Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
5 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe
Description
This Carolina BBQ Sauce recipe highlights apple cider vinegar as a tangy base accented by hot pepper sauce and a combination of smoked seasonings, including smoked salt and paprika, which impart a subtle smoky profile. Black pepper adds depth while optional red pepper flakes provide extra heat for those who prefer spiciness.
The sauce is quickly blended and then rested for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop fully and harmonize. This resting period mellows the acidity and blends the spices, improving the overall taste. The sauce’s bright acidity and smoky notes make it well-suited for drizzling over oven-baked ribs or grilled meats.
For oven-baked ribs, using half the sauce amount is recommended to avoid overpowering the natural sweetness of slow-cooked meat. Sweeteners are optional and can be added to balance acidity if desired. Stored properly in the refrigerator, this sauce remains ready for use for up to two weeks. Always shake well before serving to re-emulsify the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Nontraditional but good!
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, if you want it spicy
Instructions
- Place the vinegar, hot pepper sauce, smoked salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Shake well to combine. You can also whisk the ingredients by hand.
- Allow the sauce to rest for 30 minutes before using it to allow the flavors to meld. Whisk or shake the sauce again before using it.
Notes
- Use half the sauce for oven-baked ribs to complement slow cooking caramelization.
- Adding 1-2 teaspoons of sweetener can balance acidity if preferred.
- Rest the sauce at least 30 minutes for better flavor blending.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container up to two weeks; shake before use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 5 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tablespoons | |
| Calories | 5kcal | 0% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Sodium | 338mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0.2g | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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