Alabama white sauce
When people think of Alabama barbecue, they often conjure up images of hickory-smoked pork butts slathered in sticky, sweet red sauce. But there’s another barbecue tradition in the southern part of the state that’s just as delicious and unique: white sauce.
White sauce is a creamy, tangy, mayonnaise-based sauce that’s often used as a dip for smoked chicken or as a dressing for coleslaw. It’s believed to have originated in Decatur, Alabama, where a local barbecue joint called Big Bob Gibson’s first started serving it in the 1920s.
According to legend, Big Bob Gibson’s founder, Bob Gibson, was experimenting in his restaurant kitchen when he came up with the idea for white sauce. He was looking for a way to keep smoked chicken moist and flavorful, and he thought that a mayonnaise-based sauce would do the trick.
Gibson’s white sauce quickly became a hit among his customers, and it soon spread to other barbecue joints in the area. Today, white sauce is a staple of barbecue in southern Alabama, and it’s gaining popularity across the country.
Southern Alabama white sauce is made by whisking together mayonnaise, cider vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. The exact proportions of each ingredient can vary from recipe to recipe, but the basic formula is always the same.
The result is a tangy, creamy sauce that’s perfect for dipping smoked chicken, pork, or turkey. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables or as a dressing for coleslaw.
One of the great things about white sauce is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can use it as a marinade for meats before smoking them, or you can baste them with it while they’re on the grill. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings, or as a salad dressing.
If you’ve never tried white sauce before, you’re in for a treat. It’s a unique and delicious taste that’s unlike any other barbecue sauce out there. And once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why it’s become a Southern barbecue classic.
So if you’re looking for a new twist on your barbecue routine, try making a batch of Southern Alabama white sauce. It’s easy to make, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and horseradish until well combined.
- Add the sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring until everything is well mixed.
- Cover your sauce and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving, to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Use the white sauce as a dip or as a marinade for grilled chicken, pork, or seafood. Enjoy!