Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
15 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe
Description
This recipe outlines two styles of Carolina vinegar BBQ sauce. The Eastern Carolina sauce consists of apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt, heated briefly to blend flavors and served after resting to meld. The Western version adds ketchup and tomato paste, making it slightly thicker and sweeter while retaining its vinegar base. Both sauces emphasize sharp vinegar with peppery heat, ideal for cutting through the richness of pork or smoky grilled meats. Simmering briefly integrates the seasoning while preserving the sharpness of vinegar. The resting period in a jar allows flavors to harmonize.
Typically drizzled over pulled pork or used as a basting sauce, this vinegar BBQ sauce offers a piquant, tangy component to barbecue dishes. It is particularly favored in East Coast and Carolinas-style barbecue traditions where vinegar-based sauces are customary.
For added sweetness, brown or white sugar may be incorporated to balance the acidity if desired. The sauce keeps well refrigerated and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience on barbecue day.
Ingredients
FOR EASTERN CAROLINA VINEGAR BBQ SAUCE
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
FOR WESTERN CAROLINA VINEGAR BBQ SAUCE - Add the Following
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Instructions
- Heat all of the ingredients to a large pan over medium-low heat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. You can also use the microwave to warm it for 30 seconds, which is a common practice. Whisk it all together.
- Transfer the vinegar bbq sauce to a jar and let sit for 1 day to let the flavors meld.
- Serve as desired.
Notes
- Makes about 2 cups of sauce, suitable for multiple servings.
- Vinegar BBQ sauce complements fatty or smoky pork by cutting richness with acidity.
- Sweeten to taste with sugar or brown sugar for a milder flavor.
- Allow the sauce to rest for a day to develop and meld flavors fully.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 15 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 15kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 164mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 45mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 298IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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