If you’ve never had Carolina BBQ Sauce, you’re in for a treat! Unlike thick, tomato-based sauces, this Southern classic is bold, tangy, and packed with flavor, thanks to its vinegar-forward base. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky, making it a go-to sauce for pulled pork, ribs, grilled chicken, and even as a dipping sauce.
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Trust me—once you taste this zingy, finger-licking sauce, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought!
Why You’ll Love Carolina BBQ Sauce
Authentic Southern Flavor: This sauce is a true taste of North and South Carolina barbecue traditions, with just the right amount of heat and tang.
No Ketchup Needed: Unlike other BBQ sauces, this one skips the ketchup and focuses on vinegar, mustard, and spices for a more robust flavor.
Quick & Easy: Just whisk everything together and simmer—no complicated steps or long cooking times.
Versatile: Drizzle it over pulled pork, brush it on grilled chicken, or even use it as a tangy marinade.
Perfectly Balanced: A blend of vinegar, mustard, spices, and a hint of sweetness creates an irresistible, lip-smacking sauce.
Ingredients in Carolina BBQ Sauce
Every ingredient in this sauce plays a role in its signature tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor:
Apple Cider Vinegar: The heart of Carolina-style BBQ sauce, giving it that iconic tang.
Yellow Mustard: Adds richness and depth, especially in South Carolina’s mustard-based variation.
Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity and heat.
Honey (Optional): For a natural sweetness and silky texture.
Worcestershire Sauce: A little umami and depth to round out the flavors.
Hot Sauce: Brings the heat—adjust based on your spice preference.
Cayenne Pepper: For an extra kick (totally optional, but recommended for heat lovers).
Garlic Powder: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering.
Black Pepper & Red Pepper Flakes: The perfect blend of smoky heat to enhance the sauce.
Salt: Just enough to tie everything together.
How to Make Carolina BBQ Sauce
Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and spices until smooth.
Simmer & Stir: Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the spice, sweetness, or tanginess to your liking.
Cool & Store: Let the sauce cool before transferring it to a jar or bottle. It gets even better with time, so let it sit for a few hours before using!
Enjoy! Drizzle, brush, or dip—this sauce is ready to take your BBQ to the next level.
How to Serve Carolina BBQ Sauce
This sauce shines on just about anything BBQ-related:
Classic Pulled Pork: Toss shredded pork with this sauce for the ultimate Carolina-style sandwich.
Grilled Chicken: Brush it on grilled chicken for a smoky, tangy glaze.
Ribs: Slather it on ribs before and after grilling for maximum flavor.
Brisket: Serve as a dipping sauce for juicy, slow-cooked beef brisket.
Coleslaw Dressing: Mix with mayo for a tangy slaw dressing that pairs perfectly with BBQ.
Marinade: Use as a marinade for chicken, pork, or shrimp before grilling.
Additional Tips
Let It Sit: This sauce tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors meld together.
Adjust the Heat: Like it spicier? Add extra cayenne or hot sauce. Prefer it milder? Reduce the red pepper flakes.
Sweeten to Taste: If you like a sweeter BBQ sauce, add extra honey or brown sugar.
Thin or Thick? If you want a thinner sauce, add a little more vinegar. Want it thicker? Simmer longer to reduce.
Storage: Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A1: Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors meld.
Q2: Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
A2: You can, but apple cider vinegar gives a more authentic Carolina-style tang.
Q3: How long does this sauce last?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Q4: Can I freeze Carolina BBQ sauce?
A4: Yes! Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Q5: What’s the difference between North and South Carolina BBQ sauces?
A5: North Carolina sauce is vinegar-based with little to no mustard, while South Carolina sauce includes yellow mustard for extra richness.
Q6: Is this sauce keto-friendly?
A6: Yes, if you use a sugar-free sweetener instead of brown sugar and honey.
Q7: Can I make this sauce without mustard?
A7: Yes! Just increase the vinegar and brown sugar slightly to balance the flavor.
Q8: Can I use this sauce for dipping?
A8: Absolutely! It’s great for dipping fries, grilled meats, or even roasted veggies.
Q9: Can I thicken this sauce?
A9: Yes! Simmer it longer or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Q10: What meats pair best with this sauce?
A10: Pulled pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, smoked turkey, and even grilled shrimp all taste amazing with this sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold, tangy, and smoky barbecue flavors, this Carolina BBQ Sauce is a must-try. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and brings out the best in any grilled or smoked meat.
Print
Carolina BBQ Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: : About 1 ½ cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Carolina BBQ sauce is a tangy, vinegar-based sauce with a touch of mustard and sweetness, perfect for pulled pork, grilled chicken, ribs, or brisket. The combination of apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and smoky paprika creates an authentic bold Southern BBQ flavor that pairs well with all your favorite smoked or grilled dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
1️⃣ Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, add apple cider vinegar, mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, and honey (if using).
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2️⃣ Simmer & Thicken:
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens.
3️⃣ Cool & Adjust Flavor:
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar, if needed.
4️⃣ Store & Serve:
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve with pulled pork, ribs, grilled chicken, or brisket for an authentic Carolina BBQ experience!
Notes
- If you prefer spicier sauce, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Great for basting meats or as a dipping sauce.
- For thicker sauce, simmer a little longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg