Recipes

Recipes · BBQ

BBQ Sauce, North Carolina-Style

North Carolina BBQ sauce is a thin, tangy, and spicy vinegar-based sauce designed for pork, traditionally featuring cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Eastern NC style contains no tomato, while Western (Lexington) style adds a small amount of ketchup. It is used to baste pork while cooking and to dress it before serving.

BBQ · Quick & Easy · Sauces

★★★★★

BBQ Sauce, North Carolina-Style
Prep 5 min
Cook 25 min
Serves 1-2/3 cups.

North Carolina BBQ sauce is a thin, tangy, and spicy vinegar-based sauce designed for pork, traditionally featuring cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt.

Eastern NC style contains no tomato, while Western (Lexington) style adds a small amount of ketchup. It is used to baste pork while cooking and to dress it before serving.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup white vinegar
  • 2/3 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until flavors are blended.