Tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce

Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by What’s Smoking

Carolina BBQ sauce is a staple in Southern cuisine, known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the rich and savory taste of pulled pork. This mouthwatering sauce has become synonymous with barbecue traditions in the Carolinas, adding a burst of tangy flavor to every bite. Added to a smoked pulled pork, Carolina BBQ sauce is sure to elevate your BBQ experience and leave you and your guests craving more.

What Are The Different Kinds of Carolina BBQ

When talking Carolina BBQ, it is definitely not as simple as there just being one, Carolina BBQ. There are different regions with its own flavor profile so let’s walk through each one.

Eastern Carolina BBQ

Eastern Carolina BBQ is a style of barbecue that originated in eastern North Carolina and has become part of the region’s heritage. What defines Eastern Carolina BBQ is its emphasis on simplicity, tradition, and bold flavors.

The sauce used in Eastern Carolina BBQ is a defining feature of this style. Unlike Western-style barbecue sauces that are thick and sweet, Eastern Carolina BBQ sauce is thin and vinegary with a sharp kick from the red pepper flakes. The acidity of the vinegar helps cut through the richness of the smoky meat, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

In addition to pork, Eastern Carolina BBQ also often includes sides like coleslaw (often served on top of the barbecue sandwich), hushpuppies (deep-fried cornmeal batter), collard greens, baked beans, and cornbread. These sides complement the rich flavor of the barbecue while adding variety to the meal.

The BBQ sauce in this recipe is more of an Eastern Carolina BBQ sauce.

Lexington BBQ

Lexington-style barbecue, also known as “Lexington Carolina BBQ,” is a regional style of barbecue that originates from the town of Lexington in North Carolina. What sets Lexington Carolina BBQ apart from other styles of barbecue is its focus on pork shoulder and the use of a specific type of sauce.

The defining feature of Lexington Carolina BBQ is the use of a vinegar-based sauce that is tangy, slightly sweet, and often has a hint of heat. This sauce typically contains vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and other seasonings. It is used to baste the meat while it cooks and served on the side for dipping.

Similar to Eastern Carolina BBQ, another key component of Lexington-style barbecue is the sides that accompany it. Common side dishes include coleslaw, hush puppies (deep-fried cornmeal balls), baked beans, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.

Overall, what defines Lexington Carolina BBQ is its focus on simple ingredients prepared with care and attention to detail. The result is a deliciously tangy and savory flavor profile that has become synonymous with North Carolina barbecue culture. Whether you’re enjoying it at a roadside stand or at one of the many barbecue joints in Lexington itself, this style of barbecue offers a unique culinary experience that shouldn’t be missed by any true barbecue lover.

South Carolina BBQ

South Carolina BBQ is defined by its unique blend of flavors, techniques, and traditions that set it apart from other styles of barbecue. From the tangy vinegar-based sauces to the slow-cooked pork that falls off the bone, South Carolina BBQ is a beloved culinary tradition that has been passed down through generations.

As it is with the other Carolina BBQ varieties one of the key defining characteristics of South Carolina BBQ is its use of a thin, tangy vinegar-based sauce. This sauce typically includes ingredients such as vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and spices like black pepper and cayenne pepper. The sauce is used to marinate the meat before cooking and then served on the side for dipping or drizzling over the finished dish.

In terms of meat choices, South Carolina BBQ most commonly features pork, specifically pulled pork or ribs. The pork is typically slow-cooked over a wood fire or in a smoker until it becomes tender and flavorful. The long cooking process allows the meat to absorb all of the smoky flavors from the wood, resulting in a rich and savory dish.

Making Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce

What I love about this recipe, besides that it tastes amazing, is how simple it is. No simmering, no grinding, just combine, mix and serve.

Here are your ingedients:

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Measure out your ingredients, and my suggestion would be to add them to a mason jar. You can easliy serve from and store from the mason jar. Add a lid and before serving give the ingredients a shake. When making this, I would recommend doing it a day in advance to really give those flavor some time to blend.

Serving Carolina BBQ Sauce

Carolina BBQ sauce is a tangy and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled or smoked meats. Here are some tips on the best way to serve and how to serve Carolina BBQ sauce:

• This is great when used on any kind of pulled pork or pulled chicken sandwich
• You can use this as a dipping sauce for wings, or ribs
• As a marinade, this can add a ton of flavor, simply add it to the meat and let marinade for about 4-5 hours

Carolina BBQ sauce is a delicious condiment that adds a unique flavor and tang to grilled or smoked meats. The versatility of Carolina BBQ sauce makes it a staple at cookouts and barbecue joints across the country, proving that good taste knows no boundaries. So next time you crank up the grill or smoker, add some Carolina BBQ sauce to bring your meal to new heights.

Thanks for being here and checking out this Carolina BBQ Sauce recipe. I hope you enjoy it! We always appreciate comments, 5 star recipe rating and social media shares. As always, keep that smoke rolling!

Need some other sauces or sides to enjoy at your next BBQ? Here are some suggestions:

• Apple BBQ Sauce
• Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce
• Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce
• Mexican Dry Rub
• Salt Free BBQ Rub
• Spicy Mac and Cheese Recipe
• Grilled Twice Baked Potato
• Old Bay Potato Wedges

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