Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (2024)

Published June 30, 2021.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This simple-to-make delicious vinegar-based Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce has the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy for all of your BBQ dishes.

Sauces can oftentimes make or break recipes, especially when it comes to BBQ. If you want to try out some new sauces that will absolutely make your next smoked pork shoulder or smoked ribs amazing, then definitely try my Sweet BBQ Sauce or Mustard BBQ Sauce.

Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (1)

Carolina BBQ Sauce

Eastern North Carolina BBQ sauce is considered the mother of all the BBQ sauces out there. With generations-old history, this thin condiment is fantastic when mopping your whole hog barbecue all day long. The well-balanced combination of flavors greatly enhances the flavor of smoked proteins and helps to tenderize due to the high vinegar content.

The basic ingredients for this tasty Carolina style Vinegar BBQ Sauce are:

  • Vinegar: Most often apple cider is vinegar.
  • Spices: Pepper, cayenne, salt, and onion are commonly used.
  • Red Pepper: Crushed pepper flakes are a staple
  • Hot Sauce: any hot sauce will do.

How to Make BBQ Sauce from Scratch

Use these easy-to-follow instructions for making this delicious Carolina BBQ sauce from scratch:

Add the vinegar and brown sugar to a medium-size saucepot and bring to a boil.

Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (2)

Turn the heat down and add in the remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.

Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (3)

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: You can make this up to 3 days ahead of time. The longer it sits the more flavors that will come out.

How to Reheat: Add the desired amount to a small size saucepot and cook over low heat until warm.

How to Store: Cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 21 days. This will not freeze well.

Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (4)

Chef Notes + Tips

  • Substitute the onion and garlic granules with powder.
  • You can lightly caramelize finely minced garlic and onions in oil before adding it to this recipe substituting for the onion and garlic granules.
  • This would go excellent with beef, pork, chicken, and French fries.
Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (5)

More Sauce Recipes

  • Pesto
  • Tahini
  • Beurre Blanc
  • Chimichurri
  • Mornay

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Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (6)

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Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe

Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (7)

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5 from 37 votes

This simple-to-make tasty vinegar-based Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce has the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy for your BBQ.

Servings: 4 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic granules
  • 2 teaspoons onion granules
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1/3 cup of ketchup

Instructions

  • Add the vinegar, brown sugar, and salt to a medium-size pot and bring to a boil.

  • Add in all the other ingredients and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.

  • Cool and serve.

Notes

Chef Notes:

Make-Ahead: You can make this up to 3 days ahead of time. The longer it sits the more flavors that will come out.

How to Reheat: Add the desired amount to a small size saucepot and cook over low heat until warm.

How to Store: Cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 21 days. This will not freeze well.

Substitute the onion and garlic granules with powder.

You can lightly caramelize finely minced garlic and onions in oil before adding it to this recipe substituting for the onion and garlic granules.

This would go excellent with beef, pork, chicken, and French fries.

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1418mgPotassium: 284mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 699IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mg

Course: sauce

Cuisine: American, southern

Author: Chef Billy Parisi

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81 comments

    • Doug Armstrong

    How do you thicken it up?

    • Reply
    • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (8)

        It’s not supposed to be thick.

        • Reply
      • Rhonda
      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (9)

      Yes I did make it. It was great! I will definitely put this in my recipe file.

      • Reply
      • Deborah Sanders

      Can this sauce be made and canned in jars for my pantry??

      • Reply
      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (10)

          without testing it, I’m not 100% sure.

          • Reply
        • Sharon Jordan
        • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (11)

        I made this, and now it stays in my refrigerator forever! This reminds me of my grandmom-I let it simmer just a tad so that it can thicken up even more… Just like hers! Thank you Chef, for your ability to help me to remember her through your food.🌹

        • Reply
        • Kim
        • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (12)

        We all loved it.

        • Reply
        • Marie Wilson
        • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (13)

        Love your videos. Thanks!

        • Reply
        • KEN TERRY
        • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (14)

        Just the way my granny made it.

        • Reply
        • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (15)

            love it!

            • Reply
          • Barbie Doll
          • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (16)

          Elevated my BBQ and everyone begged for the secret. I told them Chef Billy Parisi springs my cooking to a higher level with simple techniques. 😊

          • Reply
          • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (17)

              excellent!

              • Reply
            • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (19)

                so good!!

                • Reply
              • Marlin
              • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (20)

              Simple and a really good sauce.

              • Reply
              • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (21)

                  so good!!

