The Age-Old Tradition of Eastern Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauces
Eastern Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauces have remained a time-honored tradition. Although there might be subtle variations in these sauces, they all embrace a common underlying essence: an acidic, zesty flavor tinged with a hint of spice that’s light on the palate. Traditionally, ketchup is excluded. Instead, the red hue usually comes from either cayenne or Tabasco.
The primary role of this sauce in traditional whole pig roasting along the Eastern Carolina coastline and further down Northeast South Carolina was to balance the richness and fattiness of the pork. It added a layer of flavor, a touch of spice, and refreshed the palate with its tangy undertone.
The Roots of Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipes
As a history enthusiast, understanding how the early Eastern Carolina BBQ sauce recipes came into existence is always intriguing. One of the most insightful resources that shed light on the history of North Carolina BBQ is John Shelton Reed and Dale Volberg Reed’s book, “Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue”.
The Blueprint of Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce
The inception of North Carolina BBQ sauce recipes can be traced back to the ancient times when meats were basted with salted acidic marinades or mops. These solutions, owing to their tanginess and salt content, were referred to as katchup or ketchup during the early years of British colonization along the North and South Carolina coastlines.
The first-ever ketchup recipe, which bears no resemblance to the tomato version we’re familiar with today, can be found in Eliza Smith’s 1727 cookbook “The Compleat Housewife, or Accomplish’d Gentlewoman’s Companion”. This recipe provides users with a list of ingredients and preparation techniques that significantly resemble today’s Eastern Carolina Vinegar BBQ sauce recipes, emphasizing the role of salt and acid.
What Makes Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce Stand Out Today
Despite the modifications and adaptions over time, the integrity of the Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce remains substantially like Eliza Smith’s original ketchup recipe. This section will delve into the intricacies of making this iconic sauce while also underscoring the importance of salt and acid – two indispensable elements in the preparation.
Five Time-Tested Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipes
Taste is an individual preference. And while you may have a favorite recipe that you swear by, it’s always fun to try some new versions. Here, we bring you five handpicked Eastern Carolina Vinegar BBQ sauce recipes that have stood the test of time, catering to a variety of palates, with each one promising a unique culinary adventure.
- Old-Time Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce – This iconic recipe is sourced directly from Reed’s “Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue”. It’s a simple yet delectable blend of cider vinegar, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and salt, which requires at least four hours to let the flavours meld;
- Dennis Rogers’ Holy Grub – An exciting twist to the traditional Eastern Carolina BBQ sauce, this recipe adds a sweet and sour touch to the sauce with a hint of brown sugar or molasses;
- Draper’s Carolina Pig Dip – Expert pitmaster Shane Draper shares his favorite Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce recipe in a perfect combination of apple cider vinegar, paprika, brown sugar, white sugar, salt, cayenne, black pepper, and water;
- Barn Goddess Carolina Q Sauce – For those who enjoy a spicier kick, this recipe from pitmaster Lori Frazee or the Barn Goddess brings increased heat with the addition of hot sauce and a spicy blend;
- Vince’s Carolina Sweet Heat – Blending apple cider vinegar, apple juice, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, this recipe from Vince Collier offers a unique balance of sweet and heat.
Over time, Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce has witnessed many exciting twists and turns, from the inclusion of fresh ingredients to experimentation with varying levels of heat, giving it a unique identity. This section analyzes how this formula has evolved over time, adapting to different tastes and preferences.
No BBQ sauce is complete without the perfect dish to go with it. To enhance the experience of savouring Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce, certain dishes complement its flavor profile better. This section provides insights on how to pair this versatile BBQ sauce with your favourite dishes to bring out the best flavors.
As you savor the flavors of the Eastern North Carolina BBQ recipe, it’s worth noting that a visit to the Old North State Winery in Mount Airy, North Carolina, offers an equally rich and delightful culinary experience, blending the state’s traditional tastes with modern flair.
How to Prepare the Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Additional Time | 1 day |
| Total Time | 1 day, 5 minutes |
| Servings | 32 |
| Yield | 2 cups |
Preparation Time:
- Initial Prep Time: 5 minutes;
- Infusion Time: 24 hours;
- Total Time to Serve: 1 day and 5 minutes;
- Number of Servings: 32;
- Quantity Produced: 2 cups.
Essential Ingredients for the Sauce
- 1 cup of pure white vinegar;
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar;
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar;
- 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper;
- 1 tablespoon of hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco™), adjustable as per taste;
- 1 teaspoon of salt;
- 1 teaspoon of finely-ground black pepper.
Instructions:
- Begin by gathering your ingredients. You will need white vinegar, cider vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, hot pepper sauce, salt, and black pepper;
- Combine all these ingredients in a jar or a bottle that has a sealed lid;
- Secure the lid tightly and give the jar/bottle a vigorous shake to mix the components well;
- Let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, shaking it occasionally for the flavors to meld properly;
- This sauce can be stored refrigerated for up to two months.
Tips to Enhance the Flavor of Your Sauce
- If you want to add a sweet hint to your sauce, consider adding a little more brown sugar or some honey;
- You can adjust the spice level by playing around with the quantity of cayenne pepper and hot sauce;
- Adding a touch of smoke flavor either by a drop or two of liquid smoke or smoked paprika can also enhance the depth.
How to Store Your Homemade Sauce
Your homemade Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s kept in a tightly-lidded jar or bottle to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Eastern North Carolina Barbecue
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate;
- Total Time: 10 hr 50 min | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 10 hr 30 min;
- Yield: 6 large servings.
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh pork butt, bone-in (top portion of the shoulder);
- Kosher salt;
- Barbecue Sauce: (see recipe below).
Barbecue Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar;
- 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper;
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic;
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt;
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper.
Directions:
- Smoking the Pork: Use hickory, oak, and/or maple wood chunks or chips in your smoker. Smoke the pork for 2 to 2 1/2 hours at 250 degrees F;
- Wrap and Bake: After smoking, wrap the pork in heavy-duty aluminum foil and bake in an oven preheated to 225 degrees F for 6 to 8 hours;
- Finishing Touches: Once tender, chop the pork coarsely, mix in salt and barbecue sauce to taste, and serve with additional sauce on the side.
Making the Barbecue Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, red pepper, garlic, and salt;
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes;
- Remove from heat, let cool, and then add black pepper.
Special Equipment: Hickory, oak, and/or maple wood chunks or chips; smoker.
Enjoy the rich flavors of this traditional Eastern North Carolina Barbecue, a testament to the culinary expertise of The Barbecue Joint!
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce is not just about the ingredients or the recipe; it’s about the rich heritage, the unique process, and the cultural importance. The various adaptations of the sauce over time bear testament to its versatility in catering to diverse palates. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or a culinary explorer, each of the five handpicked authentic Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce recipes promises a unique gastronomic adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, why wait? Get that apron on and start making your own Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce!