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What is Mop Sauce?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

While mop sauce is sometimes confused with barbecue sauce, there is an important difference. Mop sauces are thin sauces that are applied to meat as it is being grilled on a barbecue or broiled in an oven. While containing a lot of flavor, it is thin enough to leave a thin layer on the surface of the meat that is able to soak in as the meat continues to cook. It is usually applied with the use of a hand held mop brush. It is not unusual for the sauce to be utilized to keep the meat tender and flavorful during the cooking process, and a thicker sauce added to the meat just before serving.

Sometimes referred to as a basting sauce, a mop sauce often begins with the use of some type of stock, such as beef or chicken stock. Small amounts of soy or Worcestershire sauce are added to the stock, along with white vinegar and various spices. Most recipes call for the use of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a small amount of dry mustard.

Most mop sauce recipes include garlic powder.
Most mop sauce recipes include garlic powder.

Often, the choice of stock and other ingredients is based on the type of meat being prepared. Barbeque mop sauce is often used for ribs and pork, while brisket sauce will be formulated to compliment the preparation of a beef brisket. Chicken mop sauce may be the right option for use when grilling or broiling boneless breasts. However, it is not unusual for people to prepare a basic BBQ sauce that can be used for anything from ribs to pork and chicken.

White vinegar is used in mop sauce.
White vinegar is used in mop sauce.

Mop sauce may also serve as the basis for a thicker sauce served at the table called sopping sauce. Essentially, enough sauce is prepared to baste the meat and serve as the base for the thicker sopping sauce. After setting aside enough to prepare the meat, the remaining is infused with granulated sugar and a thickener, such as ketchup. This allows the sopping sauce to retain the basic flavor of the mop sauce, but is ideal for cutting and dipping a small portion of the prepared meat during the meal.

Mop sauce is sometimes confused with barbeque sauce, although the two do have their differences.
Mop sauce is sometimes confused with barbeque sauce, although the two do have their differences.

While it is possible to buy commercial brands of mop sauce, the process of making the sauce from scratch takes very little time. An added benefit is that the flavor of homemade sauce can be enhanced using any combination of spices that are desired. It is also easier to control the thickness when it is prepared using ingredients found in most kitchens.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Ivan83
My dad has his own recipe for smoked brisket mop sauce. It is beer based and it contains a ton of spices like chili powder, cumin, brown sugar and cayenne pepper. It is a pretty nuclear brew but it adds just the right hint of sweetness and heat to the crust of the meat. When it mixes with the brisket fat the flavor is incredible.
gravois

Does anyone have a recipe for a good mop sauce for pork ribs? The grilling season is just getting started and I got a new smoker for Christmas this year. I am planning on spending a lot of time cooking meat in my backyard this summer and I want to hit the ground running.

summing

I used to work at the counter at a BBQ place in Kansas City. They were famous for their mop sauce. It gave the meat the most amazing flavor and it kept it moist and tender throughout the hours of smoking.

The recipe was very well guarded. I think the owner and the pit master were the only ones wo knew it. They would make up a batch every morning behind closed doors. The BBQ industry can be very cutthroat and you have to guard your recipes carefully.

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    • Most mop sauce recipes include garlic powder.
      By: Comugnero Silvana
      Most mop sauce recipes include garlic powder.
    • White vinegar is used in mop sauce.
      By: indigolotos
      White vinegar is used in mop sauce.
    • Mop sauce is sometimes confused with barbeque sauce, although the two do have their differences.
      By: baibaz
      Mop sauce is sometimes confused with barbeque sauce, although the two do have their differences.
    • Mop sauces are applied to meats as they are being grilled.
      By: amenic181
      Mop sauces are applied to meats as they are being grilled.