Tangy Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce: Quick & Authentic Southern Recipe

Authentic North Carolina BBQ Sauce: Vinegar-Based Carolina Gold

Looking for the perfect North Carolina BBQ sauce to elevate your next cookout? This tangy, slightly sweet vinegar-based sauce captures the authentic flavors of Eastern North Carolina barbecue tradition that has been perfected over generations.

Why You’ll Love This Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce

• Authentic regional flavor that brings real Carolina barbecue taste to your table
• No cooking required – just shake and wait!
• Perfect for pulled pork and traditional whole hog barbecue
• Naturally low in calories compared to ketchup-based sauces
• Keeps well in the refrigerator for weeks

Ingredients for Classic North Carolina BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (like Texas Pete or Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How to Make Authentic North Carolina BBQ Sauce

1. Find a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid that can hold at least 2 cups of liquid.
2. Pour the white vinegar and apple cider vinegar into the container.
3. Add the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, hot pepper sauce, salt, and black pepper.
4. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
5. Let the sauce rest at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to begin melding.
6. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using for the best flavor development.
7. Shake well before each use as the spices will naturally settle.

Tips for Perfect Carolina Vinegar Sauce

• Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
• For authentic Eastern NC style, keep the sauce thin and vinegar-forward.
• Use quality vinegars – they’re the foundation of the sauce!
• Store in the refrigerator for up to a month in a sealed container.
• Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

How to Use Your North Carolina BBQ Sauce

In Eastern North Carolina, this sauce isn’t just a condiment – it’s an essential component of the barbecue process. Here’s how to use it authentically:

• As a mopping sauce during the final stages of smoking pork shoulder or whole hog
• Mixed directly into pulled pork after shredding to distribute flavor throughout
• Served on the side for diners to add extra tang to their sandwiches
• Drizzled over coleslaw for an authentic Carolina BBQ plate experience
• Try it with chicken! While traditionally for pork, this sauce also complements grilled or smoked chicken beautifully

The Regional History of North Carolina BBQ Sauce

North Carolina’s barbecue tradition is divided primarily between two styles: Eastern and Western (also called Lexington-style). This recipe represents the Eastern North Carolina tradition, where whole hog barbecue is dressed with a simple vinegar-pepper sauce without tomato. The acidic vinegar helps cut through the richness of the pork fat, creating a perfectly balanced bite that has stood the test of time since colonial days.

Nutrition Information

Whether you’re a barbecue purist or just looking to expand your culinary horizons, this authentic North Carolina BBQ sauce recipe delivers true Southern flavor with minimal effort. Give your pulled pork the tangy, spicy kick it deserves!

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes