Carolina Barbecue Sauce
This tangy Carolina barbecue sauce is vinegar-forward with smoky spices and a hint of heat. Perfect for pulled pork, ribs, or grilled chicken!
August 2025 update: I first published Brants recipe for Carolina Barbecue Sauce back in November 2024. We have made it a fre times since then and still love it on smoked pulled pork. Its so good. I hope you like this update. I cleaned up the post a bit and added a few more tips for getting it just right.
👩🍳Brant’s Carolina Barbecue Sauce
My husband is a great chef when it comes to things like barbecue sauces and margaritas. His tangy, smoky Carolina style barbecue sauce was born for pulled pork. It leans heavy on vinegar for that bold kick and has just enough heat to keep things interesting. The flavor is sharp, peppery, and smoky, which makes it the perfect match for a classic pulled pork sandwich or a smoked pork butt fresh off the grill.
Pulled pork may be the obvious choice, but this sauce is just as good brushed over ribs or served alongside grilled chicken. If you really want to take your BBQ sandwich up a notch, drizzle plenty of sauce over the meat, pile it on a soft bun, and top it with crunchy coleslaw.
The heart of a true Carolina style sauce is vinegar. Apple cider vinegar gives it that signature tang, and a little water helps tone down the sharpness. Hot sauce adds a gentle burn, while mustard powder brings in a zesty note that works perfectly with pork. Onion powder softens the flavor with a touch of savory depth, and black pepper finishes it off with just the right bite.
Its easy to make and tastes so good.
🛒 Ingredients in Carolina Barbecue Sauce
🥣 How To Make Carolina Barbecue Sauce
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and pouring in the vinegar, a splash of water, and a good amount of hot sauce. Give everything a stir so the liquid base is well mixed. Next, sprinkle in the mustard powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir again until the spices dissolve into the liquid. They might float a little at first, but as the mixture warms up, they’ll blend right in.
Set the saucepan over medium heat. You don’t want the heat too high because vinegar can get sharp and overpowering if it boils hard. Aim for a gentle simmer, with just a few bubbles breaking the surface. Stir now and then to keep the spices from settling at the bottom. Let it cook for about ten to fifteen minutes so the flavors have time to come together and mellow out.
When the sauce has simmered, carefully taste a spoonful—blow on it first, because hot vinegar steam can be intense. This is your chance to adjust. If you want it spicier, add more hot sauce. If you prefer a smokier flavor, stir in a little smoked paprika or even a pinch of cayenne for more depth. Keep in mind that the sauce will taste stronger hot than it will once it cools, so don’t panic if it seems bold at this stage.
Take the saucepan off the heat and let the sauce cool down completely. Once it’s at room temperature, pour it into a mason jar or any airtight container. Since it’s vinegar-based, it’ll keep in the fridge for a couple of months, which makes it perfect for having on hand whenever you’re in the mood for pulled pork, ribs, or grilled chicken.
Love this recipe? Spread the love by leaving a star review or dropping a comment below! I’d really love to hear what you think. If this recipe hit the spot for you, you’d be helping me out big time by sharing it on Pinterest or Facebook!
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them (It won’t cost you extra, promise). This helps support my work and allows me to continue creating content. Rest assured, I only recommend products I personally use and love. Thank you for your support!
Carolina Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 cups Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ cup Water
- ¼ cup Hot Sauce (Add more if you think it needs it after you mix everything together)
- 1⅓ tbsp Mustard Powder
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 2 tbsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, pour in the 3 cups Apple Cider Vinegar, ½ cup Water, and ¼ cup Hot Sauce. Stir well to mix the liquids. Add 1⅓ tbsp Mustard Powder, 1 tbsp Onion Powder, 2 tbsp Black Pepper, and 2 tbsp Salt. Stir until all spices are fully dissolved.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes so the flavors blend and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Carefully taste the sauce (it’ll be hot!) and adjust as needed. Add more hot sauce for extra heat or additional smoked paprika for smokiness if desired.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Pour into a mason jar or airtight container and store in the fridge.
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use a different vinegar?
I would stick with Apple Cider Vinegar.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels, especially for hot sauces, to ensure no hidden gluten.
Serving Suggestions
This Carolina style barbecue sauce is made for pulled pork, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it. Pour it over slow cooked pulled pork and pile it onto a soft bun with coleslaw for the ultimate sandwich. Brush it onto smoked ribs during the last few minutes of cooking so the vinegar and spice soak into the meat without burning. It also works perfectly as a dipping sauce for grilled or smoked chicken. Just make sure to set a little aside before cooking so you are not mixing raw juices into the sauce.
If you like using marinades, try pouring some over chicken thighs or pork chops before grilling. The vinegar helps tenderize the meat while the spices bring a bold, smoky punch. You can even whisk a splash into potato salad or coleslaw dressing to match the flavors of your barbecue. It is also great with smoked sausage or brisket.
Other Barbecue Sauces
If you love Carolina style sauce, you will probably want to try a few more homemade versions too. My peach barbecue sauce is sweet, tangy, and smoky with the bold flavor of peach jam and a handful of simple spices. It comes together quickly and works beautifully with pork or chicken. Another favorite is my sweet and smoky bourbon barbecue sauce. It is rich, flavorful, and all natural, and it will make any rack of ribs or grilled steak taste like it came straight from a smokehouse. For something a little different, try my raspberry barbecue sauce. It is sweet, tangy, and smoky with just enough fruitiness to make it shine on ribs, chicken, or pork.