Barbecue sauce, often abbreviated as BBQ sauce, is a flavorful condiment that is popularly used as a marinade, dipping sauce, and glaze for grilling and barbecue dishes. While it is most commonly paired with meat like ribs, chicken, pork, and beef, some people enjoy using BBQ sauce in unconventional ways, such as drizzled over rice. This raises the question – is BBQ sauce actually good on rice? Let’s take a closer look at the flavors and textures at play.
The sweet and savory flavors of BBQ sauce
Most BBQ sauces have a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor profile. They are made from a tomato or vinegar base and contain ingredients like brown sugar or molasses, spices like black pepper and paprika, and sometimes smoky flavors from ingredients like liquid smoke. The sweet and umami flavors complement grilled meats beautifully. When it comes to rice, the sweetness of the BBQ sauce contrasts nicely with the mild, starchy flavor of the grains. The sauce also adds moisture and flavor impact that plain rice lacks.
Potential texture issues
One potential pitfall of adding BBQ sauce to rice is the difference in textures. BBQ sauce has a smooth, glossy texture and tends to be somewhat thick and sticky. Plain steamed rice has a light, fluffy texture that can become soggy when moisture is added. The sauce may overwhelm the rice, turning it into a gummy mess. There are a few ways to mitigate this issue:
- Use a thinner, more vinegar-based BBQ sauce rather than a thick, tomato-based one
- Toss the rice with just a drizzle of sauce so it’s lightly coated instead of drenched
- Sauté the rice for a few minutes after adding the sauce to evaporate excess moisture
- Mix in crunchy components like chopped nuts, crispy bacon, or roasted vegetables to add textural contrast
Complementary flavors and ingredients
To make BBQ sauce and rice into a more cohesive dish, it helps to add ingredients that bridge the gap between the two. Here are some flavors that pair well with both BBQ sauce and plain rice:
- Bell peppers – the crunchy peppers add freshness and color
- Onions – sautéed onions add sweetness and savoriness
- Corn – the sweet kernels pair nicely with BBQ sauce
- Black beans – savory and protein-packed
- Cheddar cheese – melted cheese enhances the creamy texture
- Cilantro – fresh herb flavor cuts through the richness
- Lime juice – brightens up the flavors
World cuisines with BBQ-style rice dishes
While BBQ sauce itself is an American condiment, rice dishes with similar sweet, savory, and smoky flavors can be found in cuisines around the world:
Korean
In Korean food, meats are often marinated in a sweet soy-based sauce called kalbi. Rice can be served topped with kalbi sauce and grilled meat for a dish like dolsot bibimbap. The slight char and caramelization from grilling gives a smoky depth.
Chinese
Chinese charsui pork is coated in a sticky-sweet barbecue sauce before grilling. Serving chopped charsui pork over rice allows the sauce to soak down into the grains for finger-licking flavor.
Hawaiian
The Hawaiian plate lunch tradition combines sticky, tangy kalua pork with sides of rice and creamy, rich macaroni salad – the cool, starchy sides balance the salty, unctuous pork beautifully.
Filipino
Filipinos braise chicken legs or pork belly in a soy sauce and brown sugar marinade until caramelized and meltingly tender. The process yields a thick, glazy sauce that pairs deliciously with garlic rice.
Indian
Tandoori chicken is an Indian staple, with yogurt-marinated chicken baked until charred and smoky. The spicy, aromatic chicken and sauce make an excellent topping for coconut rice, naan, or biryani.
Recipe ideas
Here are a few recipe ideas that incorporate BBQ sauce into rice dishes:
BBQ chicken rice bowl
Dice grilled BBQ chicken breast and mix into rice with corn, black beans, shredded cheddar, and chopped green onion. Drizzle with more BBQ sauce and serve.
BBQ burrito bowls
Make burrito bowls with cilantro lime rice, pinto beans, grilled onions and peppers, BBQ pulled pork, avocado, and Monterey Jack.
BBQ pineapple fried rice
Stir fry rice with pineapple tidbits,red bell pepper, peas, carrot, and onion. Add in pre-cooked BBQ pork or chicken. Garnish with scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
Bacon BBQ rice
Cook rice with diced bacon, onion, garlic, and celery. When rice is done, stir in BBQ sauce, chopped parsley, green onion, and black pepper.
Nutrition
Drizzling BBQ sauce over plain rice adds flavor and moisture, but also additional calories, sodium, and sugar. A typical 2 tablespoon serving of BBQ sauce contains:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60-150 |
| Total Fat | 0-5g |
| Sodium | 300-700mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10-30g |
| Sugars | 8-25g |
The wide ranges account for the variability between different brands. To lighten up the nutritional impact, use sparing drizzles of sauce or balance it by adding vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats into the full dish.
Conclusion
While unconventional, BBQ sauce can make a tasty addition to plain rice with the right recipe. The sweet and tangy sauce adds moisture, flavor, and visual appeal. Just take care not to make the rice mushy. Balancing the texture with mix-ins and not over-saucing is key. BBQ rice bowls and stir fries can be a clever way to jazz up a weekday meal. With a bit of creativity and balance, the combination of rich BBQ and mild rice can be finger-lickin’ good.