Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe
Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe is a tangy, vinegar based sauce known for its bold, spicy flavor. Made with apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and a touch of sugar, it complements smoked pork perfectly. Its thin consistency and sharp taste highlight the meat without overpowering, making it a staple in traditional Carolina barbecue cooking.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Jar or bottle for storing sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
Instructions
Get Everything In The Pot
- Grab a small saucepan and pour in the apple cider vinegar. If you’re using white vinegar too, add that. Toss in the brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and a few dashes of hot sauce.
Warm It Up
- Give it all a good stir, then set the pan over medium heat. Let it warm up until it starts to gently simmer usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t let it boil.
Let The Flavours Come Together
- Keep stirring every now and then. You want the sugar and salt to fully dissolve, and the pepper flakes to start releasing their heat into the mix.
Cool It Down
- Once everything’s dissolved and blended, take the pan off the heat. Let the sauce sit out until it’s cooled to room temperature. The flavor actually gets better as it cools.
Bottle It Up
- Pour the cooled sauce into a clean jar or bottle. Seal it up and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3 to 4 weeks. Give it a shake before each use.