eastern north carolina barbecue sauce recipe

The Best eastern north carolina barbecue sauce recipe

Eastern North Carolina barbecue sauce is a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s a simple yet flavorful condiment that’s perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or even using as a dipping sauce.

The key to this recipe is the use of vinegar, which gives it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. I love how this sauce can elevate any meal, whether it’s a casual Tuesday dinner or a special occasion.

My family devours it by the bucketful, and I’m always happy to oblige their requests for more. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires no special equipment – just a blender or food processor and some patience.

The result is a rich, velvety sauce that’s full of depth and character. It’s also surprisingly healthy, considering how much flavor it packs in.

With its high concentration of antioxidants from the vinegar and the tomato paste, this sauce is almost like a superfood in disguise. But don’t just take my word for it – try making it yourself and see what you think!

It’s a great way to get your kids involved in cooking, too – they’ll love blending up all the ingredients and watching the magic happen. And with its long shelf life, you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week long.

Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Sauce

4.9 from 1888 votes

This is a traditional vinegar-based sauce from eastern North Carolina, known for its sharp, tangy flavor with a hint of heat. It is used to baste pork during smoking or as a finishing sauce.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 15 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, and ketchup in a medium saucepan.
2Whisk over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, about 2 minutes.
3Add red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
4Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
5Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6The sauce should be slightly thickened and the spices well incorporated.
7Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
8Once cool, pour into a glass jar or bottle and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using to allow flavors to meld.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Glass jar or bottle for storage

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 15 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 290mg🌾Total Carbs: 3g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

This sauce is thin and meant to be used generously. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level.

Watch Video Of How Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Sauce Works

This Eastern North Carolina barbecue sauce recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m so glad I can now share it with all of you! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution or want to impress your friends at your next BBQ gathering – this recipe has got you covered.

With its easy-to-make ingredients and versatility for serving purposes (such as slathering on ribs or using as a dipping sauce), there’s really no excuse not to give it a try! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to six months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Sauce

Q: What type of vinegar should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for this recipe. Both will give you a slightly different flavor profile, but both will work beautifully. If you want a more robust flavor, go with the apple cider; if you prefer something milder, white vinegar is the way to go.

Q: Can I make this sauce without any added sugars?

A: Absolutely! Simply omit the brown sugar altogether if you prefer not to have any added sugars in your sauce. This will also help reduce the overall calorie count.

Q: How do I store leftover barbecue sauce?

A: You can store leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to six months. When freezing, be sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Q: Can I make this sauce without using ketchup?

A: Yes, you can substitute ketchup with an equal amount of tomato paste if you prefer not to use ketchup. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly – but still result in a deliciously rich and tangy BBQ sauce.

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