This is the most delicious condiment when it comes to pulled pork! Easy to make, this vinegar BBQ sauce is tangy and sweet. Originating in North Carolina, vinegar-based bbq sauce is a delicious addition to any bbq table.

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If you love pulled pork, then this North Carolina-style BBQ sauce is a must-have! Sweet and tangy, it's a delicious way to add flavor to every bite and it's so crazy easy to make it from scratch.

In North Carolina, BBQ is a big deal and you'll find many different flavor profiles along the state. Vinegar-based BBQ sauce originated in Eastern North Carolina. Traditional vinegar-based BBQ sauce is mainly made with vinegar and spices like cayenne pepper, but no tomato-based products or sugar like other BBQs.

Western BBQ sauce is known to have ketchup and brown sugar added to the vinegar base. I happen to love the complex flavor ketchup and brown sugar give this sauce. I may also be biased as I've lived in western, NC for over a decade. However, you can't go wrong with either type of sauce.

Be sure to try my Jerk BBQ Sauce and Homemade BBQ Sauce too!

How to make vinegar BBQ sauce

Gather your ingredients.

Add ingredients in a medium-sized pot and place over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and allow to simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.

The ingredients for the BBQ sauce in a pot.

Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Serve and enjoy.

Can you make it ahead of time?

This vinegar BBQ sauce is actually best made at least a day ahead of time, and if you can, 3 to 4 days ahead of time. It can be used right away, but allowing it to sit will let the flavors develop further.

How do you store it?

Once made, let your sauce cool before transferring it to a sealable bottle or jar. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. It's best not to freeze and defrost it. The sauce can be used straight out of the fridge, or you can reheat it gently on the stovetop if you prefer.

Is it spicy?

This North Carolina-style BBQ sauce does have a bit of a kick to it thanks to the red pepper flakes, but it's not an overwhelming level of spice. If you prefer it spicier, you can add in a pinch of cayenne or add in some hot sauce. If you don't like spice, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or don't use it.

Serving Suggestions

This is delicious when poured onto cooked pulled pork and then served in a bun. You could also pour it over some grilled chicken pieces. Serve it alongside your favorite sides like:

Recipe Notes and Tips

Simmer the sauce, but don't boil it.
If making ahead of time, let the sauce cool completely before storing.
The spices will settle to the bottom as it sits. You should shake it up every time you use it.

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4.86 from 7 votes

Vinegar BBQ Sauce (North Carolina Style)

This is the most delicious condiment when it comes to pulled pork! Easy to make, this vinegar BBQ sauce is tangy and sweet, and the only way you'll eat your pulled pork when in North Carolina.

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Keyword BBQ sauce with vinegar, North Carolina BBQ sauce, tangy homemade bbq sauce

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings cups

Calories 157kcal

Author Tanya

Ingredients

2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 ½ cup water
½ cup ketchup
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Add ingredients in a medium-sized pot and place over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and allow to simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Simmer the sauce, but don't boil it.
If making ahead of time, let the sauce cool completely before storing.
The spices will settle to the bottom as it sits. You should shake it up every time you use it.

Nutrition

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Although myforkinglife.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Under no circumstances will myforkinglife.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.