Best 13 Eastern North Carolina Barbeque Sauce Recipes

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With its distinctive vinegar-based sauce and tender, smoky pork, Eastern North Carolina barbecue is a mouthwatering regional specialty that has captured the hearts and taste buds of barbecue enthusiasts across the country. This flavorful dish, often referred to as "pulled pork" or "vinegar barbecue," originated in the eastern part of the state, where locals perfected the art of slow-cooking pork over wood coals and basting it with a tangy, piquant sauce. Whether you're a seasoned barbecue connoisseur or a curious home cook looking to recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen, this article will guide you through the essential steps and provide you with the best recipe to make authentic Eastern North Carolina barbecue sauce, ensuring a delicious and unforgettable dining experience.

Let's cook with our recipes!

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA VINEGAR-AND-PEPPER BARBECUE SAUCE RECIPE



Eastern North Carolina Vinegar-and-Pepper Barbecue Sauce Recipe image

One of the classics of American barbecue sauce, and a favorite on pulled pork in particular, this vinegary sauce is big on spicy-tart flavor.

Provided by Daniel Gritzer

Categories     Condiments and Sauces     Sauce

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups (480ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (15g) coarsely ground black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons (20g) packed dark or light brown sugar
2 teaspoons (8g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt
2 teaspoons (10ml) hot sauce, such as Texas Pete
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (15ml) ketchup (optional)

Steps:

  • In a small bowl or squeeze bottle, combine vinegar, pepper, sugar, salt, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and ketchup (if using). Stir or shake well until sugar and salt are dissolved. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Dilute with a small amount of water, if desired. Use immediately as needed, or store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 14 kcal, Carbohydrate 2 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 210 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 0 g, ServingSize Makes about 2 cups (480ml), UnsaturatedFat 0 g

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BARBEQUE SAUCE



Eastern North Carolina Barbeque Sauce image

This piquant and spicy vinegar-based sauce, popular in Eastern North Carolina, is not for lightweights! It's great for all meats, but best on pork.

Provided by Lori

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     BBQ Sauce Recipes

Time 3h10m

Yield 64

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 quarts cider vinegar
¼ cup salt
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons red pepper flakes
1 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, mix together cider vinegar, salt, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, light brown sugar, and hot pepper sauce. Stir until salt and brown sugar have dissolved. Cover, and let stand at least 3 hours before using as a basting sauce or serving on meat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 16.8 calories, Carbohydrate 2.8 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.1 g, Sodium 8.1 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE



Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce image

I have tried a lot of recipes of Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce. This is the closest to what you will find in any of the BBQ Restaurants here in North Carolina. It is on the hot side, so you may wish to adjust the cayenne pepper and Tabasco™ sauce for milder flavor.

Provided by RODEO3829

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     BBQ Sauce Recipes

Yield 32

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™), or to taste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine the white vinegar, cider vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, hot pepper sauce, salt and pepper in a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 days before using so that the flavors will blend. Shake occasionally, and store for up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 4.1 calories, Carbohydrate 0.6 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Sodium 76 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

NORTH CAROLINA-STYLE BBQ SAUCE



North Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce image

Blending two vinegars helps re-create the BBQ sauce we love from my mother's North Carolina roots. - Gloria McKinley, Lakeland, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 25m

Yield 1-2/3 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 8

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

Steps:

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

Nutrition Facts : Calories 26 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 179mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges

EAST CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE



East Carolina BBQ Sauce image

On a recent trip to the East Coast, I discovered this bold, spicy Carolina BBQ sauce. I'm not a huge fan of the thick and sugary sauces you typically see, so this recipe really intrigued me. It was served with pulled pork, but I've tried it on chicken and it works beautifully. -Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 5m

Yield 1 cup.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
2 to 3 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a jar or shaker. Seal and shake until sugar has completely dissolved. Use or store at room-temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 15 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 305mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA-STYLE BARBECUE SAUCE



Eastern North Carolina-Style Barbecue Sauce image

Chris Schlesinger is the chef and an owner of the East Coast Grill in Cambridge, Mass., which he opened in 1985. He is also the author, with John Willoughby, of six cookbooks that relate somehow to the pleasures of fire. This is an adaptation of his recipe for barbecue sauce meant to be served with his pulled pork.

Provided by Sam Sifton

Categories     condiments, dips and spreads, sauces and gravies

Time 10m

Yield About 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Whisk ingredients together in a bowl. Drizzle on barbecued meat. Covered, sauce will keep about 2 months.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 39, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 4 grams, Fat 0 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 0 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 295 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BARBECUE



Eastern North Carolina Barbecue image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 10h50m

Yield 6 large servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 fresh pork butt, bone-in (this is the butt, or top portion, of the shoulder)
Kosher salt
Barbecue Sauce, recipe follows
2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons crushed red pepper
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Add hickory, oak, and maple chunks or chips to your smoker. Refer to the directions for your smoker to determine the correct amount of chips for the meat and for lighting instructions. When the chips are ready, add the pork and smoke it for 2 to 2 1/2 hours at 250 degrees F. Remove the pork and wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  • Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F.
  • Cook the pork for 6 to 8 hours or until the meat is tender and falls apart when the bone is removed. Chop the pork coarsely and mix in salt and barbecue sauce, to taste. Serve with more barbecue sauce on the side.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, red pepper, garlic, and salt over high heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-high. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes and then remove from the heat. Let cool then add the black pepper.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BARBECUE



