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Carolina BBQ sauce in a glass jar.
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Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe

This vinegar-based Carolina BBQ sauce has a prep time of just 10 minutes. It's perfect for slow-cooked ribs!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Rest time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 5kcal
Author Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Nontraditional but good
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, if you want it spicy

Instructions

  • Place the vinegar, hot pepper sauce, smoked salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
    Adding the sauce ingredients to a glass jar.
  • Shake well to combine. You can also whisk the ingredients by hand.
    Whisking the sauce.
  • Allow the sauce to rest for 30 minutes before using it to allow the flavors to meld. Whisk or shake the sauce again before using it.
    The sauce is ready.

Video

Notes

  • If using this sauce for oven-baked ribs, use half the recipe. 
  • The slow cooking caramelizes the meat and creates subtle notes of sweetness, even without the addition of a sweetener. But if you'd like, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of any sweetener (I'm partial to maple syrup) or the equivalent in stevia.
  • While you could mix the sauce and use it immediately, I highly recommend letting it rest for a minimum of 30 minutes. This will allow the spices to better dissolve and the flavors to meld.
  • You can keep this sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Give it a good shake before using it.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 5kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Sodium: 338mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.2g