US 31 BBQ Sauce Recipe
The US 31 BBQ Sauce Recipe is best known for its unique balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, combining a traditional barbecue sauce with finely chopped vegetables. Its main specialty lies in the generous use of cabbage, sweet pickle relish, mustard, and vinegar, which gives it a signature slaw style texture rather than a smooth sauce. This regional American recipe is especially popular as a pulled pork topping, where it adds crunch, brightness, and acidity that cuts through rich meats.
Equipment
- Large heavy bottom pot or stockpot
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2,270 g finely shredded cabbage
- 115 g chopped pimentos small jar, drained
- 240 g ketchup
- 70 g sugar
- 2 g chili powder
- 450 g chopped onions
- 1 g garlic powder
- 3 g salt and black pepper
- 120 g water
- 950 g sweet pickle relish
- 240 g prepared yellow mustard
- 240 g white vinegar
- 15 g Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Make The Sauce Base
- Set a large pot over medium heat. Add the ketchup, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, water, mustard, and vinegar. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Add The Vegetables
- Mix in the sweet pickle relish, shredded cabbage, chopped onions, and pimentos. Stir until the vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 3: Let It Simmer
- Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir now and then, allowing the cabbage to soften and the flavours to come together.
Step 4: Finish And Serve
- Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve warm or cold as a barbecue sauce or slaw style topping for pulled pork, BBQ sandwiches, grilled chicken, or ribs.