Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe | North Carolina

Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe comes from North Carolina, known for its tangy vinegar-based flavor with a touch of heat and sweetness.

This Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe is often made at home or seen prepared at Southern BBQ joints and food festivals. One evening after watching a backyard barbecue show, I felt motivated to make this sauce.

The process is quick and easy. Mix apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce.

Heat gently, stir well, cool, then serve it over chopped pork or smoked meats. Now I will explain how to make Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe.

Why We Love This Recipe

We love this Lexington-style BBQ sauce recipe because it’s bold, tangy, and brings real Carolina character to the plate.

The vinegar gives it a sharp kick, while the hint of ketchup and brown sugar adds just enough sweetness to balance the heat.

It clings perfectly to smoked or pulled pork without overpowering the meat. The ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and the cooking takes barely 10 minutes.

It’s authentic, easy to make, and delivers deep Southern flavor in every drop. Once tasted, it quickly becomes a favorite for any barbecue lover.

How To Prepare Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe?

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Course: Condiment / BBQ Sauce

Cuisine: American – North Carolina (Lexington Style)

Difficulty: Easy

Yield: 10 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or whisk
• Jar or bottle for storage

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon your favorite hot sauce

Instructions

To make this Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe come out perfect, I’ve broken down each step in a clear and simple way.

I’ve included a list of basic kitchen tools I use for convenience, but don’t worry if you don’t have them all this recipe is very forgiving.

Just follow the steps using what you have, and you’ll still end up with a bold, flavorful sauce.

1. Pour the apple cider vinegar into a small saucepan. Add ketchup, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce. Place the pan over medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely.

2. Bring the sauce to a low simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Do not boil it should remain thin and tangy.

3. Remove the pan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Taste and adjust the heat level if desired by adding more pepper flakes or hot sauce.

4. Pour the cooled sauce into a jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator. Shake before each use. Perfect for pulled pork, chopped BBQ, or as a table sauce.

Nutrition Facts Of Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	20
Total Fat	0g
Saturated Fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	100mg
Carbohydrates	4g
Sugars	3g
Protein	0g

About This Recipe

This Lexington Style BBQ Sauce recipe brings authentic North Carolina flavor right to your kitchen. It’s a vinegar-based sauce with a touch of ketchup, balanced with sweetness from brown sugar and heat from red pepper flakes, cayenne, and hot sauce.

The result is a bold, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that complements smoked or pulled pork beautifully.

Simple ingredients, quick prep, and classic Southern taste make this Lexington Style BBQ Sauce recipe a favorite for backyard barbecues, slow-cooked meats, or anyone craving real Carolina BBQ flavor without fuss.

Why My Recipe Works

My Lexington style BBQ sauce recipe works because it stays true to the classic Carolina balance of tang, sweet, and heat. The apple cider vinegar forms a bold, acidic base that cuts through the richness of smoked meats.

Ketchup adds body and a touch of tomato sweetness without overwhelming the sauce. Brown sugar gives a mellow depth, while red pepper flakes, cayenne, and hot sauce bring layered heat.

Every ingredient has a clear role, and nothing is wasted. It’s quick to make, well-balanced, and delivers consistent flavor every time. That’s why it works so well.

How To Use Your Lexington Style BBQ Sauce

You can use your Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe in several delicious ways. The most classic use is drizzled over chopped or pulled pork, especially smoked shoulder.

It adds tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the meat. You can also mix it into red slaw for a vinegar-forward kick.

Use it as a mop sauce while grilling, brush it on ribs during the last minutes of cooking, or serve it on the side as a bold dipping sauce for meats or sandwiches.

Health Benefits

Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe offers some health-conscious advantages compared to heavier, cream- or sugar-based sauces.

Its vinegar base is low in calories and may help with digestion and blood sugar control. Apple cider vinegar is known for its antioxidant properties and potential heart health benefits.

The sauce is naturally low in fat, contains no cholesterol, and uses minimal added sugar compared to commercial BBQ sauces.

The inclusion of spices like cayenne and red pepper flakes may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation. It’s a flavorful way to enhance dishes without adding excess calories or unhealthy fats.

Additions And substitutions

You can easily adjust this Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some useful additions and substitutions:

Additions

• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth without needing a smoker.
• Garlic powder or onion powder: Gives an extra savory layer.
• Molasses: For a deeper, richer sweetness if you like it slightly thicker.
• Mustard (dry or prepared): Enhances tanginess and adds complexity.

Substitutions

• White vinegar can replace apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will be sharper.
• Maple syrup or honey can be used instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
• Chili powder can stand in for cayenne if you’re out, with a milder heat.
• Tomato paste mixed with water can sub for ketchup if needed.

Storage Recommendations

Store Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe in a clean, airtight container or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness and flavor.

The Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe will stay good for up to 2 weeks when properly stored. Before each use, give it a good shake or stir since the ingredients may naturally separate over time.

For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in small portions, but fresh is always best to enjoy the full tangy, spicy flavor.

FAQs About Lexington Style BBQ Sauce

Personal Touch or Story

The first time I made Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe, it was for a small family cookout on a warm Saturday evening.

I had just watched a video of a North Carolina pit master talking about how his grandma used to make it by heart, no measuring just taste and memory.

That stuck with me. I followed a simple recipe, tweaked the heat to my liking, and served it with pulled pork. My brother ended up dipping everything in it even his fries. Since then, it’s been a staple at our table every time we grill.

Conclusion

My Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe turned out easy and truly amazing. Serving this sauce brought bold flavor to every bite, and everyone enjoyed it completely.

I hope you now understand how simple it is to make and feel confident to try it yourself. The steps are clear, the ingredients are common, and the result is rich, tangy, and satisfying.

You don’t need fancy tools or long hours. Just make it, serve it, and enjoy the taste. I believe you will make Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe soon and love it too.

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