The Origin of North Carolina BBQ Sauce
North Carolina BBQ sauce is a regional specialty that has been around for decades. It originated from the eastern part of the state, where it was traditionally used to flavor pork. The sauce is made with vinegar, spices, and a few other ingredients, making it tangy, spicy, and delicious.The Ingredients
To make North Carolina BBQ sauce, you will need the following ingredients:- 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup of ketchup
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
The Preparation
To prepare the sauce, follow these simple steps:- In a large bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How to Use North Carolina BBQ Sauce
North Carolina BBQ sauce is traditionally used as a marinade or a finishing sauce for pork. To use the sauce as a marinade, simply coat the pork with the sauce and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cooking. To use the sauce as a finishing sauce, brush it onto the pork during the last few minutes of cooking.Variations
While the traditional North Carolina BBQ sauce is made with vinegar, there are many variations of the recipe. Some people prefer a sweeter sauce, while others like it spicier. Here are a few variations you can try:- Add more brown sugar for a sweeter sauce.
- Use less hot sauce for a milder sauce.
- Add more hot sauce for a spicier sauce.
- Use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor.