Carolina barbecue sauce has a distinct, tangy flavor that sets it apart from other regional barbecue styles. Making your own authentic Carolina-style barbecue sauce at home is easy with just a few simple ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious Carolina barbecue sauce from scratch.

Ingredients Needed

1 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (Tabasco, Cholula, etc)
1 tablespoon brown mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Vinegar Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, mustard, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar has dissolved.

Simmer the Sauce

Transfer the vinegar mixture to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Adjust Flavor as Needed

Once cooled, taste the barbecue sauce and adjust flavor as desired. Add more vinegar for extra tang, or more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Add additional spices if you like more heat.
For a smoother sauce, pour into a blender and puree until smooth.

Storage

Transfer finished barbecue sauce to an airtight container or jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Usage Tips

Use as a marinade, basting sauce, or dipping sauce for barbecue pork, chicken, ribs, etc.
Brush on meat during the last few minutes of grilling or roasting.
Add as a finishing sauce after meat is cooked.
Serve alongside classic Carolina pulled pork or smoked brisket.

FAQs About Making Carolina BBQ Sauce

What type of vinegar should I use?

Apple cider vinegar is traditional, but white distilled vinegar also works. Stay away from balsamic, red wine or rice vinegars.

Can I use yellow mustard instead of brown?

Yes, yellow mustard can be substituted in equal amounts. Some pitmasters even use a 50/50 mix of yellow and brown mustards.

What flavor profile is Carolina barbecue sauce?

It has a tart, tangy flavor from the vinegar base balanced by sweetness from sugar/molasses. Spicy but not overly hot.

How is it different than Kansas City or Texas bbq sauce?

Carolina sauce is thinner and more acidic from the prominent use of vinegar. KC and Texas sauces rely more on tomatoes, molasses and spices for flavor.

What meats pair best with Carolina bbq sauce?

Classic choices are pulled pork, smoked chicken or turkey, beef brisket. It also tastes great on shrimp, ribs, smoked sausage or veggie kebabs.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce up to 2 weeks ahead and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before using.

Tips for the Best Homemade Carolina BBQ Sauce

Use high quality ingredients, especially the vinegar and spices. This will impact the overall flavor.
Simmer the sauce briefly to meld the flavors and reach the desired consistency. Don’t overcook or it may become too thick.
The amounts of hot sauce, mustard, and cayenne can be adjusted to suit your desired level of heat.
For even more complexity, stir in some Worcestershire powder, garlic powder or onion powder.
Let the sauce cool fully before using so the vinegar flavor isn’t overpowering. Reheat gently before applying to meat.
Shake the jar before each use to redistribute the ingredients evenly throughout the sauce.

With the right ratio of tangy vinegar to sweet, spicy and savory flavors, you can make an authentic, lip-smacking Carolina-style barbecue sauce. Brush this sauce on your smoked or grilled meats for that quintessential Carolina bbq flavor.

How to Make Carolina BBQ Sauce

Making delicious Carolina barbecue sauce is easy with this step-by-step guide. With just a few simple ingredients and basic steps, you can create an authentic, tangy Carolina-style bbq sauce at home to use on all your grilled and smoked favorites.

What Makes Carolina BBQ Sauce Unique?

Carolina barbecue sauce has some key characteristics that set it apart from other regional bbq sauces:

Prominent vinegar flavor – Cider and white vinegar provide tanginess and tartness. This acidity helps cut through the richness of pork and brisket.
Spicy but not overly hot – Just enough cayenne and hot sauce give it some heat without being too overpowering.
Balance of sweet and tangy – Brown sugar or molasses complement the tart vinegar base.
Thin, smooth texture – The sauce has a thinner consistency and often pureed smooth rather than chunky.

How to Make Classic Carolina Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients

1 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tbsp hot sauce (Tabasco, Texas Pete, Crystal)
1 tbsp brown or yellow mustard
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until thoroughly blended.
Transfer mixture to a saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a gentle simmer then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and allow sauce to cool to room temperature.
Adjust seasoning to taste – add more vinegar for tang or sugar for sweetness.
For a smooth texture, pour sauce into a blender and puree until smooth.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Usage Tips

Use as a baste, marinade, dipping sauce, or finishing sauce for grilled, smoked or roasted pork, chicken, turkey, shrimp, brisket.
Shake or stir sauce before each use to blend ingredients.
If the sauce separates, heat gently before using to blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of brown sugar is best?

