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–+ servings
two mason jars of carolina bbq sauce
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5 from 4 votes

Carolina BBQ Sauce

Bring a delicious new twist to your next BBQ with the unique tangy taste of Carolina BBQ Sauce! It's a one of a kind new favorite!
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Resting time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Keyword: carolina barbecue sauce, carolina bbq sauce, carolina bbq sauce recipe, north carolina bbq sauce
Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 122kcal
Author: Isabel Laessig

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
    apple cider vinegar and brown sugar in a saucepan
  • 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
    the rest of the ingredients being added to the saucepan
  • Remove from the stove, let cool, then use or store in a sealed container and enjoy!
    katchup to add to the saucepan

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

Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 922mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 389IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg