Best 5 Lexington North Carolina Style Barbecue Sauce Recipes

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In the heart of North Carolina, nestled amidst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, lies the culinary gem of Lexington-style barbecue sauce. This distinctive sauce, with its smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile, has captivated barbecue enthusiasts for generations. Originating from the small town of Lexington, this sauce has become a beloved staple in the state's barbecue tradition. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the unique flavors and techniques that make Lexington-style barbecue sauce a true North Carolina treasure. Our comprehensive guide features three delectable recipes that showcase the versatility of this exceptional sauce. Discover the classic Lexington-style barbecue sauce, a perfect balance of vinegar, tomato, and spices. Experiment with our Sweet Lexington-style barbecue sauce, a delightful blend of brown sugar and molasses that adds a touch of sweetness. And for those who crave a spicy kick, our Hot Lexington-style barbecue sauce, infused with cayenne pepper, delivers a fiery intensity that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you prefer pulled pork, chicken, or ribs, these sauces will elevate your barbecue experience to new heights.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

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

LEXINGTON NORTH CAROLINA STYLE BARBECUE SAUCE



Lexington North Carolina Style 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.

Categories     Other Snacks

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 c white vinegar
1/2 c ketchup
1/4 c apple juice
1 tsp hot sauce
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Pour all ingredients into a quart size glass jar and shake together to combine flavors. Store in the refrigerator for a minimum of overnight before serving and up to two weeks.

LEXINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE



Lexington, North Carolina BBQ Sauce image

Make and share this Lexington, North Carolina BBQ Sauce recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Belgophile

Categories     Sauces

Time 5m

Yield 2 Cups

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup water
1 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Whisk together all ingredients until sugar and salt are dissolved.
  • Pull pork into thin shreds and toss with half of the sauce. Save the remaining sauce to serve at the table for people who like a little more.
  • Makes about 2 cups.

AMERICAN KITCHEN CLASSIC LEXINGTON STYLE BBQ SAUCE



American Kitchen Classic Lexington Style BBQ Sauce image

This classic recipe showcases the Western North Carolina style of BBQ sauces. Lexington, North Carolina is the epicenter for this style of BBQ while in the center of the state, the "Carolina Gold" sauce, a yellow mustard based BBQ sauce, reigns supreme and on the coast, a thin vinegar sauce is the regional specialty. This recipe makes enough sauce to feed 12 people and cans (preserves) very well.

Provided by Member 610488

Categories     Sauces

Time 45m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 quarts cider vinegar
1/2 quart ketchup
1/8 cup red pepper flakes
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 quart water
1/4 cup dry mustard
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/8 cup salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine all the ingredients in a stainless steel saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool before using.
  • If not using immediately, pour it into a bowl or jar. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 201.1, Fat 3.8, SaturatedFat 0.6, Sodium 2076, Carbohydrate 37.6, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 25.2, Protein 4.1

LEXINGTON-STYLE BBQ SAUCE



Lexington-Style Bbq Sauce image

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are adapted from Elizabeth Karmel's Web site, girlsatthegrill.com. The addition of ketchup in this slightly sweeter vinegar sauce distinguishes it from simpler Eastern North Carolina vinegar sauce. I prefer this sauce not only because I grew up with it-I like the added flavor and the pink color that the ketchup gives the sauce. To turn this sauce into an Eastern sauce, add 1 cup of water and eliminate the brown sugar and ketchup. This sauce is used to make North Carolina Style Pulled Pork and North Carolina Coleslaw . You will need to double this recipe to sauce both the meat and the slaw.

Provided by Elizabeth Karmel

Categories     Sauce     No-Cook     Backyard BBQ     Vinegar     Summer     Tailgating

Yield Makes about 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon ground white pepper
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients together and let sit 10 minutes. Add to chopped barbecue when hot to season the meat and keep it from drying out.

Tips:

  • For a smoky flavor, roast the tomatoes, peppers, and onions directly over a charcoal grill before blending.
  • If you don't have time to roast the vegetables, you can use canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chopped bell peppers.
  • Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or molasses for a sweeter sauce.
  • If you like a spicy sauce, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
  • Serve the sauce with grilled or smoked meats, chicken, or fish.

Conclusion:

This Lexington-style barbecue sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used on a variety of dishes. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it smoky, sweet, or spicy, this sauce is sure to please everyone at your next barbecue.

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