While there will always be room at our grills for the bright red and yellow squeeze bottles and that whopping side of ranch, today's diners expect more than just a careless condiment caddy tossed on their table.
You've perfected your grill game on the best cuts of meat and the freshest seasonal produce — why leave the finishing touch in anyone else's hands?
A savvy sauce will not only surprise your guests' palates; it also shows them you care about every detail of their meal while simultaneously upping the perceived value of their plate. Here are three ideas that'll have you saucy for the rest of summer.
Convey Quality with Color
Not only is a colorful plate enticing to look at, but a variety of vibrant colors automatically signifies a more nutritious meal. So, whether topping your grilled fish with a bright salsa of mango, red bell pepper, and cilantro; or mixing up a red cabbage, carrot, and apple slaw for a slab of grilled pork belly, the more colors the better. And since summer's bounty offers no shortage of fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables, there is always a rainbow of options to choose from.
When creating a sauce for your entrée, think about your plate using a photographer's mind. After all, one of your goals should be to get your customers pulling out their phones before they even pick up their forks. A pop of bright green chimichurri on a pale platter of seafood will take the dish from "meh" to social media superstar.
Ditch the Dairy
Creamy, buttery sauces are much too heavy for those hot summer evenings, and they can also weigh down more delicate fare like fish and seafood. Lighten things up — while also appealing to your dairy-free diners — by utilizing delicious dairy substitutes to craft a sauce that any dish — and anyone — can handle. Cauliflower isn't only the new pizza crust; boil florets in veggie stock and blend once tender for a base that can be modified to your needs with the addition of garlic and lemon or even a smoky chipotle. Use the same technique with cashews for a nuttier version with an equally wide range of applications.
Hop on a Flight
When your mouth is watering over the most tender rack of ribs, it can be one of life's toughest choices to decide which style of barbeque sauce you want to lick off of your fingers for the rest of the night. Don't make your guests choose just one; why not offer a flight of sauces that will take them across the country without ever leaving their seat? Start with a drizzle of thin, tangy North Carolina Vinegar sauce and end up with a slather of Texas Mop. The world is your oyster... why settle for just a squeeze of lemon?
