Got plans for the fourth of July? One thing we all know about this day is that it’s an opportunity to celebrate. What better way to do that than by having a summer barbecue and inviting friends and family around to enjoy it?
Meaty dishes are what make barbecue meals so satisfying. Just think of sausages, spare ribs, steaks, chicken wings, buffalo ribs, kebabs, and all things meatilicious sizzling on that grill on a hot summer’s day. Everyone’s got a cold, refreshing drink in their hand as they relax, talk, and enjoy one meaty dish after the other. There is, however, something missing.
The one thing you need to make the party complete is a variety of delicious sauces. Sure, you’ve got some tomato ketchup in the house and maybe a dressing or two in the fridge, but who hasn’t? If you want to make a barbecue that truly stands out, what you need is a sauce or two that will dazzle taste buds with a unique set of flavors. Ready to find out what exactly?
Classic BBQ Sauces
Let’s begin with the classics. Now, these may not be the most original, but when it comes to barbecues, what you really want to impress guests is a mix of the familiar and the unique. So, let’s begin with the familiar ones.
Traditional BBQ Sauce
Everybody loves it, and it’s obvious why. BBQ sauce is simply delicious. It’s a sauce that has withstood the test of time, and something about its sweet and smoky flavor pairs so beautifully with everything hot and meaty coming straight off the grill.
There are three things that pair undeniably well with BBQ sauce: Pork, beef, and chicken. You can, however, use BBQ sauce as a dip for some fries. Just make sure you have enough of this sauce ready for your 4th of July BBQ, as everyone will be expecting it.
If you want to use a BBQ sauce with a distinct tang and delicious twist, try a Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce. The Mexican-inspired flavors in this barbecue sauce variety will add a little spice to your dish as well as some Latin flair.
Spanish Sauces
Wait a minute, Spanish sauces at a 4th of July BBQ? Yes, you did read that right. Now we’re going to delve into delicious sauces from the sun-drenched Mediterranean country, which is renowned for its incredible tapas dishes. What sauces can Spain bring to the party?
Salsa Sevillana
Not only is this an incredibly unique sauce to have at a BBQ in the States, but even in Spain, it would be considered original. That’s because it comes from a very distinct part of the country, the city of Seville. So, what does it taste like?
Salsa sevillana is a creamy and garlicky sauce made from lemon, wine, garlic, and potato, among other ingredients. As the people of Seville can attest, this sauce pairs deliciously well with pork dishes. So, spread it over pork chops and all things pork then indulge in its deliciousness.
For an authentic Spanish dish at your gathering, prepare this Mantecadito of pork loin Sevilla style. In the south of Spain, it’s known as ‘Solomillo al Whisky’, as the salsa sevillana there contains a splash of whisky. Ours doesn’t, but feel free to add your own splash if that floats your boat.
Salsa Chimichurri
This concoction of lemon, honey, chili, garlic, and red bell pepper is usually used on roasted meat, but whichever way the meat is cooked, the tastiness of the sauce remains. One thing to bear in mind is that this sauce is not the thick and creamy kind but rather thin and light, being mainly liquid.
That means, while you may like to drizzle some over your meat, you may also want to consider using it as a marinade. You can also use it as a tangy salad dressing if you’re thinking about preparing some salad for guests at your barbecue.
If you’re planning on cooking some ribs at your party, make this Pork ribs with salsa chimichurri recipe and see how much your guests love it. Few can say they’ve enjoyed ribs like this before.
Salsa Verde
This delicious green sauce made from parsley and garlic pairs beautifully with chicken dishes. So if you’re preparing some wings, be sure to give them a generous green drizzle of this sauce for a flavor enhancer.
Often, when it comes to barbecues, we’re so busy thinking about meat that we forget about other delicious and creative options. Take, for instance, this Grilled mushrooms and bacon salsa verde recipe. Sure, it has bacon, but grilled mushrooms are an often overlooked delight, and with salsa verde, they’re even better.
What else can you serve at your gathering? Come and check out our recipes.
