Carolina barbecue is a unique style of barbecue that originated in the Carolinas. It is characterized by its use of vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork. One of the most popular sauces used in Carolina BBQ is the vinegar-based Carolina Vinegarette BBQ Sauce.
This sauce has a tangy flavour that perfectly complements the smoky flavour of the pork. In this article, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make this tangy, spicy, and underrated sauce that goes perfectly with pulled pork and show you 5 BBQ rubs to compliment that awesome Carolina BBQ Sauce.
History of Carolina Vinegarette BBQ Sauce
Carolina Vinegarette BBQ Sauce has its roots in the Carolina region. It is said to have been developed by farmers who used vinegar and spices to preserve their pork. Over time, the recipe was perfected and became a popular sauce for barbecue. The vinegar-based sauce was originally used to help tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor.
Today, Carolina Vinegarette BBQ Sauce is a staple of Carolina barbecue. It is made by combining vinegar, brown sugar, hot sauce, and other spices. The sauce is known for its tangy flavor, which pairs well with the smoky flavour of the pork.
Enough reading, let's get on and make it!
Ingredients
To make this delicious sauce, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper and chili flakes
- 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of Ketchup (or Tomato Sauce)
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
Procedure
Follow these simple steps to make your Carolina barbecue vinegarette sauce at home:
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by mixing all the ingredients in a bowl. It doesn't matter which order you add them in, but we recommend adding all the liquids first, followed by the salt, pepper, and chili, and then the brown sugar. Mix everything together thoroughly, making sure the brown sugar doesn't stick to the bottom of the bowl.
Step 2: Transfer to a Jar
Once you've mixed all the ingredients, transfer the sauce to an airtight jar. You can use any jar that you have on hand, but we recommend using one that's airtight and can be stored in the fridge. Use a funnel to transfer the sauce into the jar, making sure not to spill any of it.
Step 3: Store in the Fridge
It's important to store the sauce in the fridge for at least 24 hours before using it. This will give the flavors time to blend together and intensify. However, if you're short on time, you can store it for at least 2 hours. Just make sure to keep the lid on tight so the sauce doesn't spoil.
Step 4: Enjoy!
After the sauce has been in the fridge for the recommended amount of time, take it out and give it a good shake. You can now enjoy your delicious Carolina barbecue vinegarette sauce with pulled pork or even as a salad dressing. If you're using it as a salad dressing, we recommend transferring some of the sauce into an empty ketchup bottle for easy dispensing.
Tips and Tricks
- To intensify the flavor of the sauce, store it in the fridge for longer than 24 hours.
- Try using the sauce as a salad dressing for a tangy and light option.
- Use an empty ketchup bottle for easy dispensing of the sauce.
- The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
5 BBQ Rubs Perfect for Carolina BBQ Sauce
- Meat Church Honey Bacon BBQ: The perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a hint or two from the spices. Honey Hog BBQ Rub tastes better when you add Bacon! It's a signature rub that will make your food taste even more delicious than it already is - especially if we're talking about some good old-fashioned bacon grease basted flavoursome goodness on top (we know what u like)..
- Big Red Brand Pig Red Rub: This hand made by the Stockpot Kitchen, versatile spice mix adds a burst of flavour to any dish, from chicken and fish to pork and potato chips. But it's not just for food - this seasoning is so potent, it can even add vibrancy to a greying red beard (not that we speak from experience or anything).
- Four Monkeys BBQ Pork Rub: The Four Monkeys BBQ Pork Rub offers a delicious sweet smoky flavour with just a little kick to get your taste buds dancing. With the perfect blend of paprika, garlic, mustard and chilli, this competition grade BBQ rub has been created specifically for pork.
- Hardcore Carnivore Black BBQ Rub: This delicious blend of spices and seasonings is perfect for pork, ribs, chicken and more. Just apply generously to your protein of choice before cooking, and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the seasoning to really adhere.
- Bulldozer BBQ Original BBQ Rub: This rub isn't just smoky. It's mild, smoky and sweet together. Comes with the 'Chilli Sidekick' packet inside so you can set your own heat level. Sweet, Mild, Gorgeous colour. w/ Brown Sugar, Victorian Pink Lake Salt, Mixed Paprikas, Mustard, Coriander, Galangal
Conclusion
Making your own Carolina barbecue vinegarette sauce at home is not only easy but also a great way to switch up your pulled pork game. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make a tangy, spicy, and flavorful sauce that will impress your guests. So, give it a try and let us know how it turned out!
FAQs
- What is the difference between Carolina barbecue vinegarette and other barbecue sauces? Carolina barbecue vinegarette is a thinner and more acidic sauce compared to other barbecue sauces. It's made with apple cider vinegar, water, and spices and has a tangy and spicy flavour.
- Can I substitute any of the ingredients? Yes, you can experiment with the recipe by adding or subtracting ingredients to suit your taste. However, keep in mind that changing the recipe may alter the flavour of the sauce.
- Can I use this sauce on other meats besides pork? Yes, this sauce is versatile and can be used on any meat you like, including chicken, beef, or even fish.
- How long can I keep the sauce in the fridge? The sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks, but it's best to use it within a week for optimal flavour.
- Can I use this sauce as a marinade? Yes, you can use this sauce as a marinade for your meats before grilling or smoking. Just make sure to give it enough time to marinate before cooking.
- Is this sauce spicy? The amount of spiciness depends on your preference, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chili flakes.
