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North Carolina Barbeque Sauces

Famous North Carolina barbeque sauces are distinct, tasty and popular. They reflect the deeply held barbecue traditions of the state.

Yet did you know there are regional differences within the state? The two prevalent styles of barbeque sauce are commonly referred to as Eastern and Western. While it could be said that the mustard based sauce found in southern NC adds up to three varieties.

In any case North Carolina barbeque sauce is generally vinegar, tomato or mustard based. Often heavily seasoned with a variety of "secret" herbs and spices. These might include a unique blend of salt, chili powder, thyme, red or cayenne pepper, onion powder, nutmeg, garlic, and molasses. Some NC variety barbecue sauces may include tangy basting sauce made up of Tabasco sauce, chili powder, paprika, water, and salt.

North Carolina Barbeque Sauces - East vs West

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Eastern North Carolina barbeque sauces often have vinegar spiced up with a shot of red and black pepper. Sweetened. In some cases, brown sugar is added to the sauce recipe to offset any strong vinegar influences. Or sweeten with molasses to get what you might call molasses vinegar barbecue sauce.

Eastern North Carolina Sweet and Sour sauce's unique ingredient is mustard. While Eastern NC Lemon Mop features lemon juice and butter.

Western North Carolina barbeque sauces are quite similar. Only difference is a small amount of tomato-base is added to provide sweetness. Some variations of Western sauce may also have Worcestershire with a little brown sugar thrown in too.

Of course no discussion of North Carolina barbeque sauces is complete without at least mentioning traditional favorite side dishes. Hush puppies and Carolina cole slaw are almost mandatory. As is Brunwick stew.

Brunswick Stew is a side dish most commonly made chicken. But it can include squirrel and rabbit too. Stew purists will also include lima beans and okra. Ummm-umm.

Anyway now you know a bit more about the varieties of North Carolina barbeque sauces that dominate NC's distinct pig pickin' way of life.

North Carolina Barbeque Sauces