Every great BBQ has two things: good company and great sauce. You can smoke the juiciest ribs or grill the perfect chicken, but without the right sauce, something feels missing. That is where Chef Jerry Bradley’s book Pig Pirate: The Best Booty Around comes in. Packed with recipes full of flavor and personality, it gives you everything you need to bring life to your next cookout. Here are five standout sauces from the book that will not only impress your guests but also make you look like a BBQ pro.
- Honey BBQ Jerry Sweet
Sometimes the best sauce is the one that keeps people reaching for another napkin. This blend of honey, molasses, and a hint of liquid smoke delivers that perfect sweet-and-smoky balance. It clings beautifully to ribs, wings, or even a burger. The best part? It is easy to whip up ahead of time, and after sitting for a day, the flavors come together even stronger.
- Who’s Your Daddy, Carolina Gold
If you like a little tang in your life, this mustard-based sauce is a classic. With vinegar, brown sugar, and just enough chili heat, it brings bold Southern flavor to pulled pork or grilled chicken. Jerry’s playful name for the recipe matches the punch it packs. It is not a sauce for blending in, but for standing out.
- Family Business BBQ Sauce
This recipe shows how a sauce can be more than just a topping. It is built from ketchup, vinegar, mustard, butter, and spices, creating a balanced blend of sweet, tangy, and savory. Jerry calls it “family business” for a reason. It is the kind of sauce that feels right at the center of a table, passed from one plate to another until the bottle is empty.
- Island Sweet BBQ
Want to give your cookout a tropical twist? This sauce mixes pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger with a base of ketchup and vinegar. The result is a bright, fruity glaze that pairs perfectly with chicken or seafood. Jerry points out that it is best for basting and tossing, not long grilling, which makes it a smart choice for finishing touches.
- Da Bomb Steak Sauce
Not everyone is a fan of steak sauce, but Jerry included this one to keep the crowd happy. It blends Worcestershire, balsamic vinegar, ketchup, garlic, and onion into a rich sauce that adds depth to grilled meats. Even if you do not usually reach for steak sauce, this one is worth trying. It is all about pleasing the masses.
The beauty of these recipes is not just in the ingredients but in the attitude. Jerry Bradley writes like a chef who knows BBQ is supposed to be fun. His book Pig Pirate: The Best Booty Around is filled with sauces, rubs, and stories that make you laugh while teaching you how to cook like a pro.
If you want to take your next cookout from good to unforgettable, these sauces are a great place to start. And if you want even more flavor (and a few laughs along the way), grab a copy of Pig Pirate: The Best Booty Around. Your grill and your guests will thank you.
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/196936839X.