Best 8 North Carolina Style Bbq Sauce Recipes

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In the realm of barbecue, few regions can match the smoky, tangy, and downright delicious flavors of North Carolina. And while the state is divided into two distinct barbecue regions, Eastern and Western, they both share a love for a good vinegar-based sauce. This article presents a diverse collection of North Carolina-style barbecue sauce recipes that cater to every taste preference. From the classic Eastern-style sauce with its bold vinegar kick to the sweeter, tomato-based Western-style sauce, these recipes offer a range of flavors that will elevate any barbecue dish. Whether you prefer a sauce that's spicy, smoky, or a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy, there's a recipe here that will satisfy your cravings. So fire up the grill, grab your favorite cut of meat, and get ready to experience the authentic taste of North Carolina barbecue.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested 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

VINEGAR BASED CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE RECIPE



Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe image

This simple-to-make tasty vinegar-based Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce has the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy for your BBQ.

Provided by Chef Billy Parisi

Categories     sauce

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups of apple cider vinegar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic granules
2 teaspoons onion granules
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/3 cup of ketchup

Steps:

  • Add the vinegar, brown sugar, and salt to a medium-size pot and bring to a boil.
  • Add in all the other ingredients and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
  • Cool and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 127 kcal, Carbohydrate 23 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 1418 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 19 g, UnsaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

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

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.

NORTH CAROLINA-STYLE VINEGAR BARBECUE SAUCE



North Carolina-Style Vinegar Barbecue Sauce image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield about 1 quart

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 ounces applewood-smoked bacon (in one piece), cut into large chunks
3/4 cup beef stock or broth
1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
Kosher salt

Steps:

  • Combine the bacon, beef stock, cider vinegar, white vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, red pepper flakes, chile powder and 1 tablespoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the bacon renders its fat, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat; set aside to let the flavors develop, 20 minutes. Remove the bacon. Reheat the sauce before serving.

CAROLINA-STYLE PORK BARBECUE



Carolina-Style Pork Barbecue image

I am originally from North Carolina (where swine is divine) and this recipe for the slow cooker is a family favorite. My husband swears my authentic Carolina 'cue is the best BBQ he has ever eaten! -Kathryn Ransom Williams, Sparks, Nevada

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 6h30m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (4 to 5 pounds)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 medium onions, quartered
3/4 cup cider vinegar
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
14 hamburger buns, split
1-3/4 pounds deli coleslaw

Steps:

  • Cut roast into quarters. Mix brown sugar, salt, paprika and pepper; rub over meat. Place meat and onions in a 5-qt. slow cooker., In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sugar and seasonings; pour over roast. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until meat is tender., Remove roast; cool slightly. Reserve 1-1/2 cups cooking juices; discard remaining juices. Skim fat from reserved juices. Shred pork with two forks. Return pork and reserved juices to slow cooker; heat through. Serve on buns with coleslaw.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 453 calories, Fat 22g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 889mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

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

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

EASY NORTH CAROLINA BARBEQUE



Easy North Carolina Barbeque image

I just love vinegar-based barbeque. I looked high and low for an easy recipe for North Carolina barbeque; this is it! Be warned; your friends will want the recipe. Eat it with a fork or on rolls with coleslaw.

Provided by Phil

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Pork     Pork Shoulder Recipes

Time 9h10m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (5 pound) pork butt roast
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons white sugar

Steps:

  • Trim the fat from the roast; place in slow cooker and cook on Low overnight, at least 8 hours.
  • To make the sauce, whisk together the vinegar, melted butter, salt, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, hot sauce, black pepper, and sugar in a bowl.
  • Carefully remove the roast to a cutting board. Pull the meat from the bone with a fork. Return the pork to the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the pulled pork. Simmer for 1 hour more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 448.6 calories, Carbohydrate 4.2 g, Cholesterol 134.1 mg, Fat 37.5 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 23.4 g, SaturatedFat 18.6 g, Sodium 1630.3 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

Tips:

  • For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
  • Add a little bit of brown sugar or honey for sweetness.
  • Use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for a tangy flavor.
  • Add some mustard powder for a bit of spice.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor.
  • Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
  • Store the sauce in a jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

North Carolina-style BBQ sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used on a variety of foods, including pork, chicken, beef, and fish. It is also a great dipping sauce for vegetables and snacks. With its sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor, North Carolina-style BBQ sauce is sure to please everyone at your next cookout or gathering. So, fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some delicious North Carolina-style BBQ!

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