Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe

A clear glass canning jar of vinegar based eastern carolina bbq sauce beside bbq pulled pork.

Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe

This Eastern North Carolina–style BBQ sauce is vinegar-based, super easy to make, and perfect as a bold finishing sauce or marinade. Great for summer grilling—use it on pulled pork or chicken, even grilled tofu and veggies. This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, low carb, and fits both vegan and vegetarian diets.

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Author Kori Butler

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 3

Total Time 8

Course Dressing, Sauces, and Seasoning

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 18 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup apple cider vinegar
▢ ½ cup white vinegar
▢ 1 tablespoon brown sugar
▢ 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
▢ 1 teaspoon hot sauce like Texas Pete or Frank’s
▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warmed through—do not boil.
Remove from heat and let cool. For best flavor, refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Kori's Tips

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes, check out my post above.

TIPS

This is a thin, pourable sauce with a sharp vinegar bite—ideal for soaking into shredded pork. Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you prefer it spicier. Keeps well refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks.

SUBSTITUTIONS

You can use all apple cider vinegar if you don’t have white vinegar. Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness. Crushed red pepper flakes can be replaced with cayenne pepper for a more uniform heat.

HOW TO USE IT

Use as a finishing sauce or marinade for pulled pork, chicken, grilled proteins, tofu, or vegetables. Drizzle over sandwiches or serve as a table sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 18kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.05gFat: 0.04gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 164mgPotassium: 29mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 76IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.1mg

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