Eastern NC BBQ Sauce

This simple Eastern NC Barbecue sauce is vinegar based and perfect for mopping onto pork during the smoking process as well as dunking into and pouring over the finished pork.

This simple Eastern NC BBQ Sauce is vinegar based and perfect for mopping onto pork during the smoking process as well as dunking into and pouring over the finished pork.

Eastern North Carolina BBQ sauce is a classic and beloved condiment that has been a staple in Southern barbecue culture for generations. This vinegar-based sauce is known for its tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet profile, making it the perfect complement to the rich, smoky meat it typically accompanies.

Smoking a delicious pork butt at home is easy! Follow our step-by-step Smoked Pork Butt recipe.

What Makes This So Great?

Eastern NC BBQ sauce is great for its simplicity and bold taste. Unlike tomato-based sauces, this vinegar-based sauce cuts through the richness of smoked pork, enhancing its natural goodness without overwhelming it. The combination of apple cider vinegar, distilled white vinegar, brown sugar, and spices creates a tangy and spicy mix that pairs perfectly with pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. This sauce is also incredibly versatile, serving as both a mop sauce during cooking and a finishing sauce when serving. Its bright and lively taste can elevate any barbecue dish, making it a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

To make Eastern NC BBQ sauce, you don’t need any specialized equipment. Here’s a list of the basic kitchen items you’ll need:

• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Glass container or jar for storing the sauce

These common kitchen tools are likely already in your kitchen, making this sauce easy to whip up anytime you’re in the mood for some authentic Southern barbecue.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

The ingredients for Eastern NC BBQ sauce are simple and readily available. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds tanginess and depth.
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar: Balances the apple cider vinegar.
• ½ cup water: Dilutes the acidity slightly.
• 3 tbsp brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the other ingredients.
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes: Brings the heat.
• 1 tbsp hot sauce: Adds additional spice and depth.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: For a subtle garlic note.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a bit of savory depth.
• 1 tsp paprika: For color and mild spice.
• ½ tsp black pepper: Complements the other spices.

These ingredients come together to create a sauce that is both tangy and spicy, with just a hint of sweetness.

How To Make It

Making Eastern NC BBQ sauce is straightforward and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, bring the water, apple cider vinegar, and distilled white vinegar to a low boil.
2. Whisk: Whisk in the remaining ingredients until the brown sugar and salt have dissolved completely.
3. Cool: Pour the sauce into a glass container or jar and let it cool.
4. Use: Use some of the sauce to mop onto the pork while it’s cooking and save the rest to ladle onto smoked pork when serving.

This process takes about 15 minutes and yields a delicious homemade BBQ sauce that you can use right away or store for later.

What Is The History Behind This Recipe?

Eastern NC BBQ sauce has deep roots in North Carolina’s barbecue traditions. The sauce is an essential part of Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue, which focuses on whole-hog cooking. This style of barbecue dates back to colonial times when European settlers brought their cooking techniques to the New World. Over time, these techniques evolved, incorporating local ingredients and flavors.

The vinegar-based sauce is thought to have originated with the early English settlers who used vinegar as a preservative and flavor enhancer. In the hot and humid climate of the Carolinas, vinegar helped to preserve meat and added a tangy contrast to the rich, fatty pork. The simplicity of the sauce ingredients reflects the resourcefulness of early American cooks who used what was readily available to create flavorful dishes.

What Can I Switch Up To Make This Different If I Have Dietary Needs (Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free)?

Eastern NC BBQ sauce is relatively easy to adapt for various dietary needs:

Vegan:

• This recipe is naturally vegan since it contains no animal-derived ingredients.

Vegetarian:

• The recipe is also vegetarian as written.

Gluten-Free:

• Ensure that the hot sauce and other packaged ingredients are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free versions, so check the labels.

These simple adjustments make it easy to enjoy Eastern NC BBQ sauce no matter your dietary restrictions.

What is the difference between Western and Eastern Carolina BBQ sauce?

The primary difference between Western and Eastern Carolina BBQ sauces lies in their base ingredients and flavor profiles. Eastern Carolina BBQ sauce is vinegar-based, giving it a tangy and spicy profile. It typically does not contain any tomato products. In contrast, Western Carolina BBQ sauce, also known as Lexington or Piedmont style, includes a small amount of tomato ketchup or sauce, making it slightly sweeter and thicker.

What is an Eastern NC style barbecue?

Eastern NC style barbecue is a method of cooking that involves slow-cooking whole hogs over wood coals. The meat is seasoned with a simple vinegar-based sauce, which is mopped onto the pork during cooking and added when serving. This style focuses on the natural taste of the pork, enhanced by the tangy and spicy sauce.

What sauce is North Carolina known for?

North Carolina is known for its vinegar-based BBQ sauces. Eastern North Carolina is famous for its pure vinegar-based sauce, while Western North Carolina is known for its vinegar and tomato-based sauce.

Why is North Carolina BBQ different?

North Carolina BBQ is different because of its focus on vinegar-based sauces and the use of whole hogs in Eastern NC style. The state’s barbecue traditions emphasize the natural taste of the pork, enhanced by tangy and spicy vinegar-based sauces, rather than the sweeter, tomato-based sauces found in other regions.

How Should I Store This?

To store Eastern NC BBQ sauce, transfer it to a clean, airtight glass container or jar. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you make a larger batch or want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing the sauce in small portions. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good shake or stir before serving.

Eastern NC BBQ sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment with a rich history and a unique taste profile. Making it at home is simple and allows you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs. Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this vinegar-based sauce is sure to add a tasty twist to your meals.