                  • Reply
                • Janet Miehle
                • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (22)

                I’ve been looking for a good recipe for Carolina barbecue sauce.. we lived and breathed the whole hog barbeque places when we lived there 40 years ago.. this sauce is the closest one to those that i ever had.. so good.. thank you

                • Reply
                • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (23)

                    my pleasure!

                    • Reply
                  • Cheryl

                  The nutrition chart at the bottom of the recipe. Is that for a total of all 4 cups or what?

                  • Reply
                  • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (24)

                      yes

                      • Reply
                    • Chris Powell
                    • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (25)

                    Absolutely delicious!

                    • Reply
                    • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (26)

                        many thanks!

                        • Reply
                      • Tim Bramsen
                      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (27)

                      Awesome sauce! Thanks!

                      • Reply
                      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (28)

                          my pleasure!

                          • Reply
                        • Andy Heath
                        • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (29)

                        Awesome! From pork to chicken, really adds great flavor!

                        • Reply
                        • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (30)

                            so good!!

                            • Reply
                          • Camille Sutherland
                          • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (31)

                          Every Chef Billy Parisi recipe I make is just perfect! Thank you! <3

                          • Reply
                          • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (32)

                              Awesome!

                              • Reply
                            • Spitz Debra
                            • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (33)

                            Loved the vinegar based sauce!!

                            • Reply
                            • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (34)

                                so good!!

                                • Reply
                              • Jody Hart
                              • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (35)

                              As a professional BBQ Judge I really loved your recipes of the different sauces!!! Thank you so much!

                              Jody Hart

                              • Reply
                              • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (36)

                                  that’s awesome!

                                  • Reply
                                • Capt. Jeff Polizzotto
                                • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (37)

                                My favorite BBQ sauce. Solid recipe. Miss that here in Alaska-brings me back to Hickory, North Carolina.❤️⚓
                                #themaggiesea.com

                                • Reply
                                • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (38)

                                    so good!!

                                    • Reply
                                  • Doug Bearden
                                  • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (39)

                                  Excellent BBQ sauce!

                                  • Reply
                                  • Eli Pupovac

                                  Gonna make it this week-sounds like a knockout!

                                  • Reply
                                  • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (41)

                                      Excellent, my friend!

                                      • Reply
                                    • Sara R.
                                    • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (42)

                                    This sauce turned out amazing! We put a pork loin in the crockpot for 4 hrs, then shredded it & added this sauce. Was so tasty with some homemade coleslaw on a grilled Hawaiian bun 😋

                                    • Reply
                                    • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (43)

                                        Perfect!

                                        • Reply
                                      • Ryan Raymond
                                      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (44)

                                      It was pretty tasty but was lacking a bit of heat for my palette. Added some gochujang and that kicked it up.

                                      • Reply
                                      • Sherry

                                      Can I use some of the Carolina sauce on my Boston Butt while it is almost done when cooking it in slow cooker?

                                      • Reply
                                      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (45)

                                          why not?

                                          • Reply
                                        • James Danley
                                        • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (46)

                                        Great sauce. I’m a die-hard Memphis BBQ fan but this one is on point and way better for pulled sandwiches (sorry Mr. Neely).

                                        • Reply
                                        • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (47)

                                            thanks for giving it a shot!!

                                            • Reply
                                          • Susan

                                          This is the BEST!I don’t like bbq sauce,but Billy I adore yours.ty for a sauce I use on almost anything

                                          • Reply
                                          • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (48)

                                              so good!!

                                              • Reply
                                            • Nick C
                                            • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (49)

                                            Made the sauce two days ago. Used it on chicken today. It was delicious. Thank you.

                                            • Reply
                                            • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (50)

                                                thanks for giving it a shot!!

                                                • Reply
                                              • Debby Sheets
                                              • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (51)

                                              Delicious! My family loved it’

                                              • Reply
                                              • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (52)

                                                  Awesome!

                                                  • Reply
                                                • Tim

                                                I made a keto version. Using no sugar ketchup, Swerve Brown Sugar Substitue. As the ketchup had no sweetner and Swerve is not as rich as reg brown sugar I doubled it so ½ cup packed.

                                                Used Frank’s Hot sauce and left the pepper flakes out. Added 1 tsp of gluten free soy.

                                                It is awesome. Such a simple recipe that was super easy to convert to sugar free. Tangy mildly sweet with a hint of heat on the backside. Ideal for pulled pork and good for chicken.

                                                Makes a great mop as well for the pit.

                                                • Reply
                                                • Kimberly LaRoux
                                                • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (53)

                                                This BBQ sauce is fabulous! It’s the perfect amount of heat and sweet/ acidic balance. I’ve made several of Chef Parisi’s recipes and I’ve not been disappointed in a single one! They’re all equally wonderful!

