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Change the way you BBQ with my incredibly tangy, flavor-packed Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe! With only simple, easy ingredients and less than 10 minutes of cook time, this unique BBQ sauce is a must-try!
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Carolina Style BBQ Sauce
The first time I visited friends in North Carolina, they treated me to a big BBQ dinner. If you know me, you know I love BBQ- especially sweet, classic BBQ sauce! But nothing could have prepared me for the incredible and totally unique flavor of Carolina barbecue sauce.
One taste and I was hooked. Unlike the smoky-sweet sauce I'm used to, North Carolina BBQ sauce is thin, tangy, and uses vinegar as a base, making it perfect for smoked meats, shredded beef, and all things barbecued! There's just nothing else like it!
Looking to change things up for the next big BBQ, or cooking out for a family member who isn't a classic BBQ sauce fan? This sauce is the answer! Thin and tangy vinegar BBQ sauce might be the perfect change to make you fall in love with BBQ all over again.
Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- Apple cider vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Ketchup
- Hot sauce
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
This is a Lexington-style Carolina BBQ sauce. For a Carolina mustard BBQ sauce, you can add ¾ to 1 full cup of yellow mustard. Leave the other ingredients the same and adjust to taste.
How to Make Carolina BBQ Sauce
- In a small pan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and vinegar. Bring to a boil and stir until fully dissolved.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, stirring thoroughly. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the stove, let cool, then use or store in a sealed container and enjoy!
Carolina Sauce Tips
- This sauce can just as easily be made in the microwave! Make sure the bowl is covered to prevent spattering, and heat in short 30-second intervals, mixing between each.
- Carolina BBQ is supposed to be a very thin sauce, unlike thicker, sweeter BBQ sauces! If you'd prefer it to be thicker, add half a teaspoon of xantham gum or corn starch in water.
- For less heat, remove the crushed red peppers. For spicier sauce, add more!
- While classically served with pork like pulled pork, this sauce is perfect for beef ribs, BBQ chicken thighs, and more!
North Carolina Barbecue Sauce FAQ
When you're making BBQ sauce, I recommend apple cider vinegar. The naturally sweet and fruity flavor pairs well with the spice and tang of the sauce and brings out the flavor of any meat it's added to.
Unlike classic BBQ sauce that has a thick consistency and dark color, Carolina BBQ is thin and bright red. This is because classic BBQ is made from a combination of sugar and many earthy spices, while Carolina-style sauce relies on mostly apple cider vinegar for the flavor!
The flavor of Carolina BBQ is much less sweet and earthy than other BBQ styles, and instead has a tangier flavor with a greater emphasis on clean, sharp hot sauce spice. If you find yourself getting tired of how sweet BBQ can be, you've got to try this sauce!
What to Serve with BBQ Sauce
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📋 Recipe
Carolina BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Small sauce pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups Apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Salt
See our Beef Temperature Chart for helpful tips on cooking any cut of beef!
Instructions
- In a small pan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and vinegar. Bring to a boil and stir until fully dissolved.2 cups Apple cider vinegar, 2 Tablespoons Brown sugar
- Add the rest of the ingredients, stirring thoroughly. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes.2 Tablespoons Ketchup, 1 Tablespoon Hot sauce, 1 teaspoon Crushed red pepper, 1 teaspoon Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Black pepper, ½ teaspoon Salt
- Remove from the stove, let cool, then use or store in a sealed container and enjoy!
Notes
- This sauce can just as easily be made in the microwave! Make sure the bowl is covered to prevent spattering, and heat in short 30-second intervals, mixing between each.
- Carolina BBQ is supposed to be a very thin sauce, unlike thicker, sweeter BBQ sauces! If you'd prefer it to be thicker, add half a teaspoon of xantham gum or corn starch in water.
- For less heat, remove the crushed red peppers. For spicier sauce, add more!
- While classically served with pork, this sauce is perfect for BBQ chicken thighs, beef ribs, and more!
Nutrition
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