Barbecue is a beloved cuisine in the South, and North Carolina is no exception. In fact, North Carolina is home to some of the best barbecue sauces in the country. If you’re a barbecue lover visiting Charlotte, NC, then you need to try these five signature sauces.
1. Lexington Style Dip
This vinegar-based BBQ sauce in Charlotte, NC, is a great addition to any meal. It’s perfect for dipping chicken or pork in, and it’s also great on a sandwich. The sauce is thin and tangy with a touch of spice.
2. Traditional Style Sauce
The traditional-style BBQ sauce is a thick, ketchup-based sauce that is sweet and sticky with a kick of heat. It is ideal for ribs or pulled pork. The key to making this sauce is to cook the ketchup down so that it is reduced by half. This will give the sauce a deeper flavor and prevent it from being too sweet.
3. Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Sauce
Vinegar sauce is a staple of eastern North Carolina barbecue and can be acquired by visiting Baste Southern Style Sauces & Seasonings. It’s thin and tart, with just a hint of onion and pepper. The perfect accompaniment to any barbecue dish, it can be used as a marinade, basting sauce, or dipping sauce.
4. Western North Carolina Piedmont Sauce
Western North Carolina Piedmont Sauce is a ketchup-based sauce that is a popular BBQ sauce in Charlotte, NC. The sauce is made with a variety of spices, including paprika, cumin, and chili powder. It also has a touch of sweetness, thanks to the addition of brown sugar.
5. Mustard-based BBQ Sauce
Tangy, flavorful, and with a kick of heat, this mustard-based BBQ sauce is perfect for dipping or as a sandwich condiment. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s also quick and easy to prepare. The key to this recipe is to simmer the sauce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
