This Carolina BBQ Sauce is a tangy, spicy, thin, vinegar-based sauce. This is an easy "dump-and-go" sauce recipe that anyone can make. A traditional sauce that will also show your friends you really know your way around BBQ!
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Why you'll love this BBQ sauce
This easy Carolina BBQ sauce recipe will put a lot of flavor and kick into your dish the next time you head out to the smoker. The recipe has simple pantry staples and can be made ahead and then stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
Is this a regional BBQ sauce?
Yes, this sauce originates from North Carolina, where whole hog BBQ over an oak fire is common. It is considered the mother of BBQ sauces.
It is a vinegar- and pepper-based sauce at its core, but it has many variations. The sauce is cooked with the meat low and slow to keep it moist.
A matter of some debate between cooks is the addition of either tomato or mustard. This recipe incorporates both tomato and mustard based on my time in North Carolina at Camp LeJeune.
After moving to Florida, I couldn't find my favorite sauce, so I added together ingredients until I found one just like the one I used to have while I was in the service.
Ingredients for Carolina BBQ Sauce
Here is a quick snapshot of the ingredients you'll need for this recipe. Scroll to the recipe card, where you will find the exact measurements.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - this is a must for the recipe and should not be substituted.
- Brown Sugar - can use regular or dark brown sugar.
How to make the sauce
Combine into a medium saucepan with the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and hot red pepper flakes.
Stir the ingredients together with a spoon or spatula.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat until all ingredients are combined. This can be used immediately.
Expert Tips
If the sauce is too spicy for you, then you can add more vinegar to the mixture to tone it down.
Depending on how much you smoke and BBQ, you may want to make more. We typically will make a ½- to 1-gallon at a time as we use it frequently.
FAQs
It is tangy and spicy with a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar that is commonly used in it.
It is a vinegar-based sauce that may or may not have mustard or tomato added to it, depending on the region you live in.
Serving Suggestions
Our sauce is perfect to use when making ribs or pulled pork. This also works as a great marinade for chicken as well.
Storage Instructions
Store in the refrigerator for up to two months in a jar or bottle.
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Recipe
Tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp hot red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a medium sauce pan over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer until all ingredients are combined.
- Set aside to cool. It can be stored up to two months or used immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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