There are many different schools of thought regarding when and how to best apply barbecue sauce to your meat when cooking. There are really a few key principles, however, that apply in most scenarios, and the rest of it really comes down to a matter of taste.
Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind when applying bbq sauce to your types of meat.
Table of Contents
When to Sauce
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It is important that you don’t jump the gun on applying bbq sauce to the raw meat. You want to make sure the meat is fairly well cooked prior to adding it. There are different philosophies on how much the meat should be cooked after the bbq sauce has been applied, but it is important regardless that you ensure the bbq sauce itself does not get burned in the process. Generally, bbq sauce is added towards the end, after the meat is fairly well cooked. Then, you can go on to cook it a bit longer with the bbq sauce applied. Remember that there are different types of sauces, and each type of sauce should be applied differently.
How Much Sauce to Add
One key factor that divides bbq aficionados is how much bbq sauce to add. Many of the pros suggest that the key thing is to show constraint. Oftentimes people want to slather the bbq sauce on the meat real thick and heavy. There is a degree of finesse, however, that should be applied when adding a layer of sauce. Too much and it is overdone. You want the original rich flavor of the meat and seasoning to come through. Often a single layer or two will do the job. You can always supply extra sauce for people to add on as they eat.
Avoid Overcooking
The rule of thumb is that when cooking chicken you want to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You will want to check to make sure all pieces are cooked. Once the chicken has cooked you can add the sauce as mentioned previously.
After adding the sauce, two minutes of cooking with reduced heat are enough. After the cooking process is finished you should cover it and let it sit for a minute.
With chicken, you are really not in danger of overcooking so much as you are of letting the chicken become too dry. You want the chicken to be moist and tender for the best bbq. Also, you can run the risk of overcooking and burning the bbq sauce, so make sure to keep an eye on it after applying the sauce.
Build Your BBQ Routine
Follow these steps and you will have your own customized method down for cooking bbq. Through trial and error, you can develop a rhythm that will have your bbq be the talk of the neighborhood. Just remember not to go crazy with the sauce, and to wait until after the meat has cooked to add it, as nothing ruins bbq chicken faster than burnt bbq sauce.