Either light or dark brown sugar will work well in this sauce. Dark brown sugar will provide richer molasses notes.

Can I use regular yellow mustard?

Yes, you can substitute yellow mustard 1:1 for brown mustard. Some pitmasters even use an equal mix of both.

How spicy should it be?

Spice level is adjustable to taste. For less heat, use just 1 tbsp hot sauce and 1/4 tsp cayenne. For extra kick, add up to 2 tbsp hot sauce and 1/2 tsp cayenne.

What meats pair best with Carolina bbq sauce?

Pulled pork and smoked brisket are classic choices. It also goes great with chicken, turkey, ribs, sausage, shrimp, and veggies.

How long does homemade Carolina bbq sauce last?

Properly stored in the refrigerator, the sauce will keep for up to 2 weeks. Let sauce come to room temp before using if refrigerated.

With the right balance of tangy, sweet, spicy and savory flavors, you can make the perfect homemade Carolina-style barbecue sauce to pair with all your smoked barbecue favorites.

How to Make Carolina BBQ Sauce

Carolina barbecue sauce has a tangy, spicy flavor that is synonymous with southern BBQ cuisine. While you can certainly buy it pre-made, making your own Carolina bbq sauce at home allows you to customize it to your tastes and take your grilled meats to the next level.

Overview of Carolina BBQ Sauce

Vinegar-based – Cider and white vinegar provide a tangy, tart flavor profile. This acidity balances out the richness of pork.
Spiced with peppers – Cayenne, black pepper, and hot sauce like Tabasco provide heat and spice.
Sweetened with sugar – Brown sugar or molasses add sweetness to balance acidity.
Thinned with ketchup – Ketchup helps mellow the vinegar sharpness and gives color.
Seasoned – Mustard, Worcestershire, spices customize the flavor.
Thin texture – Finished sauce is smooth and thin enough to coat food.

How to Make It

Ingredients

1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp hot sauce
1 tbsp brown mustard
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp kosher salt

Steps

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk to blend well.
Transfer mixture to a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Reduce heat and let simmer 5 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and allow to cool before using.
Adjust flavors as needed – add more vinegar, sugar, or spices.
For smooth texture, puree sauce in a blender.
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 2 weeks.

Usage Tips

Shake or stir sauce before each use.
Use as marinade, dip, baste, finishing sauce.
Pairs well with pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken.
If sauce separates, gently reheat before using.

With some simple pantry ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make delicious homemade Carolina-style barbecue sauce. Adjust the flavors to create your own signature sauce to liven up grilled and smoked meats.

How to Make Carolina BBQ Sauce

Carolina barbecue sauce has a distinctive tangy, spicy flavor profile that sets it apart from other regional bbq sauces. Making authentic Carolina-style bbq sauce at home is easy with just a few basic ingredients.

OVERVIEW OF CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE:

Vinegar-based – Apple cider or white vinegar provides tangy tartness
Spiced with hot peppers – Cayenne, black pepper, hot sauce
Sweetened slightly – Brown sugar or molasses
Seasoned – Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, spices
Thin consistency – Coats food without overpowering

INGREDIENTS NEEDED:

1 cup cider vinegar
1⁄2 cup ketchup
1⁄4 cup light or dark brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tbsp hot sauce (Tabasco, Frank’s)
1 tbsp yellow or brown mustard
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1⁄2 tsp cayenne pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Whisk together all ingredients in a bowl until blended.
Pour mixture into a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and allow sauce to cool completely before using.
Taste and adjust sweetness, tartness, or spice level if desired.
For smooth texture, puree sauce in a blender.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

USAGE TIPS:

Shake or stir before use to blend any separated ingredients.
Use as marinade, basting sauce, dipping sauce, finishing sauce.
Pairs perfectly with pulled pork, chicken, shrimp, brisket, ribs, smoked sausage.
If sauce is too thick, thin with a bit of vinegar or water before using.

