Best 12 Carolina Red Barbecue Sauce Recipes

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In the realm of barbecue sauces, the Carolina Red Barbecue Sauce stands out as a true culinary gem, captivating taste buds with a symphony of flavors. Originating from the vibrant Carolinas, this versatile sauce has become a staple in barbecue joints and home kitchens across the nation. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard grilling enthusiast, this article offers a collection of meticulously crafted Carolina Red Barbecue Sauce recipes that are sure to tantalize your palate and elevate your grilling game.

From the classic tomato-based sauce, bursting with tangy sweetness, to the unique vinegar-based sauce, offering a bold and peppery kick, this article provides a culinary journey through the diverse world of Carolina Red Barbecue Sauce. Each recipe has been carefully curated to ensure authenticity and flavor, using a blend of aromatic spices, zesty vinegar, and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements grilled meats, chicken, and vegetables.

Whether you prefer a smoky and robust sauce or a lighter, tangier variation, this article has you covered. With step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and serving suggestions, these recipes are accessible to both novice and experienced cooks alike. So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a delightful culinary adventure with Carolina Red Barbecue Sauce.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HOMEMADE CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE RECIPE



Homemade Carolina BBQ Sauce recipe image

This Carolina BBQ Sauce recipe is easy to make and tastes delicious with everything! Thick, tangy and slightly sweet, you will want to make this homemade sauce again and again!

Provided by Cheyanne Holzworth

Categories     Condiment     Sauce

Time 23m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
¾ Cup Ketchup
¼ Cup Dark Brown Sugar
1 TBS Yellow Mustard
1 TBS Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp Hot Sauce ((Preferably Texas Pete's))
1 tsp Kosher Salt
½ tsp Ground Pepper
½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a medium sized sauce pan. Whisk well to combine.
  • Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a rapid simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce is glossy and thickened, about 15-18 minutes.
  • Remove from heat. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature before using. Or, allow to cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy with pork, chicken, ribs, on sandwiches - whatever!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 81 kcal, Carbohydrate 18 g, Sodium 743 mg, Sugar 15 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE (NECTAR OF THE SOUTH)



Carolina BBQ Sauce (Nectar of the South) image

Vinegar based bbq sauce is a very North Carolina thing that goes back a very long way when making pulled pork or grilled chicken.

Provided by Chef Tariq

Categories     Basics

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar
¼ cup Brown Sugar
½ cup Ketchup
1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1 tsp Black Pepper (ground)
1 tsp Salt
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Steps:

  • Add all ingredients together in a pan over medium high heat.
  • Bring to a boil and cook for five minutes while stirring.
  • Cool to room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 234 kcal, Carbohydrate 48 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 1826 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 42 g, UnsaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE



Carolina BBQ Sauce image

This spicy, tangy sauce, adapted from Skylight Inn in Ayden, NC, adds zip to any BBQ dish. It's vinegar-based, according to classic Carolina tradition.

Provided by Sam Jones

Categories     condiment

Time 10m

Yield 25 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
3 tablespoons hot sauce, preferably Texas Pete brand
1/4 cup Sweet BBQ Pit Sauce, see "Sweet BBQ Pit Sauce" lesson for recipe; or use another sweet BBQ sauce
1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar

Steps:

  • In a mixing bowl combine sugar, black pepper, chili powder, crushed red pepper, and hot sauce to make a paste. Add the BBQ sauce, followed by vinegar; stir well to combine. The final consistency should be quite fluid, rather than thick. Keeps in a covered container at room temperature for several months. Makes about 2 cups.

NORTH CAROLINA-STYLE BBQ SAUCE



North Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce image

Blending two vinegars helps re-create the BBQ sauce we love from my mother's North Carolina roots. - Gloria McKinley, Lakeland, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 25m

Yield 1-2/3 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2/3 cup white vinegar
2/3 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until flavors are blended.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 26 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 179mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE



Carolina BBQ Sauce image

A friend gave me this recipe some years ago for a vinegar-based sauce with mustard seed. You can use smoked pork neck bones in place of ham hocks if available.

Provided by go_vikes

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     BBQ Sauce Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 ½ cups apple cider
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard seed
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
½ cup tomato paste
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 smoked pork neck bones

Steps:

  • Combine the cider vinegar, apple cider, brown sugar, mustard seed, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and neck bones in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat; simmer until the sauce thickens, 30 to 40 minutes. Skim any foam from the surface of the liquid and discard. Remove and discard the neck bones. Cool the sauce to room temperature or use immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 110.6 calories, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Fat 0.3 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 0.7 g, Sodium 207.8 mg, Sugar 22.9 g

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BARBECUE



Eastern North Carolina Barbecue image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 10h50m

Yield 6 large servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 fresh pork butt, bone-in (this is the butt, or top portion, of the shoulder)
Kosher salt
Barbecue Sauce, recipe follows
2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons crushed red pepper
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Add hickory, oak, and maple chunks or chips to your smoker. Refer to the directions for your smoker to determine the correct amount of chips for the meat and for lighting instructions. When the chips are ready, add the pork and smoke it for 2 to 2 1/2 hours at 250 degrees F. Remove the pork and wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  • Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F.
  • Cook the pork for 6 to 8 hours or until the meat is tender and falls apart when the bone is removed. Chop the pork coarsely and mix in salt and barbecue sauce, to taste. Serve with more barbecue sauce on the side.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, red pepper, garlic, and salt over high heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-high. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes and then remove from the heat. Let cool then add the black pepper.