                                                • Reply
                                                • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (54)

                                                    thank you so kindly!!

                                                    • Reply
                                                  • Andria Hall

                                                  New favorite! We will be barbequing all summer just for this sauce!

                                                  • Reply
                                                  • Sherri Voebel
                                                  • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (55)

                                                  This is delicious and so easy to make!

                                                  • Reply
                                                  • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (56)

                                                      so good!!

                                                      • Reply
                                                    • Sue
                                                    • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (57)

                                                    I left a bit of sugar and ketchup out, as husband diabetic. So good. Love your videos, humor, and ability to speak to all levels of “chefs”. Thank you.

                                                    • Reply
                                                    • Andy Heath
                                                    • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (58)

                                                    Awesome !

                                                    • Reply
                                                    • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (59)

                                                        fantastic

                                                        • Reply
                                                      • Amy Dawson
                                                      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (60)

                                                      The best sauce recipe! So easy and delicious! Has become a family favorite for our BBQ’ing.

                                                      • Reply
                                                      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (61)

                                                          excellent!

                                                          • Reply
                                                        • Kelly Smith
                                                        • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (62)

                                                        So delicious !

                                                        • Reply
                                                        • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (63)

                                                            fantastic

                                                            • Reply
                                                          • Cathy

                                                          Delicious !

                                                          • Reply
                                                          • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (64)

                                                              many thanks!

                                                              • Reply
                                                            • HCampbell
                                                            • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (65)

                                                            Made this on Memorial Day to serve with smoked pork butt. When I was putting it together, my husband was skeptical about the vinegar. But once we put it on our pulled pork, we were both completely sold. That acidity brightened the flavor of the meat, and really complimented the flavor of the rub. Fantastic!

                                                            • Reply
                                                            • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (66)

                                                                thanks for giving it a shot!!

                                                                • Reply
                                                              • Linda
                                                              • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (67)

                                                              Made this today! House smells like vinegar heaven! Just the right amount of kick. Thank you!!

                                                              • Reply
                                                              • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (68)

                                                                  Awesome!

                                                                  • Reply
                                                                • Carol O’Brien

                                                                So love your shows and watching you make all those yummy recipes!! Do you think you could post the recipes each time you make something in the comments so we can screenshot it!! I just love Pasticio. I hope I spelled it correctly is Greek lasagna FU could make that I would greatly appreciate it and love the recipe.!!

                                                                • Reply
                                                                • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (69)

                                                                    In the comments of what?

                                                                    • Reply
                                                                  • Cathie Zimmerer
                                                                  • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (70)

                                                                  I added a dash of soy to half of it and extra sugar in other half, both were delicious

                                                                  • Reply
                                                                  • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (71)

                                                                      nice!

                                                                      • Reply
                                                                    • Tami
                                                                    • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (72)

                                                                    I love this recipe….for slaw burgers it is a must!

                                                                    • Reply
                                                                    • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (73)

                                                                        so good!!

                                                                        • Reply
                                                                      • M
                                                                      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (74)

                                                                      Great flavor. Mine came out thick rather than the thin sauce pictured (I halved the recipe and maybe cooked it too high for the 15 minutes?) but the sauce is still great. I used fresh onion and garlic. Siracha for my hot sauce. Nice spicy taste. Will cook at a lower temp next time to see if it’s more saucy

                                                                      • Reply
                                                                      • Terri Armstead
                                                                      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (75)

                                                                      I LOVE this sauce. Family doesn’t like the heat of the pepper so when I make it again, I will see how it is with half the pepper. Thank you!!

                                                                      • Reply
                                                                      • chuck
                                                                      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (76)

                                                                      its on the stovetop now simmering…..i substituted my powdered smoked habaneros i grew in my garden for the pepper flakes.,….. Oh My this is coming out terrific….

                                                                      • Reply
                                                                      • Donna A Pollock
                                                                      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (77)

                                                                      I have made this recipe 3 rimes in one week already. It’s so good I think someone here must be drinking it….. We have a Fathers Day/ Birthday part this weekend and we are putting this on everything. We love you Sweet Vinegar Based sauce. You can always make it a little hotter or just keep it cool for the kids, and older adults that can’t take to much heat…Thank you so much for all your recipes….

