eastern north carolina bbq recipe

eastern north carolina bbq recipe

The Best eastern north carolina bbq recipe

Eastern North Carolina BBQ, also known as Eastern-style BBQ, is a style of barbecue that originated in the eastern part of North Carolina. It’s known for its vinegar-based sauce and whole hog cooking method. The dish has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century when it was served at social gatherings and community events.

The unique flavor profile and tender texture of Eastern North Carolina BBQ have made it a staple in the region’s cuisine. I first discovered Eastern North Carolina BBQ at a family gathering, where my relatives from the east coast brought their famous slow-cooked pork to share with everyone. I was immediately drawn to the tangy flavor of the sauce and the way the meat just fell apart.

Since then, I’ve been experimenting with this recipe in my own kitchen, tweaking it to perfection and sharing it with my loved ones. What I love about Eastern North Carolina BBQ is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a main course, alongside some coleslaw and hush puppies, or as a topping for a sandwich or salad.

It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even just a quick weeknight dinner. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with its focus on slow-cooked meat and fresh vegetables, Eastern North Carolina BBQ is a relatively healthy option compared to other barbecue styles. One of the key techniques in making Eastern North Carolina BBQ is slow-cooking the meat over low heat for hours until it’s tender and flavorful.

This process breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it easier to shred and more palatable to eat. It’s a technique that requires patience, but trust me – it’s worth it. In addition to its rich history and unique flavor profile, Eastern North Carolina BBQ is also notable for its lack of tomato-based sauce.

This sets it apart from other barbecue styles and gives it a distinctive taste that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Eastern North Carolina BBQ

Eastern North Carolina BBQ

4.8 from 1044 votes

A tangy, vinegar-based pulled pork barbecue from the coastal plains of North Carolina. The whole hog is traditionally cooked low and slow over wood coals, then chopped and dressed with a sharp pepper-spiked sauce.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 20 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

1 bone-in pork shoulder (8-10 lbs)
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Eastern NC Sauce

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1Prepare the smoker or grill for indirect heat at 225°F using hardwood charcoal and hickory or oak wood chunks.
2Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then rub evenly with the kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker grate away from the direct heat.
4Maintain a steady temperature between 225°F and 250°F, adding fresh wood chunks every hour to keep a thin blue smoke.
5Cook the pork shoulder for 5 to 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F to 203°F in the thickest part.
6The meat should be very tender and pull apart easily when prodded with a fork.
7While the pork cooks, make the sauce by whisking together the apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and kosher salt in a bowl.
8Let the sauce sit at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
9Transfer the cooked pork shoulder to a large aluminum pan and let it rest for 20 minutes.
10Using two forks or meat claws, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat or bone.
11Pour about 1 cup of the Eastern NC sauce over the shredded pork and toss well to coat evenly.
12Serve the barbecue on soft white buns with additional sauce on the side for diners to add to taste.

🔧Equipment

Smoker or charcoal grill
Instant-read thermometer
Large aluminum pan
Two large forks or meat claws
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 6g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 42g

📝Notes

For authentic Eastern NC flavor, use only the vinegar-pepper sauce; no tomato-based sauces are added. The pork can be cooked a day ahead and reheated gently with a splash of sauce.

Watch Video Of How Eastern North Carolina BBQ Works

Eastern North Carolina BBQ is a staple in our household – we love serving it at family gatherings and potlucks because everyone always seems to enjoy it so much.

One of our favorite ways to serve this dish is with some crusty bread on the side – just tear off chunks of bread and use them as dippers for your favorite toppings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern North Carolina BBQ

Q: What is Eastern North Carolina BBQ?

A: Eastern North Carolina BBQ is a style of barbecue that originated in the eastern part of North Carolina. It’s known for its vinegar-based sauce and whole hog cooking method.

Q: How do I make Eastern North Carolina BBQ?

A: To make Eastern North Carolina BBQ, you’ll need to slow-cook pork over low heat for hours until it’s tender and flavorful. This can be done using a smoker or by cooking it in a Dutch oven.

Q: What are some popular sides for Eastern North Carolina BBQ?

A: Some popular sides for Eastern North Carolina BBQ include coleslaw, hush puppies, baked beans, and cornbread.

Q: Can I make Eastern North Carolina BBQ ahead of time?

A: Yes – one of the best things about Eastern North Carolina BBQ is how well it holds up to reheating. You can cook the pork ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftover Eastern North Carolina BBQ?

A: To store leftover Eastern North Carolina BBQ, simply refrigerate or freeze the cooked pork until you’re ready to reheat it.

Q: What are some good occasions for serving Eastern North Carolina BBQ?

A: Some good occasions for serving Eastern North Carolina BBQ include family gatherings, potlucks, picnics, and casual weeknight dinners.

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