North Carolina Barbecue Sauce
A tangy North Carolina-style barbecue sauce with vinegar, spices, and a hint of mustard, perfect for grilled meats and adding bold flavor to barbecue dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients except the dry mustard and 6 teaspoons water in a small stainless steel or enamel saucepan. Bring to a rapid boil, then simmer 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Dissolve the dry mustard in the cold water, then thin it out with some of the hot vinegar sauce.
- Stir the mustard mixture into the sauce.
- Let cool and store in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce. If you're out of peanut oil, vegetable or canola oil can be used as substitutes. Consider using fresh thyme instead of dried for a brighter flavor. This sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste by varying the sugar or salt levels.
Serving Suggestions
This North Carolina barbecue sauce is perfect for pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, or as a marinade for ribs. It pairs beautifully with Cabbage Apple Slaw for a refreshing side. Drizzle it over burgers or use it as a dipping sauce for fried foods to enhance your meal with a tangy kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve the flavors and consistency. This sauce can also be frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of North Carolina Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 259 calories, with 7g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1778mg per serving (77% 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 in advance?
Absolutely! This barbecue sauce tastes even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together. Make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before using it to recombine any settled ingredients.
Is this sauce suitable for canning?
While the recipe is not specifically designed for canning, you can process it in a hot water bath if you adjust the acidity. Ensure the vinegar content meets safe canning standards. For best practices, refer to guidelines from food preservation resources.
What can I use if I don't have vinegar?
If you're out of vinegar, you can substitute it with lemon juice for a different tangy flavor. Alternatively, apple cider vinegar offers a similar taste profile while adding a hint of sweetness. Adjust the sweetness in the recipe as needed to maintain balance.
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).