Best 10 Eastern North Carolina Barbeque Sauce Recipes

In the realm of barbecue, Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Sauce stands as a culinary beacon, captivating taste buds with its unique vinegar-based tang and subtle pepperiness. Originating from the humble beginnings of backyard gatherings and smokehouses, this sauce has ascended to become a regional treasure, embodying the spirit of North Carolina's barbecue heritage.

This article presents a delectable journey through the diverse landscape of Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Sauce, showcasing a trio of recipes that cater to every palate. From the classic simplicity of the Traditional Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Sauce to the smoky allure of the Lexington-Style Barbecue Sauce, and the bold, spicy kick of the Vinegar-Based Barbecue Sauce with a Cayenne Twist, this collection promises an unforgettable exploration of flavors.

Within these recipes, you'll discover a harmonious blend of vinegar, pepper, and spices, carefully orchestrated to create a symphony of tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet notes. These sauces bear witness to the rich history and culinary traditions of Eastern North Carolina, capturing the essence of family gatherings, outdoor cookouts, and the enduring love for barbecue.

Whether you're a seasoned barbecue enthusiast or a curious home cook seeking new culinary adventures, this article will guide you in crafting these iconic sauces, transforming your backyard into a barbecue haven. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a journey through the delectable depths of Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Sauce.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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

Ingredients

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 BARBECUE

Eastern North Carolina Barbecue image

Provided by Food Network

Categories main-dish

Time 10h50m

Yield 6 large servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

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.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA VINEGAR-AND-PEPPER BARBECUE SAUCE RECIPE

Eastern North Carolina Vinegar-and-Pepper Barbecue Sauce Recipe image

One of the classics of American barbecue sauce, and a favorite on pulled pork in particular, this vinegary sauce is big on spicy-tart flavor.

Provided by Daniel Gritzer

Categories Condiments and Sauces Sauce

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 cups (480ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (15g) coarsely ground black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons (20g) packed dark or light brown sugar
2 teaspoons (8g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt
2 teaspoons (10ml) hot sauce, such as Texas Pete
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (15ml) ketchup (optional)

Steps:

In a small bowl or squeeze bottle, combine vinegar, pepper, sugar, salt, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and ketchup (if using). Stir or shake well until sugar and salt are dissolved. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Dilute with a small amount of water, if desired. Use immediately as needed, or store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 14 kcal, Carbohydrate 2 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 210 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 0 g, ServingSize Makes about 2 cups (480ml), UnsaturatedFat 0 g

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

Ingredients

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

ED MITCHELL'S EASTERN CAROLINA BARBECUE SAUCE

Ed Mitchell's Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce image

Provided by Food Network

Categories condiment

Yield Serves 12+

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 gallons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons salt
5 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
3 tablespoons sugar
2 cups water
2 cups Texas Pete hot sauce

Steps:

Combine ingredients in a container. Add to chopped barbecue to taste.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA-STYLE BARBECUE SAUCE

Eastern North Carolina-Style Barbecue Sauce image

Chris Schlesinger is the chef and an owner of the East Coast Grill in Cambridge, Mass., which he opened in 1985. He is also the author, with John Willoughby, of six cookbooks that relate somehow to the pleasures of fire. This is an adaptation of his recipe for barbecue sauce meant to be served with his pulled pork.

Provided by Sam Sifton

Categories condiments, dips and spreads, sauces and gravies

Time 10m

Yield About 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Steps:

Whisk ingredients together in a bowl. Drizzle on barbecued meat. Covered, sauce will keep about 2 months.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 39, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 4 grams, Fat 0 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 0 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 295 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams

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

Ingredients

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

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BARBECUE SAUCE

Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Sauce image

I love good Carolina style barbecue, but I can never make up my mind which sauce I like best, so usually I leave the meat unseasoned and make one of everything!

Provided by Amy H. @Meave

Categories Marinades

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 cup(s) apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoon(s) brown sugar
1 teaspoon(s) garlic salt
2 teaspoon(s) cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon(s) hot sauce
1 teaspoon(s) salt
1 teaspoon(s) ground black pepper

Steps:

Combine all ingredients together in a quart size glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for at least a day before using so that the flavors will blend well. Shake occasionally, and store for up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE

Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce image

There are lots of BBQ Sauce recipes out there, but I love the vinegar based NC sauce. It is very wet, and is great on pulled or chopped pork. We do not like it so much on chicken.

Provided by Beth roarsback

Categories Sauces

Time 5m

Yield 2 cups, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco )
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 22, Fat 0.1, Sodium 341.2, Carbohydrate 2.8, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 2, Protein 0.1

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BASIC BARBECUE SAUCE

Eastern North Carolina Basic Barbecue Sauce image

In eastern NC barbecue is served at ALL outdoor events from reunions of all types to political gatherings or church suppers. This sauce, courtesy the NC Pork Producers As'sn. is a basic sauce and can be varied to suit your own tastes. The sauce is NOT cooked before use!

Provided by Dan-Amer 1

Categories Sauces

Time 15m

Yield 2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

2 quarts apple cider vinegar
2 ounces crushed hot red peppers
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon black pepper

Steps:

Mix all ingredients well. Use to baste pig while barbecuing and to season chopped barbecue with. You can store this in an airtight container without refrigeration for several days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220.3, Fat 0.2, Sodium 7028.2, Carbohydrate 13.5, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 5.4, Protein 0.9

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your barbecue sauce. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes, onions, and spices. If possible, use local and organic ingredients.
Cook the sauce low and slow: This will allow the flavors to develop and meld together. Simmer the sauce for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a richer flavor.
Taste the sauce frequently and adjust the seasonings as needed: The perfect barbecue sauce is a balance of sweet, sour, smoky, and spicy. Add more sugar, vinegar, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to taste.
Let the sauce cool completely before using: This will allow the flavors to settle and mellow. You can store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Eastern North Carolina barbecue sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used on pork, chicken, beef, or fish. It is also great as a dipping sauce for vegetables or fries. With its sweet, sour, smoky, and spicy flavor, this sauce is sure to please everyone at your next barbecue. So fire up the grill and give this recipe a try!