Posted: 9/7/2026 11:38:01 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Giltweasel][Edited]
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I looked around for a knock-off recipe. https://barbecuebible.com/recipe/st-louis-barbecue-sauce/ Live link. isn't perfect, but it's close enough. I like the old school stuff and the new owners were about 95% of the way there with the "Classic". I think the "Sweet and smokey" was closer to the original as I remember it. Anyway, I mixed up a batch. Used Tabasco jalapeño for the heat. Boiled down some fresh squeezed OJ instead of frozen concentrate. And I used cheapo walmart brand steak sauce instead of A1. I think I can substitute tamarind paste and some fig or raisin jam instead of A1. Will have to try some variations next time. Biggest thing is I didn't realize how important the ground clove is to the Maull's signature flavor. I may have overdone it a little on the clove, but it brought into focus what all the other sauces I've been trying as a substitute are missing. I added some smoked paprika for a little smoke kick and I think it's overall quite close to my childhood memories. I used AI to adjust quantities to adapt to the 29ounce can of Hunt's tomato puree. Had the AI render quants into metric volume and weights. Grams are easier to weigh out than half-assed guessing on volumes. That helped get things nice and tight on the digital scale. I also cut back on the salt to about 70%. Lots of people complained that the new owners were overacting it. Something I can fix and adjust later if I need to. Dad used to dilute it with a can of PBR or Coors, but I think it's better at full strength or even reduced a bit on the stove. So, that's what I've done for my Labor day pulled pork. Probably going to have some for lunch and see how the final touches sit. |
"Zeal without prudence is like a ship adrift."
| When I was a kiddo, dad's "we have A1 at home" recipe was mixing ketchup and worstershire sauce. I haven't had it in years, but back then he had me convinced that it was a close substitute. Just figured I'd mention it in case you try another batch and want to experiment. |
"When you need it and ain't got it, you're singin' a different tune..."