Eastern North Carolina Barbecue image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 10h50m

Yield 6 large servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 fresh pork butt, bone-in (this is the butt, or top portion, of the shoulder)
Kosher salt
Barbecue Sauce, recipe follows
2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons crushed red pepper
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Add hickory, oak, and maple chunks or chips to your smoker. Refer to the directions for your smoker to determine the correct amount of chips for the meat and for lighting instructions. When the chips are ready, add the pork and smoke it for 2 to 2 1/2 hours at 250 degrees F. Remove the pork and wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Cook the pork for 6 to 8 hours or until the meat is tender and falls apart when the bone is removed. Chop the pork coarsely and mix in salt and Barbecue Sauce, to taste. Serve with more Barbecue Sauce on the side.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, red pepper, garlic, and salt over high heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-high. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes and then remove from the heat. Let cool then add the black pepper.

ED MITCHELL'S EASTERN CAROLINA BARBECUE SAUCE



Ed Mitchell's Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     condiment

Yield Serves 12+

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2 gallons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons salt
5 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
3 tablespoons sugar
2 cups water
2 cups Texas Pete hot sauce

Steps:

  • Combine ingredients in a container. Add to chopped barbecue to taste.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BBQ SAUCE



Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce image

There are lots of BBQ Sauce recipes out there, but I love the vinegar based NC sauce. It is very wet, and is great on pulled or chopped pork. We do not like it so much on chicken.

Provided by Beth roarsback

Categories     Sauces

Time 5m

Yield 2 cups, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco )
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine the white vinegar, cider vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, hot pepper sauce, salt and pepper in a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 days before using so that the flavors will blend. Shake occasionally, and store for up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 22, Fat 0.1, Sodium 341.2, Carbohydrate 2.8, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 2, Protein 0.1

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BARBECUE SAUCE WITH A WEST COAST TWIST



Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Sauce with a West Coast Twist image

I'm not sure if using honey instead of sugar really qualifies as a 'West Coast twist,' but it does ensure that people from North Carolina can't attack me for this Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue sauce not being authentic. Anyway, while this isn't exactly what you might find in the Tar Heel State, it was fantastic on pulled pork.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     BBQ Sauce Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 tablespoon honey, or other sweetener to taste
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon hot red pepper flakes
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup white distilled vinegar

Steps:

  • Whisk honey, black pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, apple cider vinegar, and white distilled vinegar together in a bowl. Let sauce sit overnight to blend flavors together.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 17 calories, Carbohydrate 3.5 g, Fat 0.2 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 0.2 g, Sodium 181.5 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

EAST CAROLINA BARBEQUE SAUCE



East Carolina Barbeque Sauce image

This barbeque sauce is used for East Carolina pulled pork. It can be used as a marinade, or add a little corn starch and make it into a thick mop sauce or basting sauce.

Provided by GRIZZLY_JIMM

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     BBQ Sauce Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups cider vinegar
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon ground dry mustard
½ cup butter
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup packed dark brown sugar

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix cider vinegar, molasses, ground dry mustard, butter, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Cook and stir until all sugar has dissolved. Do not allow the mixture to come to a boil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 126.1 calories, Carbohydrate 12.3 g, Cholesterol 20.3 mg, Fat 8 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 74.2 mg, Sugar 11.1 g

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BASIC BARBECUE SAUCE



Eastern North Carolina Basic Barbecue Sauce image

In eastern NC barbecue is served at ALL outdoor events from reunions of all types to political gatherings or church suppers. This sauce, courtesy the NC Pork Producers As'sn. is a basic sauce and can be varied to suit your own tastes. The sauce is NOT cooked before use!

Provided by Dan-Amer 1

Categories     Sauces

Time 15m

Yield 2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 quarts apple cider vinegar
2 ounces crushed hot red peppers
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients well. Use to baste pig while barbecuing and to season chopped barbecue with. You can store this in an airtight container without refrigeration for several days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220.3, Fat 0.2, Sodium 7028.2, Carbohydrate 13.5, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 5.4, Protein 0.9

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This includes using fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. There are many variations of Eastern North Carolina barbecue sauce, so feel free to adjust the recipe to your own taste.
  • Let the sauce simmer for a while to allow the flavors to develop. The longer you simmer it, the thicker and more flavorful it will become.
  • Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more vinegar, sugar, or spices to get the desired flavor.
  • Use the sauce on pork, chicken, or beef. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for vegetables or crackers.

Conclusion:

Eastern North Carolina barbecue sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used on a variety of foods. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. Whether you like it sweet, spicy, or tangy, there is an Eastern North Carolina barbecue sauce recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a new sauce to try, give Eastern North Carolina barbecue sauce a try. You won't be disappointed.

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