With some simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create your own delicious Carolina-style bbq sauce at home to liven up all your grilling favorites.

How to Make Carolina BBQ Sauce

Carolina barbecue sauce has a distinctive tangy, slightly spicy flavor that sets it apart from other regional bbq sauces. Making your own authentic Carolina-style barbecue sauce at home is simple with just a few basic ingredients.

Overview of Carolina BBQ Sauce

Vinegar-based – Cider and white vinegar provide a tart, acidic flavor
Lightly sweetened – Just a bit of brown sugar or molasses
Spiced with peppers – Cayenne, black pepper, hot sauce for heat
Thinned with ketchup – Helps mellow sharp vinegar taste
Savory seasonings – Worcestershire, mustard, spices for flavor
Thin consistency – Saucy without being sticky

Ingredients Needed

1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tbsp hot pepper sauce (Texas Pete, Tabasco)
1 tbsp yellow or brown mustard
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
Transfer mixture to a saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a gentle simmer then reduce heat to low.
Cook 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly reduced.
Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.
Taste and adjust flavor as needed – add more vinegar, sugar, or spices.
For smooth texture, blend sauce in blender.
Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Usage Tips

Shake or stir before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
Use as basting liquid, finishing sauce, marinade, dipping sauce.
Pairs well with pulled pork, brisket, chicken, shrimp, ribs.
If sauce thickens over time, thin with a bit of vinegar or water.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily make authentic, tangy Carolina-style barbecue sauce at home to elevate grilled, smoked and roasted meats.

How to Make Carolina BBQ Sauce

Carolina-style barbecue sauce has a distinctive tangy, mildly spicy flavor profile. Making your own authentic Carolina bbq sauce at home is easy with just a few simple ingredients.

Overview of Carolina BBQ Sauce

Vinegar-based – Cider and white vinegars provide a tart, acidic tanginess
Slightly sweetened – A bit of brown sugar or molasses for subtle sweetness
Spiced with peppers – Cayenne, black pepper, hot sauce for mild heat
Thinned with ketchup – Helps mellow the sharp vinegar taste
Savory seasonings – Worcestershire, mustard, spices for flavor
Thin, smooth texture – Coats food without overpowering

Ingredients Needed

1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tbsp hot pepper sauce
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until well blended.
Transfer mixture to saucepan over medium heat.
Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly reduced.
Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before using.
Taste and adjust flavors as needed.
For smooth texture, blend sauce in a blender.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Usage Tips

Shake or stir before using to blend any separated liquid.
Use as a marinade, basting sauce, finishing sauce, or dipping sauce.
Pairs well with pulled pork, chicken, brisket, ribs, smoked sausage.
If sauce thickens over time, thin with a bit of vinegar or water.

Making your own Carolina bbq sauce at home is easy and allows you to customize it to your preferences. The tangy, slightly spicy flavor profile goes perfectly with a variety of smoked and grilled meats.

How to Make Carolina BBQ Sauce

Carolina barbecue sauce is known for its distinctive tangy, slightly spicy taste. Making your own authentic Carolina-style bbq sauce at home is simple with just a few key ingredients.

Overview of Carolina BBQ Sauce

Vinegar-based – Cider and white vinegar provide tart, acidic flavor
Lightly sweetened – Small amounts of brown sugar or molasses
Spiced – Cayenne, black pepper, hot sauce bring mild heat
Seasoned – Worcestershire, mustard, spices add savory flavor
Thinned – Ketchup helps mellow the vinegar sharpness
Thin texture – Coats food without overpowering flavors

Ingredients Needed

1 cup apple cider vinegar
1⁄2 cup ketchup
1⁄4 cup light or dark brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tbsp hot pepper sauce
1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1⁄2 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until fully blended.
Transfer mixture to a saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and allow sauce to cool completely before using.
Taste and adjust sweetness, tartness, or spice level if needed.
For smooth texture, puree cooled sauce in a blender.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks