Description
Carolina BBQ Sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and perfectly spiced! Made with apple cider vinegar, mustard, and a touch of honey, this bold sauce is perfect for pulled pork, grilled chicken, ribs, and more. A Southern-style favorite that’s easy to make in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and all spices.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally for about 5–7 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more honey for sweetness or cayenne for extra heat.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely.
- Transfer to a glass jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Let the sauce sit overnight for even deeper flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the cayenne and red pepper flakes.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- This sauce is thinner than traditional BBQ sauces—perfect for marinating or drizzling!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Condiments
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern, American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg