Tangy Southern BBQ Sauce
This Tangy Southern BBQ Sauce is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that perfectly complement your leftover roasted pork or beef. Whisk it together in a snap for a barbecue experience that brings a taste of North Carolina to your kitchen. Ideal for serving on toasted onion buns, this sauce is sure to elevate sandwiches, burgers, or even grilled chicken, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy a taste of tradition with a saucy twist!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Onions
6 tablespoons (Minced)
Cider Vinegar
1 1/3 cups (N/A)
Ketchup
1 1/3 cups (N/A)
Brown Sugar
1 cup (Packed)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt and Pepper
To taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat until bubbly.
2
Add the minced onions to the pan and sauté for about 3 minutes or until they become translucent.
3
Stir in the cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces to about 2 and 2/3 cups.
5
Once the desired consistency is reached, season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Serve the sauce warm over sliced or chopped roasted pork or beef on toasted onion buns for a delicious barbecue sandwich.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Southern BBQ Sauce?
Tangy Southern BBQ Sauce is a flavorful blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes inspired by North Carolina barbecue traditions.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this sauce?
This sauce features a delightful balance of sweetness from brown sugar, tanginess from cider vinegar, and a subtle heat from cayenne pepper.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings, yielding about 2 and 2/3 cups of finished sauce.
What ingredients do I need for this BBQ sauce?
You will need unsalted butter, minced onions, cider vinegar, ketchup, packed brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper.
What is the best way to serve this sauce?
It is best served warm over sliced or chopped roasted pork or beef, ideally on toasted onion buns.
Can I use this sauce for meats other than pork?
Yes, it is versatile and works perfectly with beef, burgers, and even grilled chicken.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the minced onions for about 3 minutes or until they become translucent.
Do I need to boil the sauce?
Yes, you should bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer to allow it to thicken.
How much brown sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
Cider vinegar is used to provide the traditional tangy North Carolina flavor.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a mild spicy kick from the 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which you can adjust to your preference.
What type of pan is best for cooking this sauce?
A large, heavy saucepan is recommended to ensure even heating and proper reduction.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt you add at the end.
How do I know when the sauce is finished cooking?
The sauce is ready when it has thickened and reduced to approximately 2 and 2/3 cups.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before serving over your choice of meat.
What size should the onions be?
The onions should be finely minced so they blend smoothly into the sauce.
Is this BBQ sauce style specific to a region?
Yes, it is a North Carolina style sauce, known for its vinegar and tomato base.
What is the role of Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?
Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth and umami flavor that rounds out the sweetness.
Can I use this as a marinade?
While intended as a finishing sauce, its ingredients would also make a flavorful marinade for pork or beef.
How much cider vinegar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 and 1/3 cups of cider vinegar.
Does this sauce contain ketchup?
Yes, 1 and 1/3 cups of ketchup are used to provide the base consistency and color.
What heat level should I use to melt the butter?
Melt the butter over medium-high heat until it becomes bubbly.
Is the sauce gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the labels on your ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to be certain.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, the recipe can be easily doubled if you are serving a larger crowd.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
What kind of buns are recommended for sandwiches?
Toasted onion buns are highly recommended for the best flavor combination.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the sauce reduces evenly.
Can I use white vinegar instead of cider vinegar?
White vinegar can be used, but it lacks the fruity complexity that cider vinegar provides to this specific style of sauce.
Is the sauce thick or thin?
It starts thin but thickens as it simmers and reduces during the cooking process.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle spice.