Description
This Carolina BBQ Sauce is tangy, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy! Made with apple cider vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and a bold blend of spices, this quick and easy homemade sauce is perfect for pulled pork, grilled chicken, and more. It comes together in just 12 minutes and keeps beautifully in the fridge. A true Southern staple you’ll reach for again and again!
Ingredients
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1 cup apple cider vinegar
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¼ cup yellow mustard
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¼ cup ketchup
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¼ cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, and honey (if using). Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Cool and Store
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Use immediately, or store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake or stir before each use, as natural settling may occur.
Notes
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Want it sweeter? Add more honey or brown sugar to taste.
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Not a fan of spice? Skip the cayenne and reduce the red pepper flakes.
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For a smoky twist, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder or extra smoked paprika.
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This sauce works great as a marinade too—just don’t reuse it after it’s touched raw meat.
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Let it cool completely before storing to preserve its fresh, bold flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Condiments
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 tablespoons
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Carolina BBQ Sauce, vinegar BBQ sauce, Southern BBQ sauce, homemade BBQ sauce, BBQ sauce for pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, easy BBQ sauce recipe
