Summer grilling is just around the corner, and what better way to fire up your grill than with some mouth-watering Carolina barbecue? The Tar Heel State is famous for its tangy, vinegar-based BBQ sauces, slow-cooked meats, and bold flavors. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the heart of Carolina BBQ country, featuring 18 spicy recipes that will make your taste buds do the two-step.
From classic pulled pork sandwiches to slow-cooked ribs, and from tangy slaws to sweet BBQ beans, we’ve got you covered with our collection of mouth-watering Carolina barbecue recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just looking for some new ideas to spice up your summer grilling routine, you’ll find something to love in this roundup of the best Carolina BBQ has to offer.
So grab your apron, fire up your grill, and get ready to taste the magic of Carolina BBQ!
Classic Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich
Experience the rich flavors of the Carolinas with this classic pulled pork sandwich recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, tender and juicy pork is slathered in tangy barbecue sauce, piled high on a soft bun, and topped with crispy coleslaw.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker. Cook for 8 hours or overnight.
5. After 8 hours, shred the pork with two forks.
6. Add barbecue sauce to the shredded pork and toss to coat.
7. Split the hamburger buns and spoon the pulled pork onto each bun.
8. Top with coleslaw and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (or overnight)
Eastern North Carolina Vinegar-Based BBQ Sauce
This classic vinegar-based BBQ sauce is a staple of Eastern North Carolina’s barbecue tradition. With its tangy, slightly sweet flavor, it’s the perfect accompaniment to slow-cooked pulled pork or chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes or until thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Lexington-Style Red Slaw
This classic Southern-style slaw recipe is a staple at many Lexington, Kentucky BBQ joints. It’s a tangy and crunchy condiment that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Total time: 15 minutes
Slow-Cooked Carolina BBQ Ribs
Experience the rich flavors of the Carolinas with these tender and tangy slow-cooked ribs, perfect for a casual gathering or special occasion. This recipe is a masterclass in low-and-slow cooking, resulting in fall-off-the-bone meat that’s slathered in a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef back ribs
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style BBQ rub (contains brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup slow-cooker BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ rub and olive oil. Apply this mixture evenly to both sides of the ribs.
3. Place the ribs in the slow cooker, bone-side down.
4. Pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth. Cover the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and brush with additional BBQ sauce (if desired).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Mustard-Based South Carolina Gold Sauce
This sweet and tangy condiment is a staple in South Carolina, perfect for serving with fried chicken, BBQ, or as a dip. Our Mustard-Based South Carolina Gold Sauce recipe combines the classic flavors of mustard, mayonnaise, and spices for a delicious and addictive taste.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup whole-grain mustard
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the mustard, mayonnaise, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! Simply store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Enjoy your delicious Mustard-Based South Carolina Gold Sauce with all your favorite comfort foods!
Smoked Carolina Whole Hog BBQ
Get ready to experience the rich flavors of traditional Southern-style barbecue with this recipe for Smoked Carolina Whole Hog BBQ. This classic dish is slow-cooked to perfection, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with a tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole hog (about 10-12 pounds), cleaned and prepared
– 1 cup vinegar-based barbecue sauce (such as Carolina-style)
– 2 cups wood chips (hickory or apple work well)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. Season the hog with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Place wood chips in smoker, followed by the whole hog.
4. Smoke for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. During the last hour of smoking, brush the hog with vinegar-based barbecue sauce.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Carolina BBQ Chicken with Tangy Sauce
This classic Southern-style recipe combines tender chicken, tangy sauce, and a hint of vinegar to create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this Carolina BBQ Chicken with Tangy Sauce in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and cumin.
3. Brush both sides of chicken breasts with the sauce mixture.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Vinegar Mop
This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that will elevate your pork shoulder to the next level. A mop made with apple cider vinegar adds a depth of flavor and tenderizes the meat, making it fall-apart delicious.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork shoulder in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot. Pour the mop sauce over the meat, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Carolina-Style BBQ Brisket
Experience the rich flavors of the Carolinas with this slow-cooked brisket recipe, infused with a tangy vinegar-based barbecue sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce (vinegar-based)
– 1/4 cup wood chips (hickory or oak)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the brisket.
3. Place the brisket in the smoker, fat side up. Smoke for 4-5 hours or until tender.
4. Brush the Carolina-style BBQ sauce on the brisket during the last hour of cooking.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Spicy Peach Carolina BBQ Sauce
Elevate your barbecue game with this sweet and spicy fusion of flavors, perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or pork.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup peach preserves
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally.
4. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups of BBQ sauce
Carolina BBQ Turkey Legs
Get ready to elevate your turkey game with this mouth-watering twist on traditional BBQ turkey legs, infused with the bold flavors of Carolina-style barbecue. This recipe is perfect for a crowd-pleasing snack or as part of a larger spread.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 turkey legs
– 1 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce (vinegar-based)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 325°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Season turkey legs with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the BBQ glaze evenly onto both sides of the turkey legs.
5. Cook for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Pimento Cheese Stuffed BBQ Burgers
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these mouth-watering Pimento Cheese Stuffed BBQ Burgers. The creamy pimento cheese filling adds a rich and tangy twist to the classic burger.
Ingredients:
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 ounces ground beef
– 1/2 cup pimento cheese spread
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 slices of American cheese (optional)
– Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and BBQ sauce, for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well with hands until just combined.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each part into a ball. Flatten slightly into patties.
4. Place a tablespoon of pimento cheese spread in the center of each patty. Fold the edges over to enclose the filling.
5. Grill burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Assemble with American cheese (if using), lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and BBQ sauce.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Carolina-Style BBQ Meatballs
Get ready for a taste of the South with these tender and flavorful meatballs smothered in a tangy Carolina-style BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Add chopped onion and parsley; mix until evenly distributed.
4. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While meatballs are baking, heat BBQ sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Remove meatballs from oven and add to the BBQ sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to coat evenly.
Cooking Time: 23-27 minutes
Smoked Pork Belly with Carolina Glaze
Get ready to fall in love with this tender, flavorful, and sticky-smooth pork belly dish smothered in a tangy Carolina glaze. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork belly in the smoker for 8 hours or until tender and slightly caramelized.
5. In a small saucepan, combine water and Carolina glaze (store-bought or homemade). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes or until thickened slightly.
6. Brush the glaze over the pork belly during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
7. Remove from smoker and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (plus 10-15 minutes resting time)
Carolina BBQ Nachos with Pulled Pork
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this sweet and tangy twist on classic nachos. Slow-cooked pulled pork, crispy tortilla chips, melted cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of spicy BBQ sauce come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup slow-cooked pulled pork
– 1 bag tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced onions, jalapeños, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chips.
4. Spoon pulled pork over the top of the nachos, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Drizzle BBQ sauce and sprinkle brown sugar and smoked paprika over the pork.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add optional toppings if desired.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet and Tangy Carolina BBQ Beans
Get ready to experience the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors in these mouthwatering Carolina-style BBQ beans! This recipe is a game-changer for BBQ enthusiasts, with a unique balance of brown sugar, vinegar, and spices that will make your taste buds do the happy dance.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, combine beans, onion, garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover the pot and bake for 6-8 hours or until beans are tender.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Carolina BBQ Stuffed Baked Potatoes
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional baked potatoes, these Carolina BBQ Stuffed Baked Potatoes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them with a paper towel.
3. Poke some holes in each potato using a fork to allow steam to escape.
4. Rub the potatoes with a little bit of oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake the potatoes for about 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
6. While the potatoes are baking, mix together the BBQ sauce, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped cilantro in a bowl.
7. Once the potatoes are done, slice them in half lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
8. Divide the BBQ mixture evenly among the four potato halves, spooning it into the centers.
9. Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes
Grilled Carolina BBQ Shrimp Skewers
Get ready to savor the sweet and tangy flavors of the Carolinas with these easy-to-make grilled shrimp skewers, smothered in a rich BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Carolina-style BBQ sauce (like Sweet Baby Ray’s)
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Thread 3-4 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each shrimp.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill this summer with these 18 spicy Carolina barbecue recipes. From classic pulled pork sandwiches to tangy BBQ chicken, there’s something for everyone. Try the Eastern North Carolina Vinegar-Based BBQ Sauce or the Smoked Carolina Whole Hog BBQ for a true Southern flavor. Or, spice things up with the Spicy Peach Carolina BBQ Sauce and Pimento Cheese Stuffed BBQ Burgers. Whether you’re a barbecue newbie or a seasoned pro, these recipes are sure to please.
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