Description
This homemade Carolina BBQ sauce is tangy, zesty, and full of Southern character. With its vinegar-forward bite, just the right touch of sweetness, and a hint of mustard and spice, it’s the perfect companion to pulled pork, grilled chicken, and all your summer BBQ favorites. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a bold and easy sauce that brings the smoky charm of the Carolinas straight to your kitchen. It stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day—so don’t hesitate to make a double batch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Whisk until well mixed.
- Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more sugar for sweetness, more pepper for heat).
- Let the sauce cool, then pour into a jar or bottle.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- The sauce gets better as it sits—make it a day ahead if possible.
- Warm before serving to enhance flavor.
- Use it as a mop sauce, marinade, or finishing drizzle.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg