The original Shaw BBQ sauce recipe was a closely guarded secret, locked away by my father, Pete. We were never allowed to see or touch the recipe paper, but we were always there for the manual labor involved. Every fall, we'd gather under the oak tree for a ritual: cooking a 15-gallon batch of sauce in a massive pot.
The process was straightforward—ignite the burner, add the ingredients, wait for it to come to a boil, and then cool the pot with a hose. I seldom recalled the specifics of the recipe or the effort involved. What stayed with me was the time spent with my dad—sharing stories and enjoying coffee or sweet tea while we worked under the oak tree. Those moments of connection are what I cherish the most.
From its humble beginnings with a single recipe, Shaw BBQ has expanded to offer five distinct varieties, including our bold Tex-Mex-inspired Hot and fuego sauces. While our methods have evolved—no more oak trees or boat paddles—the commitment to quality remains unchanged. We still handcraft each batch with the same care and attention to detail, using only the finest ingredients.
The process is labor-intensive, requiring significant time and effort, but the results are well worth it. Our sauces are a source of pride for our family, and we’re grateful for your support. We hope you enjoy our BBQ sauces as much as we have cherished them over the past 50 years.
Raised in the heart of Central and South Texas, our children grew up in a world where barbecue was more than just a meal—it was a way of life. They were immersed in the art of smoking meat and crafting sauces from an early age, long before BBQ became a national sensation. The tradition of preparing our signature sauces and mastering the smoker has been a steadfast element of our family heritage, bridging generations and keeping our culinary legacy alive.
Shaw BBQ's mission is to continue the family traditions and values established by my dad, which includes keeping secret recipes and providing service to others.
In 2024, we're thrilled to launch our new YouTube channel, where we'll introduce our 10-year-old, fourth-generation pitmaster in training. This exciting adventure will give you a behind-the-scenes look at our family's BBQ traditions and the next generation of our culinary legacy. Stay connected and follow us on social media for the latest updates and exclusive content!
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