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Carolina Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Homemade Carolina BBQ Sauce


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5 from 9 reviews

  • Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1/2 cup 1x

Description

This Carolina Barbecue Sauce recipe is easy to make and tastes delicious with everything. The homemade sauce is thick, tangy, slightly sweet, and so finger-lickin’ good that you will want to make it again and again.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar (240ml)
  • 3/4 cup ketchup (180ml)
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar (50g)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (15ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (5ml, such as Texas Pete’s)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (1g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, 1g)

Instructions

Combine Ingredients:

  • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, ketchup, dark brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

Cook the Sauce:

  • Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rapid simmer. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  • Cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce is glossy and thickened, about 15-18 minutes.

Adjust Seasoning:

  • Remove the saucepan from heat. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Cool and Store:

  • Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before using. Alternatively, let it cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Consistency: For a thicker sauce, simmer longer to reduce further.
  • Heat Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
  • Storage: The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tbsp
  • Calories: 40
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0g