Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe is a thin, tangy, spicy sauce made with apple cider vinegar, pepper, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar.
This delicious recipe brings out the deep flavor in smoked meats, especially pulled pork. I made this sauce after watching a Carolina BBQ special that showed how traditional pit masters used it.
Inspired by their craft, I decided to recreate it at home. Now, I will walk you through each step to make this flavourful BBQ sauce yourself.
Why You’ll Love?
We love this Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe for its bold, no nonsense flavor that truly stands out. The sharp tang of vinegar, balanced by a touch of sweetness and a subtle kick of heat, brings an irresistible depth to smoked and grilled meats.
It enhances without overwhelming, allowing the true flavor of the meat to shine. The Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe clean, zesty profile makes it a memorable addition to any barbecue spread, capturing the essence of traditional Carolina style barbecue in every bite.
How To Prepare Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American (Southern / Carolina style BBQ)
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: About 3 cups
Main Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Heat-safe jar or bottle for storage
- Funnel
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup white vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Texas Pete or Frank’s)
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard (optional, for tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
How To Make Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe?
1. Combine The Ingredients:
Pour the apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, water, and ketchup into a medium sized saucepan. Add in the brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and a few dashes of hot sauce.
2. Mix Well:
Give everything a good stir or whisk until the sugar mostly dissolves and the mixture looks smooth.
3. Heat It Up:
Place the pan over medium heat. Let the sauce slowly come to a gentle simmer don’t let it come to a hard boil. Stir it now and then as it heats up.
4. Let It Simmer:
Keep it at a low simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps the flavour come together nicely. Avoid boiling too hard or cooking it too long.
5. Cool And Store:
Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, pour it into a clean jar or bottle with a tight lid. Store it in the fridge for up to a month. Give it a good shake before each use.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 10 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 110mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 0g |
Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe
The Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe is a classic from Eastern North Carolina, known for its bold, tangy flavor with a spicy kick.
Unlike thick, sweet barbecue sauces, its vinegar base cuts through the richness of meats, making it perfect for pulled pork and grilled dishes.
The Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe speciality lies in its simplicity no heavy ingredients, just a clean, sharp taste balanced by a touch of sweetness and heat.
It’s a staple in Southern BBQ, prized for enhancing flavor without overpowering the meat’s natural taste.
Helpful Tips
➣ Use high quality apple cider vinegar to achieve the most authentic and robust flavor.
➣ Let the sauce simmer gently to blend the flavours without overpowering the vinegar base.
➣ Adjust red pepper flakes and hot sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
➣ Store the sauce in a glass jar and refrigerate it for improved flavor over time.
➣ Shake well before each use, as natural separation occurs due to the vinegar and spices.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Drizzle over pulled pork sandwiches to add a tangy, spicy kick.
2. Toss grilled chicken in the sauce for extra moisture and flavor.
3. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy fried green tomatoes or chicken tenders.
4. Mix into coleslaw to bring a zesty twist to a classic side dish.
5. Brush onto ribs during the last minutes of grilling to enhance the smoky taste.
How To Make Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe Tastier?
To boost the flavor of Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe, start with fresh, high quality apple cider vinegar and freshly ground black pepper.
Simmering the sauce gently helps the spices meld together, creating a richer taste. Adding a little lemon juice brings brightness, while smoked paprika adds a smoky layer.
Increasing red pepper flakes or using a hotter sauce can enhance the heat. Allowing the sauce to rest overnight in the fridge deepens the flavours and creates a well-balanced, tastier result.
Storage And Shelf Life
Store Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe in an airtight container or glass jar to maintain its freshness. Keep it refrigerated to preserve flavor and prevent spoilage.
The sauce typically stays good for up to four weeks in the fridge. Stir or shake well before each use, as ingredients may settle over time.
Proper storage ensures the sauce retains its tangy, spicy qualities and remains safe to enjoy on all your favourite dishes throughout its shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Meats Pair Best With Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce?
This sauce is traditionally served with pulled pork but also works well with chicken, ribs, and brisket.
Can The Heat Level Be Adjusted?
Yes, reduce or increase red pepper flakes and hot sauce to control the spiciness.
Is White Vinegar Necessary?
White vinegar is optional and adds extra tang, but apple cider vinegar can be used alone.
Can This Sauce Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Yes, preparing it in advance enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld.
Is This Sauce Gluten Free?
Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten free.
Conclusion
this Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe was an easy and delicious success that I truly enjoyed making. I hope you feel inspired to try it too it’s quick, simple, and packed with bold, tangy flavor.
Whether you’re adding it to pulled pork or grilled meats, it’s sure to elevate your dish. Give it a try soon, and let me know how delicious it turns out for you!
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Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Heat-safe jar or bottle for storage
- Funnel
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup white vinegar optional, for extra tang
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce like Texas Pete or Frank’s
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard optional, for tang
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Instructions
Combine The Ingredients:
- Pour the apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, water, and ketchup into a medium sized saucepan. Add in the brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and a few dashes of hot sauce.
Mix Well:
- Give everything a good stir or whisk until the sugar mostly dissolves and the mixture looks smooth.
Heat It Up:
- Place the pan over medium heat. Let the sauce slowly come to a gentle simmer don’t let it come to a hard boil. Stir it now and then as it heats up.
Let It Simmer:
- Keep it at a low simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps the flavour come together nicely. Avoid boiling too hard or cooking it too long.
Cool And Store:
- Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, pour it into a clean jar or bottle with a tight lid. Store it in the fridge for up to a month. Give it a good shake before each use.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 10 | Total Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 110mg | Carbohydrates: 2g | Sugars: 2g | Protein: 0g“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!”