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Bishop’s Brown Derby With Diablo Sauce

The Tulsa years hold a special place in my heart. While chasing that first restaurant dream, I stumbled upon a local treasure: Bishop’s Brown Derby. The juicy, savory patties, smothered in that uniquely tangy Diablo sauce, were the ultimate comfort food after a long shift. Each bite was a small victory, a taste of home amidst the chaos of a bustling kitchen. The memory of that first Derby still brings a smile to my face and a craving I can’t resist.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 patties
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free, Not Dairy-Free

Ingredients

For the Brown Derby Patties:

2 lbs ground beef
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons English mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

For the Diablo Sauce:

1 quart chicken stock (broth)
1 1/2 cups ketchup
3/4 cup chili sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon A.1. Original Sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup margarine
8 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish or 1/2 cup to taste chopped parsley (optional – use one or the other)

Equipment Needed

Large saucepan
Small saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Grill or skillet

Instructions

Prepare the Diablo Sauce: In a large saucepan, combine the chicken stock, ketchup, chili sauce, liquid smoke, A.1. Original Sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
Season: Add salt and pepper to the sauce mixture, adjusting to your personal preference. Remember that the other ingredients already contain salt, so start sparingly.
Create a Roux: In a small saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat.
Thicken the Sauce: Gradually add the flour to the melted margarine, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux. Continue whisking until the roux is lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing lumps.
Combine Roux and Sauce: Slowly add the roux to the sauce mixture in the large saucepan, whisking continuously to ensure it is fully incorporated and the sauce remains smooth.
Simmer: Bring the Diablo sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Diablo sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Add Relish or Parsley: Stir in the sweet pickle relish or chopped parsley (if using) during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This adds a final layer of flavor and texture.
Prepare the Brown Derby Patties: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, eggs, English mustard powder, liquid smoke, salt, prepared mustard, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Shape the Patties: Lightly mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough patties. Shape the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties.
Cook the Patties: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or heat a skillet over medium heat.
Grill or Pan-Fry: Broil the patties on the grill to your liking, typically about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Alternatively, cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
Serve: Place the cooked Brown Derby patties on plates and generously cover them with the prepared Diablo sauce.
Serve with Sides: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as french fries, fried potatoes, onion rings, or a simple salad.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the ground beef mixture will result in tough patties. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Control the Heat: Keep the heat consistent while cooking the Diablo sauce to avoid scorching the bottom of the pan.
Roux Consistency: Make sure your roux is smooth before adding it to the sauce. Lumps in the roux will translate to lumps in the sauce.
Taste and Adjust: The key to a great Diablo sauce is adjusting the seasonings to your personal taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different amounts of salt, pepper, and other spices.
Flavor Infusion: For a deeper flavor, add a bay leaf or two to the Diablo sauce while it simmers. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving.
Make Ahead: The Diablo sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it gently before serving.
Spice It Up: For a spicier Diablo sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Bishop’s Brown Derby hot, immediately after cooking. The patties are best enjoyed when the Diablo sauce is freshly made, warm, and generously ladled over them. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for visual appeal.

Room Temperature: Cooked patties should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigeration: Store leftover patties and Diablo sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the patties and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	529.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	283 g	54%
Total Fat	31.5 g	48%
Saturated Fat	9.8 g	49%
Cholesterol	127.2 mg	42%
Sodium	1680.4 mg	70%
Total Carbohydrate	32.8 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	2.2 g	8%
Sugars	19.6 g	78%
Protein	28.2 g	56%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Diablo Sauce: Use a gluten-free flour blend, such as rice flour or tapioca starch, to make the roux for the Diablo sauce.
Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of salt added to the sauce. You can also experiment with salt substitutes.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Spicy Diablo: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the Diablo sauce for an extra kick. Consider using chili sauce with a higher spice level.
Smoked Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the Diablo sauce for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs in the Diablo sauce, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Add them during the last 15 minutes of simmering to infuse the sauce with their flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef, although it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Q: Can I make the Diablo sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, making the Diablo sauce a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a richer and more complex taste. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What is English mustard powder?
A: English mustard powder is a finely ground powder made from mustard seeds. It has a much stronger and more pungent flavor than prepared mustard. If you can’t find English mustard powder, you can substitute with regular mustard powder, but you may need to use a bit more to achieve the same level of flavor.

Q: Can I bake the patties instead of grilling or pan-frying?
A: Yes, you can bake the patties in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Make sure to place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Q: What can I serve with Bishop’s Brown Derby besides french fries or potatoes?
A: This dish is quite versatile! Consider serving it with a side of coleslaw, a fresh garden salad, steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli, or even a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Bishop’s Brown Derby recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a journey back to the heart of comfort food. That Diablo sauce, with its tangy and slightly smoky depth, is truly the star. I encourage you to try your hand at recreating this Tulsa classic. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings to make it your own. Gather your loved ones, share the joy, and let me know what you think. Perhaps, a crisp, cold beer on the side? Now that sounds like a perfect meal.

Bishop’s Brown Derby With Diablo Sauce Recipe