Texas BBQ Mop Sauce Recipe
Texas BBQ Mop Sauce Recipe is a thin, tangy vinegar based basting sauce used during smoking to keep meat moist and enhance bold peppery barbecue flavor. I made this sauce because I grew up around backyard smokers and learned early how vinegar based mops keep meat juicy and bold. I remember watching pit masters on television and at local cookouts brushing sauce over brisket.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Heat resistant spatula
Ingredients
- 360 ml apple cider vinegar
- 120 ml water
- 15 ml vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 30 ml Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Combine The Liquids
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the apple cider vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, and vegetable oil. Whisk until everything is well blended.
Step 2: Add The Seasonings
- Sprinkle in the black pepper, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce looks smooth.
Step 3: Simmer The Sauce
- Bring the mixture to a light simmer, then lower the heat. Let it cook gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring now and then, so the flavours come together.
Step 4: Cool And Use
- Take the saucepan off the heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. Use it warm as a mop sauce while smoking meat, or let it cool completely and store it in the refrigerator.