When it comes to barbecue sauce, there is no single “go to” style or taste. Depending on where you are in the country, sauce can vary from molasses sweet (Memphis), peppery hot (Texas), mustard-based bold (South Carolina), and countless variations in between including this recipe for East Carolina barbecue sauce or Piedmont sauce.

Less thick than most styles, traditional Carolina sauce relies primarily on vinegar, black and red pepper and a touch of tomato to create a perfect mopping sauce for pork shoulder. I’ve also found it to be a great compliment to smoked turkey and an excellent addition to traditional coleslaw recipes.

EAST CAROLINA SAUCE RECIPE

Ingredients

1 cup vinegar

½ cup water

¼ cup ketchup

1 tsp course black pepper

1 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp salt

Instructions

Mix all ingredients well and refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.