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Savor the bold and tangy flavors of Lexington-Style Barbecue Sauce, a classic North Carolina sauce known for its unique vinegar base and hint of sweetness.
This sauce is perfect for slathering on pulled pork, ribs, or chicken, and its balance of vinegar, ketchup, and spices makes it a delicious companion for all your grilling needs.
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Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Lexington-Style Barbecue Sauce alongside your favorite grilled meats, such as Grilled Chicken Tandoori or Pulled Pork.
It’s also great as a dipping sauce for Grilled Chicken Wings or drizzled over a hearty barbecue sandwich. For a complete meal, pair it with classic sides like Coleslaw.
Tips and Notes
- Ingredients: The key ingredients include apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and a blend of spices. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your preference by varying the amounts of sugar and vinegar.
- Cooking Method: Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Storage: Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It also freezes well for longer storage, making it easy to have on hand for future grilling adventures.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment by adding additional spices like cayenne pepper for heat or Worcestershire sauce for depth. A splash of bourbon can also add a unique twist.
Enjoy the tangy and smoky experience of Lexington-Style Barbecue Sauce as a delicious addition to your favorite dishes!
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Lexington-Style Barbecue Sauce
This traditional Lexington-style barbecue sauce is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it the perfect accompaniment to pulled pork, ribs, or any other BBQ meat. It’s easy to make, and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it a great choice for meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 plastic or wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon
- 1 jar or container for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - optional for added heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) until well combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce cook for about 15 minutes, until it thickens and darkens in color.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer the sauce to a mixing bowl and use a plastic or wooden spoon to mix in salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce cool completely before storing it in a jar or container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
For a milder sauce, decrease the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper.
This sauce can also be used as a marinade for BBQ meats.
Want a smokier flavor? Add in a few drops of liquid smoke during the cooking process.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less brown sugar.
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings or meal prep purposes.
Nutrition
Calories: 50kcal
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