Authentic Carolina BBQ sauce for tangy, mustard-infused flavor. Elevate your grilling with this delicious sauce!
Are you ready to take your grilling game to the next level? Look no further than this tangy and flavorful Carolina BBQ sauce recipe. With its signature tanginess, a hint of mustard, and a touch of heat, this sauce will elevate your grilled meats to new heights.
Great on anything from Barbecued Ribs, Pork Burgers, or Grilled Chicken, this spicy and sweet sauce will surely be a hit.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and soy sauce brings out that authentic Carolina tanginess that complements grilled meats perfectly.
- The addition of yellow mustard adds a unique flavor profile that sets Carolina BBQ sauce apart from other styles.
- The blend of spices, including smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper, strikes a harmonious balance between flavor and heat.
What Is Carolina Bbq Sauce?
Carolina BBQ sauce is a tangy, vinegar-based barbecue sauce originating from the Carolinas in the United States. It’s known for its vinegar base, tanginess, and sometimes a hint of sweetness or heat. It’s used to marinate, baste, or dip meats like pork, ribs, and chicken. Variations include Eastern Carolina with vinegar and red pepper flakes, Western Carolina with added ketchup for sweetness, and South Carolina’s mustard-based sauce. Carolina BBQ sauce adds a unique flavor to slow-cooked meats and is a key part of the region’s barbecue traditions.
Ingredient Notes
Apple cider vinegar: Unfiltered apple cider vinegar provides a rich flavor and natural acidity. If unavailable, you can substitute with white vinegar or rice vinegar.
Ketchup: Use good-quality ketchup for a balanced flavor and smooth texture. Tomato sauce or tomato puree can be used as a substitute, but it may require adjustments in sweetness and seasoning.
Yellow mustard: Yellow mustard is the traditional choice for authentic Carolina BBQ sauce. Dijon mustard can be used as an alternative for a slightly different flavor profile.
Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar offers a rich, molasses-like flavor that complements the sauce well. Light brown sugar or granulated white sugar can be used instead.
Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the sauce. You can omit Worcestershire sauce if desired, which may slightly alter the overall flavor.
Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor to the sauce, enhancing the Carolina BBQ profile. Regular paprika can be used as a milder substitute, though it won’t provide smokiness.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder offers convenience and consistent flavor. Minced fresh garlic can be used as a substitute, but adjust the quantity to taste.
Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a moderate heat level. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preferred level of spiciness. You can also use hot sauce or red pepper flakes as alternatives.
Step By Step Instructions
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to desired heat level), and salt and black pepper to taste.
Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as desired, adding more salt, black pepper, or cayenne pepper to achieve the desired flavor and heat level.
Use the sauce as desired, or remove the saucepan from the heat and let the Carolina BBQ sauce cool. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container and store it in the fridge.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
- Carolina BBQ sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- To freeze, portion the sauce into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Erren’s Top Tips & Variations
- Adjust the level of heat: Increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance.
- Make it your own: Experiment with additional spices or ingredients like brown sugar or hot sauce to personalize the sauce.
- Baste and glaze: Brush the sauce on grilled meats during the last few minutes of cooking for an irresistible caramelized finish.
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Let’s Make Carolina BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to desired heat level
- Salt and black pepper to taste to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches desired thickness.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as desired, adding more salt, black pepper, or cayenne pepper to achieve the desired flavor and heat level.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the Carolina BBQ sauce cool.
- Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container. It can be used immediately or refrigerated for later use.
Willie Lee says
I don’t know what Carolina you are referring to but it is neither North or South, this is different from any BBQ sauce I have seen in either state. It may well be a good BBQ sauce, I just hate to see it represented as something it is not. Just my opinion I have eaten BBQ in both places, South Carolina is a mustard sauce and North Carolina is a vinegar based sauce, neither sauces are dark brown as shown in your recipe. Thank you, hope you will print this.
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you for your comment, Willie! You raise a valid point about the regional differences in BBQ sauces in the Carolinas. Traditional South Carolina BBQ sauce is indeed mustard-based, while North Carolina BBQ sauce is typically vinegar-based. The recipe I shared is inspired by these flavors, blending elements from both styles to create a unique sauce. It combines apple cider vinegar and mustard, but also includes ketchup and brown sugar, which gives it a darker color and a slightly different flavor profile. I appreciate your input and will consider your feedback for more accurate regional representations in the future. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
Erren Hart says
Your comment put a smile on my face. I’m happy that the recipe was a hit for you.
Cory says
I used this recipe for chicken wings over the weekend and everyone thought it was awesome!👌 I loved the spicy kick!
Erren Hart says
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback! It’s so good to hear that the chicken wings turned out awesome and that everyone enjoyed them.
Joe T says
I made this tonight with pork chops. It was awesome 👌
Erren Hart says
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review. I truly appreciate it.
Erren Hart says
I’m grateful for your kind words and hope you enjoy it!