Lexington Style BBQ Sauce is a tangy, vinegar based sauce from North Carolina. It combines vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and spices, creating a bold, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor for pork barbecue.
I was watching where this sauce was made and felt inspired to make it myself. The sauce delivers a sharp bite from apple cider vinegar balanced by ketchup and spices.
The main speciality of Lexington Style BBQ Sauce is how well it enhances chopped or pulled pork without overpowering it. I will now show up and show step by step how to make this flavourful Southern classic.
What Makes This Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Special?
The unique combination of tangy apple cider vinegar and a touch of ketchup gives Lexington Style BBQ Sauce its distinctive flavor.
The addition of brown and white sugars balances the acidity, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and sour.
Spices like crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and white pepper add a gentle heat and depth. This sauce enhances the smoky richness of pork by cutting through the fat and adding a zesty, bold taste that stands out in traditional Southern barbecue.
How To Prepare Lexington Style BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American (Lexington / Piedmont North Carolina Style)
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: About 3 cups
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Storage jar or bottle (for leftovers)
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Crystal or Tabasco recommended)
How To Make Lexington Style BBQ Sauce?
1. In a medium saucepan, mix the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, white sugar, brown sugar, sea salt, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, black pepper, water, and white pepper.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugars and salt are fully dissolved. Bring it just to a simmer do not boil.
3. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to blend the flavours. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. Transfer to a clean jar or bottle.
Special Note
This sauce is thin, spicy, and tangy perfect for pulled pork or as the Southern classic “dip”. Variations include subbing distilled vinegar, skipping apple juice, or adjusting sugar & heat. Feel free to tweak it to your taste.
Nutrition Facts Of Lexington Style BBQ Sauce
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 310 mg |
Pro Tips And Tricks
➢ Use quality apple cider vinegar to achieve the authentic tangy flavor.
➢ Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
➢ Simmer the sauce gently to allow the flavors to blend without boiling off the vinegar’s sharpness.
➢ Shake or stir the sauce before serving to mix the ingredients evenly after sitting.
➢ Balance the sweetness by carefully measuring both white and brown sugars.
Usage Suggestions Lexington Style BBQ Sauce
➣ Brush onto grilled pork during the final minutes of cooking to add a tangy glaze.
➣ Mix into shredded pulled pork to enhance flavor and moisture before serving.
➣ Serve on the side as a dipping sauce for smoked ribs or barbecue sandwiches.
➣ Drizzle over roasted or grilled chicken for a Carolina-style twist.
➣ Use as a marinade for pork shoulder or chops before slow cooking or smoking.
Health Benefits
➤ Apple cider vinegar supports digestion and can help balance blood sugar.
➤ Crushed red pepper flakes contain capsaicin, which may boost metabolism.
➤ Brown sugar offers a natural energy source compared to refined sugars.
➤ Vinegar’s acidity helps preserve the sauce naturally, reducing additives.
➤ Low calorie content makes this sauce a tasty way to enhance meals without adding extra fat.
Where Did Lexington Style Barbecue Come From?
Lexington Style BBQ Sauce comes from the Piedmont region of North Carolina, centred around the city of Lexington.
This style features pork shoulder slow-cooked over wood coals, creating tender, smoky meat. A signature component is the a thin, tangy sauce made from ketchup, vinegar, and spices that adds a unique flavor.
The tradition is influenced by German immigrant cooking methods and adapted over time to suit local tastes.
Lexington barbecue is celebrated for its distinctive sauce and preparation, making it a beloved part of North Carolina’s rich culinary heritage.
How Do You Preserve
Store Lexington Style BBQ Sauce in a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle to maintain freshness. Keep it refrigerated to slow down spoilage and preserve the flavors.
Stir or shake the sauce before each use to recombine any separated ingredients. Avoid contaminating the sauce with dirty utensils to extend shelf life.
Properly stored, the sauce can last up to one month in the refrigerator, allowing the flavours to deepen and improve over time while staying safe to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can It Be Used As A Marinade?
Yes, the vinegar base makes it excellent for marinating pork or chicken.
Is This Sauce Very Spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat, which can be adjusted by reducing or increasing pepper and hot sauce.
What Meats Pair Best With This Sauce?
Pulled pork, chopped pork shoulder, and grilled chicken work especially well.
Can The Spice Level Be Adjusted?
Yes, use less red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a milder version.
Does It Need To Be Cooked Before Using?
Simmering the sauce helps blend the flavours, so cooking is recommended.
My easy and enjoyable experience making this delicious Lexington Style BBQ Sauce was a true success. I hope you will be inspired to try it yourself, as it’s simple to prepare and brings amazing flavour to any BBQ dish.
Now you will make it soon and tell me how much delicious it tastes after you finish. I’m excited to hear your thoughts and hope this recipe becomes one of your favourites just like it did for me.
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Lexington Style BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, mix the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, white sugar, brown sugar, sea salt, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, black pepper, water, and white pepper.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugars and salt are fully dissolved. Bring it just to a simmer do not boil.
- Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to blend the flavours. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. Transfer to a clean jar or bottle.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90 | Fat: 0 g | Carbohydrates: 23 g | Sugars: 20 g | Protein: 0 g | Sodium: 310 mg“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”