Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce is a popular condiment known for its unique blend of flavors. The main ingredients in Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce include sherry wine, chili peppers, and spices. Understanding the key ingredients that go into this sauce can help explain its distinctive taste profile.
In the opening paragraphs, it is useful to provide quick answers upfront to key questions readers may have:
What is Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce? Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce is a condiment made from a blend of sherry wine, chili peppers, and spices. It has a sweet yet spicy flavor.
Who makes Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce? Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce is made by the Outerbridge Brands company, founded by Dan Outerbridge in Bermuda in the 1860s.
What are the main ingredients in Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce? The main ingredients are sherry wine, chili peppers, black pepper, garlic, cloves, ginger, paprika, onion, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and xanthan gum.
Now let’s take a deeper look at each of the key ingredients that give Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce its signature taste and flavor profile.
Sherry Wine
The first major ingredient in Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce is sherry wine. Sherry wine comes from the Jerez region of southern Spain. It is made primarily from the Palomino grape.
Sherry starts off as a dry white wine. It is then fortified with grape brandy. This stops the fermentation and gives sherry its higher alcohol content.
There are several styles of sherry wine that can be used in Outerbridge’s sauce:
- Fino – A very dry and light style of sherry
- Manzanilla – Similar to fino but with a salty character
- Amontillado – Starts off dry but is then aged oxidatively to develop richer nutty flavors
- Oloroso – Aged oxidatively longer than amontillado, with bold, nutty flavors
- Pedro Ximénez – A very sweet style of sherry made from raisinated grapes
The sherry brings sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors to Outerbridge’s sauce. It also contributes to the sauce’s unique amber color.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers are another integral ingredient in Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce. The chili peppers provide the sauce’s signature heat and spice.
Several types of chili peppers may potentially be used in the sauce, including:
- Jalapeño – Moderately spicy with green color and bright, grassy flavor
- Cayenne – Very spicy and adds heat
- Chipotle – Smoky and hot
- Guajillo – Mildly spicy with fruity, berry-like notes
- Pasilla – Moderately spicy with raisin-like flavor
The exact blend of chili peppers is a proprietary secret. But it likely contains some combination of hotter peppers like cayenne and chipotle along with more mildly spicy varieties like guajillo and pasilla.
Black Pepper
Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce contains freshly ground black pepper. Black pepper comes from peppercorns harvested from the Piper nigrum vine.
Black pepper adds an earthy heat and pungency to foods. It provides a robust, spice-cabinet flavor to Outerbridge’s sauce.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its pungent, potent flavor and aroma. When used in Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce, garlic adds layers of savory umami flavor.
Garlic contains the organic sulfur compounds allicin and diallyl disulfide which give it its distinct smell and taste. Garlic becomes sweeter and more mellow when cooked, as in a sauce.
Cloves
Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree. They have a sweet-spicy aroma and provide a warm note to Outerbridge’s sauce.
Cloves contain the compound eugenol which gives them their anesthetic, numbing effect on the tongue. This adds unique sensory dimensions to the sherry pepper sauce.
Ginger
Ginger is the rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant. It has a sharp, zesty flavor that livens up the sauce recipe.
When used in cuisine, ginger can provide notes of lemon, pepper, and heat. It adds an invigorating accent to the blend of flavors in Outerbridge’s sherry sauce.
Paprika
Paprika is made from dried, ground peppers in the Capsicum annum family. It provides vibrant red color in addition to its mild chili flavor.
The peppers used to produce paprika originate from places like Spain, South America, and Hungary. They can range from mild and sweet to hot and spicy.
Paprika made from peppers like pasilla and guajillo would complement the flavors of Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce.
Onion
Onions are bulbs belonging to the Allium genus alongside garlic. When cooked, onions become soft and sweet which balances the bolder spices in Outerbridge’s sauce.