CAROLINA RED BARBECUE SAUCE



Carolina Red Barbecue Sauce image

Categories     Sauce     No-Cook     Quick & Easy     Summer     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes about 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon (packed) brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

Steps:

  • Stir all ingredients in small bowl until sugar and salt dissolve. (Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

EAST CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE



East Carolina BBQ Sauce image

On a recent trip to the East Coast, I discovered this bold, spicy Carolina BBQ sauce. I'm not a huge fan of the thick and sugary sauces you typically see, so this recipe really intrigued me. It was served with pulled pork, but I've tried it on chicken and it works beautifully. -Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 5m

Yield 1 cup.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
2 to 3 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a jar or shaker. Seal and shake until sugar has completely dissolved. Use or store at room-temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 15 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 305mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BARBEQUE SAUCE



Eastern North Carolina Barbeque Sauce image

This piquant and spicy vinegar-based sauce, popular in Eastern North Carolina, is not for lightweights! It's great for all meats, but best on pork.

Provided by Lori

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     BBQ Sauce Recipes

Time 3h10m

Yield 64

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 quarts cider vinegar
¼ cup salt
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons red pepper flakes
1 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, mix together cider vinegar, salt, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, light brown sugar, and hot pepper sauce. Stir until salt and brown sugar have dissolved. Cover, and let stand at least 3 hours before using as a basting sauce or serving on meat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 16.8 calories, Carbohydrate 2.8 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.1 g, Sodium 8.1 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

BEST CAROLINA BBQ MEAT SAUCE



Best Carolina BBQ Meat Sauce image

I can't take all the credit for this stuff. I have had to search, and snoop and experiment to get it right. (Thanks Big Daddy's!) But I've had barbeque in some of the best little places in the Carolina's, and this stuff rules there! Fantastic on pork! Or try brushing some on chicken as it finishes off the grill! Use fresh ground peppers for the best flavor. This will keep in fridge for a couple of weeks.

Provided by TRIPPER

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     BBQ Sauce Recipes

Time 8h55m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ½ cups prepared yellow mustard
½ cup packed brown sugar
¾ cup cider vinegar
¾ cup beer
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 ½ teaspoons liquid smoke flavoring
1 teaspoon Louisiana-style hot sauce, or to taste

Steps:

  • In a heavy non-reactive saucepan, stir together the mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, and beer. Season with chili powder and black, white, and cayenne peppers. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, and cook for about 20 minutes. DO NOT BOIL, or you will scorch the sugar and peppers.
  • Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, butter, and liquid smoke. Simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes. Taste, and season with hot sauce to your liking. Pour into an airtight jar, and refrigerate for overnight to allow flavors to blend. The vinegar taste may be a little strong until the sauce completely cools.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 91.6 calories, Carbohydrate 12.2 g, Cholesterol 5.1 mg, Fat 3.9 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 396.3 mg, Sugar 9.4 g

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE



Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce image

I have tried a lot of recipes of Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce. This is the closest to what you will find in any of the BBQ Restaurants here in North Carolina. It is on the hot side, so you may wish to adjust the cayenne pepper and Tabasco™ sauce for milder flavor.

Provided by RODEO3829

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     BBQ Sauce Recipes

Yield 32

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™), or to taste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine the white vinegar, cider vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, hot pepper sauce, salt and pepper in a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 days before using so that the flavors will blend. Shake occasionally, and store for up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 4.1 calories, Carbohydrate 0.6 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Sodium 76 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

CAROLINA RED BARBEQUE SAUCE



Carolina Red Barbeque Sauce image

This vinegar based BBQ sauce takes me back to my childhood in North Carolina. It was always served with smoked chopped pork, crisp coleslaw, and iced tea.

Provided by Lisa Neilson

Categories     Other Sauces

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/2 c apple cider vinegar
1/2 c ketchup
1 Tbsp brown sugar, firmly packed
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried crushed red pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Stir all ingredients in small bowl until sugar and salt dissolve.
  • 2. Cover and refrigerate.
  • 3. Note: This sauce ages well. Can be prepared 3 days ahead.

Tips:

  • Make sure to use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar.
  • You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste.
  • If you like a smoky flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce.
  • Be sure to simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve the sauce with your favorite barbecue dishes, such as chicken, pork, or ribs.

Conclusion:

This Carolina red barbecue sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used on a variety of dishes. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you're a fan of tangy, smoky, or sweet sauces, this recipe is sure to please. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some delicious barbecue!

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