N.C. Style Barbecue Sauce
A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with bold flavors from vinegar, Worcestershire, and spices, perfect for grilling or as a flavorful dipping sauce for meats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat A.1. sauce, water, butter, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan until hot.
- Add brown sugar, lemon juice and rind, dry mustard, Tabasco sauce, and herbs.
- Bring to a rapid boil, then reduce heat and simmer slowly for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the sauce. If A.1. sauce is unavailable, a mixture of soy sauce and ketchup can be a suitable substitute. Adjust the level of Tabasco sauce to suit your heat preference. Pair this sauce with smoked meats for an authentic taste. Explore more American recipes for great barbecue ideas.
Serving Suggestions
This N.C. Style Barbecue Sauce makes an excellent accompaniment to pulled pork or grilled chicken, enhancing their flavors with its tangy profile. Serve it alongside coleslaw and cornbread for a complete Southern-inspired meal. It also pairs beautifully with Yummy Rice Pudding for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent splatter. If the sauce thickens upon cooling, add a splash of water while reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of N.C. Style Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 662 calories, with 5g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (61% of the Daily Value), potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 723mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this barbecue sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit for a day allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing its taste. Just be sure to reheat it gently before serving.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To adjust the sweetness, you can add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Alternatively, if you want to reduce sweetness, consider decreasing the amount of brown sugar or adding a bit more vinegar to balance the flavors.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
While this barbecue sauce contains butter, it can be made vegetarian by substituting with a plant-based butter alternative. Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce used is vegetarian, as some brands may contain anchovies. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version of the sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).