                                                                      • Reply
                                                                      • Catrina Watkins
                                                                      • Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (78)

                                                                      Okay, I’m looking forward to making this and I’m going to try this on some Shrimp… yes BBQ shrimp 🍤

                                                                      • Reply
                                                                    Vinegar Based Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe (2024)

                                                                    FAQs

                                                                    What makes Carolina BBQ sauce different? ›

                                                                    Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Sauce

                                                                    Unlike many modern sauces, the eastern-style uses no tomato, relying instead on a tart combination of vinegar (usually cider vinegar) and added spices like cayenne, black pepper, crushed red pepper, hot sauce (often Texas Pete), salt, and sometimes water.

                                                                    Is South Carolina BBQ vinegar based? ›

                                                                    S.C. is known for a variety of sauces (dictated by geography): vinegar-pepper, light tomato, heavy tomato + mustard-based sauce – which is unique to S.C. Search for BBQ in your area here. Like the other two, S.C.'s sauce is made with vinegar, but this time the added ingredient is mustard.

                                                                    Which vinegar is best for barbecue sauce? ›

                                                                    Apple cider vinegar is most common in barbecue sauce, but rice vinegar can do the job nicely without being so heavily tart. You can also look to citrus fruit for acidity as well.

                                                                    How long does homemade vinegar-based barbecue sauce last? ›

                                                                    This BBQ sauce will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

                                                                    What state is known for vinegar-based barbecue sauce? ›

                                                                    Duke's Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce originates from the Piedmont region of western North Carolina. Born out of a state-wide barbecue divide, this tangy, vinegar-based sauce adds a touch of tomato paste for sweetness and color.

                                                                    What is the difference between Carolina BBQ and Kansas City BBQ? ›

                                                                    For example, Kansas City BBQ typically features a sweet tomato-based sauce with a tangy taste. There are many different barbecue styles, but two of the most popular are Kansas City and Carolina. Carolina BBQ typically is spicier and uses vinegar as a base for their sauces.

                                                                    Is Sweet Baby Ray's vinegar based? ›

                                                                    Sweet Baby Ray's Original Hot Sauce is a delicious blend of aged cayenne and vinegar that will keep you coming back again and again. It's also the base of all Sweet Baby Ray's legendary Buffalo Wing Sauces.

                                                                    Why add apple cider vinegar to BBQ sauce? ›

                                                                    When it comes to barbecue sauce, ACV brings the tanginess with an added touch of sweetness. You've got apple notes, as well as that element of cider — both welcome nuances to BBQ sauce. The needed acidity for balance is there but without all the sharp edges of white vinegar.

                                                                    Why do you spray vinegar on BBQ? ›

                                                                    Spritzing meat helps prevent it from drying out, enhances the flavour profile, promotes a crispy crust outside with tender meat inside, and helps rubs absorb better. My favourite choice for spritzing meat is a mix of apple cider vinegar and water as it helps balance fatty cuts of meat, add moisture, and inject flavour.

                                                                    What does vinegar do for BBQ? ›

                                                                    The advantage of vinegar in sauces is that it has an additional tenderizing effect that helps make barbecue pull apart perfect. The gentle acid of vinegar tenderizes the meat during the process making it as tender as possible as well as adding that tangy flavor that is the cornerstone of Carolina barbecue.

                                                                    Can you freeze vinegar based BBQ sauce? ›

                                                                    You can definitely freeze barbecue sauce — and you should if you're not going to use it within two weeks.

                                                                    What's so special about North Carolina BBQ? ›

                                                                    North Carolina: Home to the “Original” BBQ Recipe

                                                                    The meat must be barbecued, meaning cooked at a low temperature for a long time with heat and smoke flavoring the meat from a fire of hardwood and/or hardwood coals. The meat must be pork (whole hog, shoulder, or occasionally ham).

                                                                    What is the difference between Western and Eastern Carolina BBQ sauce? ›

                                                                    The base of the sauce is both vinegar and ketchup, and it's that flavor that really separates Eastern and Western North Carolina. Western pork is sweeter with a sauce that's redder in color, but the flavor is still tangy due to the vinegar component.

                                                                    What is special about South Carolina BBQ? ›

                                                                    South Carolina is home to several distinct styles of barbecue characterized by different cuts of meat, types of barbecue sauce and preparation. It is particularly well known for the heavy emphasis on pork and the popularity of a mustard-based barbecue sauce in the central part of the state.

                                                                    What does Carolina style BBQ taste like? ›

                                                                    The Carolinas BBQ

                                                                    This BBQ style has two camps: North and South Carolina. Proponents of both styles favor pork as the main meat. In North Carolina, the pork is typically brushed with a spice-and-vinegar mop as it's cooking. It's then portioned out and served with a ketchup-based sauce on the side.

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