Gut Friendly Eastern Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce
Tangy, fiery, and deeply satisfying, this vinegar-based BBQ sauce is a staple of Eastern Carolina cooking — and it happens to be a natural fit for anyone keeping an eye on gut health. Unlike thick, commercial BBQ sauces loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, emulsifiers, and hard-to-pronounce additives, this one is built entirely from pantry staples you can actually recognize. Apple cider vinegar brings that signature sharp bite while also being a go-to ingredient for those who prioritize digestive wellness. The double-vinegar base keeps things light and bright, with red pepper flakes, cayenne, and black pepper layering in heat that builds slowly and beautifully. A touch of sugar and salt round out the sharpness without tipping into sweetness, so the sauce stays clean and balanced. It comes together in minutes on the stovetop, then gets better as it sits — the pepper flakes steep into the liquid and the whole thing deepens in flavor over time. Make a jar, stash it in the fridge, and reach for it all week long.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, cayenne, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved, about 3–4 minutes.
- 2
Remove from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes, so the pepper flakes steep and the flavors meld.
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