North Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe

Oh, are you ready to bring a little Southern magic into your kitchen? North Carolina BBQ sauce is legendary for its tangy, vinegary goodness. It’s the perfect companion for pulled pork, chicken, or even as a dipping sauce for fries—trust me, it’ll make everything taste like a BBQ dream come true! If you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat. The beauty of this sauce is its simplicity, yet it packs a punch of flavor that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love North Carolina BBQ Sauce

This sauce isn’t just any BBQ sauce—it’s a taste of history and tradition. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Tangy and Savory

With its vinegar-forward profile, this sauce delivers a tang that cuts through the richness of meats like pulled pork. It’s not overly sweet like some other BBQ sauces, but that’s exactly what makes it special.

Simple Ingredients

You won’t need a ton of fancy ingredients. In fact, the sauce is made with a handful of pantry staples that you probably already have at home. It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of this sooner?” kind of recipes.

Versatile

This BBQ sauce isn’t just for pork! While it’s traditionally paired with pulled pork (hello, North Carolina BBQ), it also shines on chicken, ribs, or even grilled vegetables. Use it as a marinade or as a finishing sauce—it’s totally up to you!

Quick and Easy

No need for hours of simmering or complex techniques. You can whip this up in no time and have a homemade sauce ready to elevate your next BBQ.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the simple but mighty ingredients that bring this tangy BBQ sauce to life:

Vinegar

The base of this sauce, giving it that signature tartness. You’ll typically use cider vinegar in North Carolina BBQ sauce, but you can also mix in a little white vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.

Ketchup

A little bit of ketchup balances the tanginess with a subtle sweetness, but it’s not the star of the show—just a supporting player.

Brown Sugar

The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to offset the vinegar. It rounds out the flavor without overpowering it.

Mustard

Mustard brings a bit of sharpness and depth to the sauce. It’s a flavor you might not expect, but trust me, it makes the sauce.

Hot Sauce

For those who like a little kick, hot sauce adds the perfect amount of heat to balance the tang and sweetness.

Salt and Pepper

These seasonings bring everything together and highlight the other flavors. Don’t skip them!

Instructions

Now, let’s talk about how to bring this tangy goodness to life:

Combine the Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.

Simmer

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. The sauce should thicken just a bit and the flavors will have a chance to meld together.

Taste and Adjust

Give the sauce a taste and adjust as needed. Want it tangier? Add more vinegar. Like it a bit sweeter? Toss in a little more brown sugar. If you like a little more heat, add more hot sauce. It’s all about balancing the flavors to suit your taste.

Cool and Serve

Once the sauce has simmered and thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Let it cool for a bit before serving. It’s ready to pour over your favorite BBQ meats, or even to use as a dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 35
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve North Carolina BBQ Sauce

This sauce is the perfect companion for a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Pulled Pork

The classic pairing! Slather this tangy sauce on your pulled pork for a true North Carolina-style BBQ experience.

Grilled Chicken

Give grilled chicken a zesty kick by basting it with this BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. It’s like a flavor explosion!

Ribs

Whether you’re grilling or slow-cooking your ribs, this sauce is a perfect finishing touch. Brush it on just before serving to lock in all the flavor.

Fries or Tater Tots

Don’t just reserve this sauce for meats! It also makes a great dipping sauce for crispy fries or golden tater tots. Just trust me on this one.

Vegetables

Grilled or roasted veggies (like corn on the cob, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts) will absolutely pop when drizzled with a little of this BBQ sauce.

Additional Tips

Make it Ahead

If you want to get a head start, you can make this sauce a day or two ahead of time. The flavors will have even more time to develop, and you’ll always have it on hand for your next BBQ.

Adjust the Heat

Feel free to adjust the level of heat by adding more or less hot sauce, depending on your preferences. If you’re not into spicy at all, you can leave it out altogether.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it in small portions for later use!

Double the Recipe

If you’re hosting a big BBQ, don’t be afraid to double the recipe. You can always use extra sauce as a marinade or keep it on hand for future meals.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this BBQ sauce without hot sauce?

A1: Absolutely! If you prefer a milder sauce, you can leave out the hot sauce altogether or substitute it with a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?

A2: Store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can even freeze it for longer storage.

Q3: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A3: Yes! This sauce actually tastes even better after it sits for a day or two in the fridge, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time.

Q4: Can I use a different kind of vinegar?

A4: While cider vinegar is traditional, you can experiment with other vinegars like white vinegar or even red wine vinegar, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.

Q5: Can I adjust the sweetness?

A5: Absolutely! If you like your sauce sweeter, just add more brown sugar. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.

Q6: How long does this sauce keep?

A6: Stored properly in the fridge, this BBQ sauce will keep for about 2 weeks. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to preserve its flavor.

Q7: Can I make this recipe spicier?

A7: You can! Add more hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat. It’s totally customizable to your taste.

Q8: What should I pair this sauce with?

A8: This sauce is great on pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and even roasted veggies. It’s a versatile condiment that works with pretty much any grilled or smoked meat.

Q9: Can I make this vegan?

A9: Yes! Simply swap the ketchup for a vegan version and double-check that the hot sauce you’re using is vegan-friendly.

Q10: Can I freeze this BBQ sauce?

A10: Definitely! Just let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Conclusion

North Carolina BBQ sauce is a true flavor powerhouse—tangy, a little sweet, and just the right amount of heat. It’s perfect for any BBQ feast and can elevate a simple meal into something extraordinary. So next time you’re in the mood for a BBQ, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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