BBQ Sauce From Scratch (pt.II) - Zesty & Bold

July 23, 2023

This is our BBQ Sauce From Scratch pt.II featuring regions that embrace the boldness of vinegar and mustard. These sauces are characterized by their prominent use of vinegar, providing a tangy and zesty flavor profile. The Carolina styles use vinegar as the primary base, while Carolina Gold incorporates mustard for a unique twist. Alabama White BBQ sauce stands out with its mayo and vinegar combination, adding creaminess to the tangy profile. These sauces are popularly paired with pork and chicken. So let's get started:

1, Eastern Carolina

North Carolina's history of pork production and barbecue tradition led to the development of two distinct styles. The Eastern style from towns like Raleigh, Greenville, New Bern, and Wilmington, features a vinegar-based sauce, reflecting the region's abundant apple cider vinegar production.

Flavor Profile: Vinegary, tangy, and mildly sweet with a prominent apple cider vinegar taste.
Protein: Pork (especially pulled pork and whole hog).
Beverage/Alcohol Pairing: Sweet tea, apple cider, pale ale.

(image credit: savoryspicesshop.com)

Ingredients

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Transfer the sauce to a jar or bottle and let it sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Shake well before using it as a marinade or serving it with BBQ meats.

2, Western Carolina

The Western style, also known as the Lexington style, from towns like Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Asheville incorporates a tomato base, likely influenced by the availability of tomatoes in that region.

Flavor Profile: Tangy, slightly sweet, and smoky with a tomato and vinegar base.
Protein: Pork (especially pork shoulder and ribs).
Beverage/Alcohol Pairing: Sweet tea, red wine, lager beer.

(image credit: theesmeralda.com)

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups ketchup
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Texas Pete)

Spice blend:

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon salt

or using the local spice blends like BBQGuys Signature x Spiceology Carolina Rub

Instructions

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all the ingredients. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let it cool before using it to baste or serve with your favorite BBQ meats.

3, South Carolina (Carolina Gold)

South Carolina's love for mustard is evident in its unique BBQ sauce, known as Carolina Gold. The sauce's mustard base pays homage to the state's German heritage, as German immigrants historically settled in parts of South Carolina where this sauce became popular.

Flavor Profile: Mustardy, tangy, and subtly sweet with a vibrant yellow color.
Protein: Chicken (especially grilled or smoked chicken).
Beverage/Alcohol Pairing: Lemonade, ginger beer, wheat beer.

(image credit: palatablepastime.com)

Ingredients

1 cup yellow mustard
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)

Spice blend:

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt to taste

or using the local spice blends like Rub Some Butt Carolina Style

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer the sauce to a jar or bottle and let it sit for at least an hour before using it as a marinade or serving it with BBQ meats.

4, Alabama

Alabama's white BBQ sauce is distinctive and born out of creativity. Its mayonnaise-based recipe might have been a result of experimenting with different ingredients to create a unique flavor profile for chicken, which is a popular BBQ meat choice in the state.

Flavor Profile: Creamy, tangy, and mildly sweet with a prominent mustard taste.
Protein: Chicken (especially grilled or smoked chicken).
Beverage/Alcohol Pairing: Lemonade, wheat beer.

(image credit: www.dontsweattherecipe.com)

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer the sauce to a jar or bottle and refrigerate it for at least an hour before using it as a marinade or serving it with BBQ meats, especially chicken.

In the world of BBQ, vinegar and mustard-based sauces stand out with their tangy zing. From the Carolinas to Alabama, each style brings a unique twist to classic BBQ flavors. Embrace the bright, zesty charm of these sauces as you grill up your favorite meats, and savor the rich history and culinary heritage they represent.

If you are curious about what the rest of other places are doing with their BBQ sauces, check out these.