Classic Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe

Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe is a tangy, vinegar based sauce made with apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, ketchup, and spices.

This bold and zesty sauce balances sweet, spicy, and sour flavours. I made this recipe after seeing it featured in a Southern food documentary.

Inspired by its unique flavor, I decided to recreate it. Now, I will show step by step how to prepare this traditional Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe at home.

Why Peoples Like Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe?

People like Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe because it offers a unique blend of tangy vinegar and subtle sweetness that enhances the flavor of smoked or grilled meats.

The sharpness cuts through the richness of fatty pork, creating a balanced taste that is both bold and refreshing.

Its slight heat from cayenne and hot sauce adds excitement without overwhelming the palate. This sauce’s bright and zesty profile makes it a favourite for adding a distinct Southern twist to barbecue dishes.

How To Prepare Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Course: Sauce / Condiment

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American (Southern, Carolina style)

Yield: Makes about 3 cups of BBQ sauce

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon or silicone spatula
• Storage jar or bottle (for storing sauce)

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• ¾ cup white distilled vinegar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

How To Make Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe?

1. Mix The Ingredients

Pour both types of vinegar into a medium sized saucepan. Add the sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

2. Stir Until Smooth

Use a whisk to stir everything together until the sugar mostly dissolves and the sauce looks smooth and blended.

3. Simmer Gently

Set the pan over medium heat. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer don’t let it boil. Stir it now and then, and let it cook uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes so the flavours come together.

4. Optional: Add Butter

If you want a smoother, richer finish, stir in a tablespoon of unsalted butter near the end of cooking.

5. Adjust If Needed

If the sauce turns out too thick or strong, stir in a bit of water (start with a tablespoon) until it reaches the texture and taste you like. Or, if you want a more intense flavor, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken and concentrate.

6. Cool And Store

Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool down. Pour it into a jar or squeeze bottle. Keep it in the fridge it’ll stay good for up to two weeks. Give it a good shake before using.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	35
Carbohydrates	8g
Sugar	7g
Fat	1g
Saturated Fat	0.5g
Sodium	120mg
Protein	0g

About This Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe

This Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe is a tangy, vinegar-based sauce with a perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and a mild kick of heat.

Made with apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, mustard, and a blend of spices, it’s a classic Eastern North Carolina style sauce that complements smoked or grilled meats, especially pork.

The addition of ketchup and hot sauce adds depth and a touch of richness. Its main specialty lies in its bold, tangy flavor profile that cuts through the richness of BBQ, making it uniquely refreshing and addictive.

Amazing Serving Ideas

1. Drizzle over pulled pork sandwiches to enhance the smoky meat.

2. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders or nuggets.

3. Brush onto grilled sausages during the last minutes of cooking for added flavor.

4. Toss roasted vegetables in the sauce for a tangy, spicy glaze.

5. Serve alongside baked beans to add a zesty contrast to the sweetness.

Hot Tips

➢ Balance the vinegar and sugar carefully to avoid the sauce becoming too sharp or too sweet.

➢ Simmer the sauce slowly to allow the flavours to fully develop and blend.

➢ Use smoked paprika instead of regular for a subtle depth that enhances grilled meats.

➢ Let the sauce rest after cooking, a few hours in the fridge improves the taste significantly.

➢ Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce to control the heat level based on your spice preference.

Best Variations

➣ Add finely chopped onions and garlic for a more savoury, aromatic flavor.

➣ Incorporate honey or molasses to introduce a richer sweetness and thicker texture.

➣ Mix in apple butter for a fruity twist that complements the vinegar tang.

➣ Include a splash of bourbon or whiskey to add a smoky, complex depth.

➣ Blend in crushed red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick that wakes up the palate.

Storage & Make Ahead

Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe keeps best when refrigerated in a sealed jar or container for up to two weeks. Letting the sauce sit for a day allows the flavour to fully develop and intensify.

Stirring or shaking before use helps maintain its consistency. For extended storage, freezing in small portions preserves the vibrant taste and texture for several months.

Thawing in the refrigerator overnight ensures the sauce remains fresh and ready to enhance any barbecue dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

My Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe was an easy and delicious success! I truly enjoyed making it, and the bold, tangy flavours were unforgettable.

I hope this inspires you to try it for yourself it’s simple to make and packed with Southern charm. Whether you use it on pulled pork, chicken, or as a dipping sauce, it’s sure to impress.

Give it a try soon, and let me know how delicious it turns out for you I’m sure you’ll love Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe!

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