As a native Texan, I’ve always loved to eat BBQ ribs, chicken, sausage, etc. So while attending graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin, I explored various BBQ joints in search of the all-time best place for BBQ. Most people raved about the famous Salt Lick. However, after having ordered a large sampler plate of all their “best” fixins’, my friend and I were quite disappointed with the food and never returned. Then I discovered Rudy’s …
Seriously though, eating at Rudy’s was an eye-opening experience for me. That place was so good that I had my order memorized (1/2 lb extra moist brisket, 1/2 a hottie (aka jalapeño sausage), potato salad, large Coke (the Coke seemed stronger there FSR), and extra, soft, white bread). Rudy’s was so good that after my then-husband/friend discovered the place, he ate there almost every single day and requested to go there for his birthday as a “special dinner” even though we had just been there the day before! haha
Now that I no longer live in a city with a Rudy’s establishment (they are primarily located in Texas and Oklahoma now), I have been going through BBQ withdrawals. My first withdrawal prompted my search for a copycat recipe for Rudy’s peppery BBQ “Sause” (with an “s”, thank you very much!). Their “sause” is peppery with a hint of sweetness and tang; it is perfection IMHO.
I found a good recipe on Beth’s Favorite Recipes, but the “sause” tasted a bit too sweet and not peppery enough compared to that of Rudy’s BBQ. So, I adjusted the recipe to match it more with the original taste. Although the “sause” is pretty darn close to how the real stuff tastes, I still miss the brisket, ribs, chicken, turkey, potato salad, bread, paper plates (literally paper!), benches, water bags (to ward off insects), strong Coca-Cola, reusable cups (I used to have more than 20 of them!), quirky signs, automatic hand-washer, and the overall ambiance.
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My mother’s lovely hand demonstrates how thick the yummy “sause” is! |
Even if you’ve never known the wonders of Rudy’s BBQ, I suggest you give this “sause” recipe a try. All of my friends and coworkers love it and have asked for the recipe on more than one occasion. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more cayenne and/or pepper. Just try out the recipe as is the first go round and then make adjustments. ENJOY Y’ALL!
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The recipe yielded all of the sauce you see in this black bowl (about 2+ cups). |
Copy cat Recipe: Rudy’s BBQ “Sause”
Yield: 2+ cups
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup (236 ml) ketchup
1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
2 1/2 tbsp white vinegar
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
juice of 1/2-1 lemon
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
2-3 tsp coarse, black pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Simmer until slightly reduced (about 10-15 minutes). Serve hot or allow to cool.