Joe’s Soak Sauce is a unique and flavorful vinegar-based barbecue sauce that will take your grilled meats to the next level. Unlike traditional thick and sweet barbecue sauces, Joe’s Soak Sauce brings a tangy and fiery kick to your favorite cuts of meat. This recipe was developed after a special request from none other than the governor of Massachusetts himself, Deval Patrick, who is known for his appreciation of exceptional flavors. The combination of dried New Mexico red chiles, chipotle chiles, habanero chiles, garlic, onion, red wine vinegar, bourbon, lemon juice, fresh rosemary, and sea salt creates a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the meat with incredible taste.
To prepare your meat with Joe’s Soak Sauce, simply soak it in the sauce before slow-cooking it to tender perfection. Reserve a portion of the sauce to baste the meat while grilling for an extra burst of flavor. Whether you’re cooking pork, ribs, or any other meat, Joe’s Soak Sauce will surely impress your guests and satisfy even the governor of Massachusetts. For the perfect finishing touch, don’t forget to try Joe’s Finishing Sauce (see the next page for the recipe).
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 dried New Mexico red chiles
- 4 dried chipotle chiles
- 2 fresh habanero chiles, stemmed
- 6 medium garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cups red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh rosemary
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F.
- Place the dried chiles on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until you smell them, about 3 minutes.
- Plunge the roasted chiles into a pot of hot water and soak them until soft, approximately 20 minutes.
- Drain the soaked chiles.
- Add all of the ingredients, including the soaked chiles, to a blender.
- Blend the mixture for 3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
YIELD: 3 cups
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Pour the sauce into bottles and seal them according to the storage instructions on page 51.
- This sauce improves with age and can be refrigerated for up to 6 weeks.
TIPS:
- Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of chiles used.
- For a milder version, remove the seeds and veins from the chiles before blending.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, for subtle flavor variations.
- Use gloves when handling hot chiles to protect your skin from irritation.
- Apply the reserved sauce during the grilling process for a flavorful glaze on the meat.
Joe’s Soak Sauce is a testament to the unique and diverse world of barbecue flavors. The combination of ingredients, from the dried chiles to the bourbon and fresh rosemary, creates a complex profile that enhances the natural taste of the meat. The vinegar base adds a tangy and acidic element that cuts through the richness, making it an ideal pairing for slow-cooked and grilled meats.
The development of this sauce stemmed from a simple request from Governor Deval Patrick, who clearly has a discerning palate. It’s not every day that a governor seeks out the perfect barbecue sauce, but Joe’s Soak Sauce exceeded his expectations. The sauce has since become a staple in our household, loved not only by the governor but also by anyone who appreciates bold flavors.
To prepare Joe’s Soak Sauce, the recipe calls for a combination of dried New Mexico red chiles, chipotle chiles, and fresh habanero chiles, which provide the sauce with a delightful heat that lingers on the taste buds. The garlic and onion add depth and savory notes, while the red wine vinegar and lemon juice provide a zesty acidity that brings all the flavors together.
Once the ingredients are combined in a blender and blended thoroughly, the sauce is ready to work its magic. The soaking step is crucial to infuse the meat with the sauce’s flavors, allowing the tangy vinegar and robust spices to penetrate every fiber. As the meat slow-cooks to tender perfection, the sauce melds with the natural juices, resulting in a succulent and flavor-packed dish.
A unique aspect of Joe’s Soak Sauce is the option to reserve a portion for basting the meat while grilling. This technique not only intensifies the flavors but also adds a beautiful caramelization and glaze to the meat’s surface. The combination of the sauce’s marinade and the basting process ensures that each bite is bursting with deliciousness.
It’s worth noting that Joe’s Soak Sauce continues to improve with age. As the flavors meld together over time, the sauce develops an even more complex and harmonious taste. So don’t hesitate to make a batch in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to six weeks. You’ll be delighted to discover how the sauce evolves and deepens in flavor as it matures.
In conclusion, Joe’s Soak Sauce is a vinegar-based barbecue sauce that stands out from the crowd with its bold and tangy flavors. Whether you’re grilling pork, ribs, or any other meat, this sauce is guaranteed to elevate your dishes to new heights. So fire up the grill, marinate your meat, and savor the mouthwatering results. Joe’s Soak Sauce is the secret ingredient that will make your barbecue gatherings unforgettable.
