Southerners are funny about their bbq sauce. Some prefer it sweet. Some like a tomato base. And the rest of us like it with a strong vinegar base. This is a recipe that has been in our family for many years. For the longest time, my step-father had it memorized, but finally put it on paper to share with others. It is super simple to make, and because you make it in big batches; it lasts a long time in the fridge. We use the barbecue sauce as a marinade for kabobs, chicken, or pork. We also pour it over our traditional New Year’s Day dinner. If you like a vinegar based bbq sauce with a bit of a kick, this recipe is for you.
I will caution you though, simmering vinegar can be mistaken for bowling alley shoes. So be sure to do this on a day when you can open the door. Or at the very least, use your exhaust hood 😉 and maybe burn a candle. The funky odor doesn’t last long and is well worth it.
- 1/2 gallon apple cider vinegar
- 1 8 oz. mustard
- 1/4 jar crushed red pepper
- 1 small jar Texas Pete
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
Combine all ingredients in pot and bring to a boil. Simmer 15 minutes.
Once the sauce has cooled we pour it into a recycled beer growler.
We usually give it good shake before using because the ingredients tend to settle a bit. Let me know if you try it. Enjoy!
Can't wait to try this! Love the description of how it smells…made me chuckle. 🙂
I am intrigued! There are no tomatoes to boil down in this. And we love Texas Pete around here. I'll have to give this a try! Thanks for posting it!
Thanks for sharing your family recipe. I LOVE a good vinegary BBQ sauce. I smell a pork butt in my future! 🙂
Oh take me back to my NC roots. I pinned this one. Always love to try a new Q sauce.
This is so different from the BBQ sauce we use – I can't wait to try it! Thanks for sharing, Rene!
I just got home from Lexington nc- that sure sounds like our kind of sause..
I went over the items and sure enough, they are all here. I'll be making this when I cook on friday..
thanks soooooooo much
So trying this!!! I can't wait. We are in a rut so this will be a welcome change. Thank you for sharing!
Yum! Nothing better than an Eastern NC BBQ sauce. I love the storage container as well.
We LOVE a vinegar based BBQ sauce. We usually buy ours at the Piggly Wiggly, but I'm going to try your recipe soon. Thanks so much for sharing your family recipe.
Funny about the smell of vinegar simmering! This sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing!
As displaced southerner I'm always on the look out for a good bbq sauce! Look forward to trying it!
-Lane
Definitely trying this! No sweet BBQ around here!
Oh my husband will love this! I am going to surprise him and make a batch! Sounds great! Thanks for sharing your family recipe Rene. I always try to make homemade gifts for my hubby's buddies for their birthdays and Christmas and this will be a fun one to give. Hope all is well with you Rene and that you're enjoying your summer.
My hubs will be all over this – the man loves his BBQ – charcoal of course. Thanks again 🙂
I love the jug!
Have you tried canning this sauce?
No I haven't. It lasts several months in the fridge. Let me know if you try it.
Can you use white vinegar??
White vinegar has a slightly sour flavor and can be a little harsh when used in big doses. Cider vinegar has a hint of apple making it a bit milder. I would prefer cider over white vinegar for this sauce, but that's just my personal opinion. P.S. We recently made and canned a big a big batch for Christmas gifts.