Being new to the Carolinas I was quickly informed that all BBQ sauce is not made equal, and we are not just talking about the ingredients as much as we are what part of NC you are from. Yup, if you’re not from NC, please be informed there’s an Eastern NC and Western NC way of making your BBQ sauce, and people here are about as passionate about sauce as they are to their college football teams!
BBQ is serious talk, and being that I truly love everything about the state of NC and plan to call it home for years to come, I have posted 3 different sauces, an Eastern NC a Western NC and a yellow BBQ sauce which is a little sweeter using some honey so there’s something for everyone! BBQ sauce is my favorite so I hope you enjoy these options! These recipes will allow you to make a little extra so glass bottle them for freshness!
– Know The Goal
Eastern NC
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup tomato paste
4 cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoons crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
3. Combine all ingredients into a saucepan over medium-high heat and whisk to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, until the sauce has reduced by about half.
3. Let cool and store in a glass jar.
Western NC
6 pitted dates soaked in warm water for 15 minutes then drained
2 cloves minced garlic
2 cups tomato puree
¼ cup tomato paste
¼ cup water
½ cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon brown mustard
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
1. Soak the dates in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain.
2. Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend on high for 3 minutes until smooth.
3. Pour the sauce into a saucepan over medium-high heat and whisk to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, until the sauce has reduced by about half.
5. Let the sauce come to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator for later use. The sauce may be stored for up to 1 week.
South Carolina (Gold)
4 strips organic nitrate free turkey bacon
1/2 red onion diced
2 cups organic yellow mustard (must be yellow…not dijon or brown)
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup local organic honey
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon paprika
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
1. Sauté the diced onions and bacon in a heavy bottom pot for 15 minutes until the bacon is cooked and the onions are nice and soft.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes until all the flavors have married.
3. Blend in a high speed blender or food processor
4. Let cool and store in a glass jar.