eastern carolina barbecue sauce recipe

eastern carolina barbecue sauce recipe

The Best eastern carolina barbecue sauce recipe

I’ve been making Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.

The key to this sauce is the combination of vinegar, water, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and spices. I love how it’s tangy and slightly spicy, with a deep flavor that complements any meat or vegetable dish.

My family has grown up on this sauce, and we all agree it’s the best part of any barbecue meal. We’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a dip for veggies.

It’s a crowd-pleaser, and I’m always happy to share the recipe with friends and neighbors who ask for it. One of the best things about this sauce is that it’s easy to make in large batches, so I can stock up and use it throughout the week.

It’s also great for storing in the fridge or freezer for later use. I like to serve it with grilled meats, but it’s also delicious as a marinade or as a topping for baked potatoes or roasted vegetables.

My kids love helping me make this sauce because they get to mix in all the spices and see the transformation from liquid to thick, velvety sauce.

Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce

Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce

4.7 from 765 votes

This is a classic vinegar and pepper based sauce from eastern North Carolina. It is thin, tangy, and spicy, designed to complement smoked pork.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 16Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 15 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan.
2Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar and salt are mostly dissolved.
3Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce is slightly fragrant.
5Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely to room temperature.
6The sauce will thin slightly as it cools.
7Transfer the cooled sauce to a glass jar or bottle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using to allow the flavors to fully develop.

🔧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: 440mg🌾Total Carbs: 3g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Shake well before each use. For a milder sauce, reduce the cayenne and red pepper flakes by half.

Watch Video Of How Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce Works

This Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce recipe has become an essential component of our family gatherings and daily meals.

Its versatility allows us to use it as a marinade for meats before grilling them outside during summer evenings; its tanginess complements perfectly baked potatoes topped with cheese; its rich flavors elevate veggie stir-fries into something truly special.

Storage-wise, we recommend keeping leftovers refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) within an airtight container for optimal freshness – do note that while sealed tightly you might notice some separation after prolonged storage times due mainly to vinegar breakdown which doesn’t affect edibility though.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce

1.

Q: What is Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce made of?
A: This sauce is made from a combination of vinegar, water, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and various spices. The exact proportions are not crucial – what matters most is getting the right balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

2.

Q: Can I adjust the level of heat in this sauce?
A: Yes! If you prefer milder flavors or want to accommodate young children or sensitive stomachs, reduce or omit the amount of red pepper flakes added to taste.

3.

Q: How long does Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce keep?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C), this sauce will typically last 6 months without significant degradation in quality or safety.

4.

Q: Is Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce suitable for vegetarians?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is free from animal products; feel free to serve it alongside your favorite vegetarian dishes – perhaps some roasted vegetables or tofu skewers would pair nicely.

5.

Q: Can I make Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce with gluten-free ingredients?
A: Yes! For those who need gluten-free alternatives due to dietary restrictions or preferences, simply substitute wheat-based thickeners like flour with gluten-free alternatives such as rice flour or cornstarch.

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