Onions contain sulfurous compounds that provide their signature biting, pungent qualities when raw. These mellow out and develop richer flavors as the onions caramelize during cooking.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice comes from squeezing fresh lemons, which contain high levels of citric acid. This gives lemon juice its tart, bright taste.
When added to Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce, the lemon juice provides acidity to balance out the richness of the sherry and cut through the other dense, complex flavors.
Vinegar
Vinegar is also likely used in Outerbridge’s sherry sauce to provide acidity. Vinegar has a tart, pungent flavor.
Wine vinegars, sherry vinegar, or malt vinegar would complement the existing flavors in the sauce. The vinegar taste helps round out the total flavor profile.
Salt
Salt or sodium chloride is a fundamental ingredient that enhances overall flavor. By dissolving in the sauce, salt amplifies the perception of the other aromas and tastes.
The right pinch of salt can make the different components of Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce pop. It improves mouthfeel and balances flavors through the salty umami taste.
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is added to Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce as a thickener and emulsifier. This gives the sauce its rich, clingy texture.
Xanthan gum is produced through the fermentation of sugars. It is able to thicken liquids without impacting the flavor the way starch thickeners can.
As a polysaccharide gum, xanthan holds the ingredients together in a stable emulsion and keeps them suspended evenly throughout the sauce.
Secret Spices and Flavorings
The exact recipe for Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce remains a proprietary company secret. In addition to the main ingredients highlighted above, the sauce likely contains other spices, herbs, and natural flavorings.
Potential secret ingredients that could complement the overall flavor profile include allspice, cinnamon, cumin, mustard, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and more.
Even in very small doses, these supporting ingredients add layers of complexity while allowing the core flavors to still shine through.
Conclusion
In summary, the distinctive flavor of Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce comes from its blend of sherry wine, chili peppers, black pepper, garlic, cloves, ginger, paprika, onions, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, xanthan gum, and secret spices.
While the exact recipe remains a mystery, these key ingredients provide savory umami, sweetness, acidity, heat, and aromatic qualities that make Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce uniquely delicious. A balance of flavors from spices, fruits, vegetables, and oils come together to create this versatile condiment.
Next time you use Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce, you can have a deeper appreciation for the complex medley of tastes in every bottle.
Nutrition Information
Here is some typical nutrition information for Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 2 tbsp serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 15 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 123 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
As shown, Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce is low in calories, fat, and carbs. It does contain a moderate amount of sodium, which comes from the salt used to season the sauce.
Remember to enjoy Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The sauce can add delicious flavor to meats, seafood, vegetables, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce:
How is Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce made?
The sauce is made by blending sherry wine and chopped chili peppers with garlic, spices, vinegar, salt, and other ingredients. The ingredients are combined and cooked down into a concentrated sauce.
Where does the sherry in the sauce come from?
The sherry is imported from the Jerez region of Spain, which is known for its sherry production. Outerbridge likely uses Spanish sherry varieties like fino or amontillado.
Is Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce gluten free?
Yes, the sauce does not contain any gluten ingredients like wheat, barley, or rye. It is considered gluten free.
What types of foods pair well with Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce?
The sauce pairs excellently with grilled meats like steak, chicken, and fish. It also goes well with eggs, vegetables, shellfish, baked potatoes, and in stews or marinades.
Is Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce kosher?
No, Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce is not certified kosher currently. It does not bear a kosher symbol on the packaging.
Where can you buy Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce?
The sauce can be found at most grocery stores in the condiment aisle. It’s also available online through retailers like Amazon.
How should you store and serve Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce?
Store the sauce in the refrigerator after opening. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed to release its flavors. Shake the bottle before pouring to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Conclusion
Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce gets its signature flavor from a proprietary blend of sherry wine, chili peppers, spices, and other ingredients that perfectly balance sweet, savory, and spicy tastes. The sauce can liven up any dish thanks to its rich depth of flavors. Understanding the components that make this condiment special allows you to better appreciate its quality and versatility. So grab a bottle of Outerbridge’s sherry pepper sauce and start enhancing your meals today!