Description
This North Carolina BBQ Sauce recipe is a tangy, vinegar-based sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and spice. Featuring apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and classic seasonings, it’s ideal for adding a bold kick to your grilled or smoked meats. The quick simmer method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an authentic choice for BBQ lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust based on desired sweetness)
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring intermittently. This step thickens the sauce slightly and intensifies the flavor.
- Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust according to preference. Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat, more sugar for sweetness, or more vinegar for tanginess to customize the sauce to your liking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat once the sauce has thickened slightly. Allow it to cool to room temperature before serving. This sauce pairs wonderfully with pulled pork, grilled chicken, or other southern BBQ dishes.
- Store: Transfer any leftover sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Shake or stir before use to recombine ingredients as some separation may occur during storage.
Notes
- You can customize the sweetness and heat level by adjusting the brown sugar and hot sauce quantities.
- Using apple cider vinegar imparts a traditional tang synonymous with North Carolina BBQ sauce.
- Keep an eye on the sauce while simmering to prevent burning or sticking to the pan.
- This sauce is great as a marinade or a finishing sauce for grilled meats.
- Store in the refrigerator and use within two weeks for optimal flavor and food safety.
