any thoughts?

 

[Jacked UP BBQ]

I am a firm believer in saying it is a sauce contest. People don't like shrimp in shrimp cocktail, they like cocktail sauce, is chicken parm really about the chicken? Nope, you see where I am going with this.

 

[goodsmokebbq]

sauce

 

[Lake Dogs]

To sauce, or not to sauce, that is the question.

A few years back in the South East, judging MIM (now MBN), we rarely saw sauce.
More often that not (then), when we did, the sauce didn't compliment the meat,
often was overpowering, and generally brought the score down (not always, but
most times).

This past year I noticed a profound change (again, in MBN) and most everything
had some amount of sauce on it.

The sauce you choose should compliment the meat (no matter what sanctioning
body you're entering). If it overpowers the meat, or masks the meat flavor, you're
likely to get scored down. KCBS mentions puddling of sauce that's not allowed. So,
you surely can over-sauce, even if it lets the meat flavor shine through.

I suggest looking at the pics presented now & again around here. The one I liked
the best was plowboys about a year ago; an absolutely beautiful pork entry, with
the money muscle up top, sliced, and what I'd call a medium amount of sauce on
the outside (not drenched, but not extremely light either). He then had a nice
mixture of pulled pork pieces arranged with some bark, then drissled <spelling> some
sauce over the top. Again, wasn't drenched, wasn't on every piece, but there was
sauce poured sparingly over the top.

 

[Podge]

I am a firm believer in saying it is a sauce contest. People don't like shrimp in shrimp cocktail, they like cocktail sauce, is chicken parm really about the chicken? Nope, you see where I am going with this.

"Fully agree.".. I retract that statement, once I thought more about it.. Even though I do not eat BBQ anymore, i'd rather have a good piece of brisket with no sauce than a piece of plain chicken, or a shrimp with nothing on it. But I still think it's a sauce and presentation contest.

 

[Mustang Sally]

We keep convincing ourselves it is a meat contest...that's why we need numerous adult beverages!

 

[Ford]

I am a firm believer in saying it is a sauce contest. People don't like shrimp in shrimp cocktail, they like cocktail sauce, is chicken parm really about the chicken? Nope, you see where I am going with this.

I agree however not too much sauce, more of a glaze cooked on. I've had pork comments on pulled and chunks about too much sauce when it's just a light coating.

The sauce you choose should compliment the meat (no matter what sanctioning body you're entering). If it overpowers the meat, or masks the meat flavor, you're likely to get scored down. KCBS mentions puddling of sauce that's not allowed. So, you surely can over-sauce, even if it lets the meat flavor shine through.

Bingo. Rub and sauce also need to compliment each other. So many people used a strong flavored sauce like Blues Hog but their rub in no way pairs with the sauce so you have a conflict not marriage of flavors.

 

[ique]

I am a firm believer in saying it is a sauce contest.

This implies that how you cook the meat doesnt really matter that much, which is completely wrong imo.

 

[Jacked UP BBQ]

This implies that how you cook the meat doesnt really matter that much, which is completely wrong imo.

OK. it is a sauce contest on perfectly cooked meat.

 

[Alexa RnQ]

Like all things BBQ, your area's preferences heavily impact what you will do. Some places readily accept naked meat. Some places don't want to see it.

When used, the above caveats apply -- the sauce has to be a harmonious addition to the flavor profile, not clashing or predominant. No matter where you are, you can't rescue badly cooked meat with sauce, but you can surely kill good meat by putting the wrong sauce on it.

 

[barbefunkoramaque]

Up there yes.

 

[Lake Dogs]

I agree with I-Que, the meat's gotta be *there* regardless of sauce. However,
I do think that some amount of sauce is expected. Counter, great meat with
mediocre or uncomplimentary sauce is better off sans sauce (IMHO). Recounter,
average meat can surely be enhanced with a fabulous sauce.

Sauce is very subjective, and can be very regional too. However, just because
you're in the NC or SC area, dont assume they like the regional mustard sauce...

 

[FatBoyz]

sause is king... and all you need to knw is what 2 you need to mix to win... and you must cook it close to ok....lol

 

[bigabyte]

OK. it is a sauce contest on perfectly cooked meat.

Thanks for the chuckle. I don't know why, but this gave me a pretty good laugh. Probably just me.

 

[Smoke'n Ice]

Several times I have over cooked or otherwise messed up the meat. Used a copious amount of sauce and actually placed quite well (GC in two contest). I would love to have the same sucess when I do it right?
What have I learned?
1. Being a purist might not be the best idea at contest.
2. Use more sauce.

Will I? I don't know, the purist in me rebels

 

[barbefunkoramaque]

what the hell is a guy from plano using sauce for?

 

[SaucyWench]

<<<I do like some sauce, but just not so much that it is all I taste. And while I'm sure I'll step on many toes, please, don't just slather everything with Blues Hog! Too sweet, too gooey, and too easy to identify, even by the looks of it.

 

[DCFIREMANN]

OK. it is a sauce contest on perfectly cooked meat.

Exactally. A little sauce or glaze goes a long way!

Be Safe

THE DAWG