Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe is a bold Southern vinegar based sauce made from apple cider vinegar, ketchup, gentle sweetness, and steady heat.
The flavor hits sharp and tangy first, then settles into mild sweetness bringing peppery warmth. This sauce stands out for a thin texture and lively bite that cuts through rich pork.
Red pepper flakes and hot sauce bring controlled fire, while brown sugar softens the edge. Creating Lexington style BBQ sauce and discovering new things is my real job.
I will show show step by step how this Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe comes together today.
About This Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe
The taste of Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe is sharp, lively, and deeply savory. A strong vinegar kick leads the flavor, waking up the palate right away.
Ketchup adds gentle body while brown sugar rounds the edges with light sweetness. Black pepper brings warmth, and red pepper flakes deliver a steady heat that builds slowly. Hot sauce adds depth without hiding the tang.
The overall flavor feels clean and bold, cutting through smoked or slow-cooked meats and leaving a bright, mouthwatering finish that keeps the sauce exciting and memorable.
How To Prepare Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe?
To make this Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe perfectly, we’ll go step by step. I’ve explained each part clearly so the flavors come together just right.
Simple kitchen tools like a saucepan and whisk help, but you can use what you have. Following this method will give tangy, peppery, and balanced sauce every time.
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 10 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Stove
Ingredients
- 1½ cups apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark, either works)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (use more or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
1. Start by putting the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and hot sauce into a medium saucepan. Give everything a good stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks smooth and well combined.
2. Set the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and slowly bring it to a gentle simmer. You don’t want it boiling hard just enough heat to warm it through and get things moving.
3. Let the sauce simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, so all the flavors blend together nicely.
4. Once it’s done, take it off the heat and let it cool for a bit. Taste it and adjust the salt or heat if needed, then it’s ready to serve.
Notes: This Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe is meant to be thin and tangy, not thick. It tastes even better after resting for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Traditionally served warm or at room temperature over chopped or pulled pork.
Cooking Method Explained Simply
The cooking method for Lexington style BBQ sauce is simple. All ingredients are combined in a saucepan and gently heated over medium heat.
Stirring constantly helps the sugar dissolve and the spices release their flavors. Once it reaches a light simmer, the sauce cooks for 8–10 minutes to blend fully. After cooling slightly, it is ready to serve or store.
This method keeps the sauce thin, tangy, and lively, allowing the vinegar, spices, and sweetness to balance naturally without thickening or overpowering the flavors.
Nutrition Facts Of Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35 |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
How It Works
The Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe works by balancing sharp vinegar with mild sweetness and controlled heat. Apple cider vinegar cuts through rich meat, keeping the flavor bright and clean. Ketchup adds body and gentle tomato depth without making the sauce thick.
Brown sugar softens the acidity so the sauce stays bold but smooth. Black pepper and red pepper flakes build warmth, while hot sauce sharpens the finish.
A short simmer melts everything together, allowing the flavors to blend naturally while keeping the sauce thin and lively for traditional barbecue use.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe delivers a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce that enhances pork without masking its flavor. The thin texture allows it to soak in, adding flavor with every bite.
Quick to prepare and made from simple ingredients, it highlights the unique style of Western North Carolina barbecue. Adjusting the heat or sweetness is easy, making it flexible for personal taste.
The bold, red color and lively vinegar punch make it stand out on the plate, giving smoked or roasted pork a lively, memorable flavor that keeps people coming back for more.
Serving Suggestions
Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe pairs best with pulled or chopped pork, drizzled over freshly smoked pork shoulder. It can also be served alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a tangy dip for fries and onion rings.
Spoon over sandwiches or sliders to add a lively, peppery kick. A small bowl on the table allows guests to add extra flavor to their meat.
Drizzle a little over coleslaw for a traditional North Carolina touch. This Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe also works well as a light glaze for baked or roasted meats, adding a sharp, slightly sweet finish.
Expert Tips
1. Start with good apple cider vinegar because the tang carries the whole sauce.
2. Measure the brown sugar carefully so the sweetness balances the vinegar without taking over.
3. Add red pepper flakes and hot sauce slowly, tasting as you go, to get the right level of heat.
4. Stir the mixture well until the sugar fully dissolves and everything blends smoothly.
5. Keep the sauce on a gentle simmer so the flavors mix without becoming bitter.
6. Let the sauce cool a little before serving or storing so the taste settles and deepens.
Additions To Make Extra Delicious
➤ Smoked Paprika – Adds a gentle smoky flavor that deepens the sauce without changing its bright, tangy character. It gives a subtle richness that pairs beautifully with pork.
➤ Worcestershire Sauce – Introduces a savory, umami layer that balances the sharpness of vinegar and the sweetness of sugar. Just a splash can make the sauce taste more complex and rounded.
➤ Garlic (Powder or Minced) – Brings warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor while keeping the sauce light. Garlic rounds out the peppery kick.
➤ Honey or Maple Syrup – Adds a natural sweetness and slight stickiness that softens the tang, creating a smooth, flavorful finish that clings to meat.
➤ Mustard – A touch of mustard brightens the flavor and gives subtle sharpness, complementing the vinegar base and enhancing the red color.
Storage Instructions
Store Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks. Shake or stir well before each use, as the spices and sugar may settle over time.
For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir gently before serving. Always check for freshness before using if it develops an off smell or unusual appearance, discard it.
FAQs About Lexington Style BBQ Sauce
How spicy is Lexington Style BBQ Sauce?
This sauce has a gentle to moderate heat thanks to red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and a dash of hot sauce. The spice level can easily be adjusted by increasing or reducing these ingredients. It’s designed to add warmth and a little kick without overpowering the tangy vinegar base.
What meats work best with this sauce?
Traditionally, it’s served with slow-smoked or pulled pork, especially chopped pork shoulder. However, it also complements grilled chicken, ribs, brisket, and even roasted vegetables. Its tangy, slightly sweet flavor enhances a wide range of dishes.
How should I store the sauce and how long does it last?
Keep the sauce refrigerated in a clean, airtight jar or bottle. When stored properly, it stays fresh for up to two weeks. Because it’s vinegar-based, it resists spoilage well, but always check for off smells or mold before using.
Can I prepare this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir or shake before serving.
Is Lexington Style BBQ Sauce thick or runny?
Unlike many BBQ sauces that are thick and sweet, Lexington sauce is thin and tangy. It’s designed to soak into the meat and brighten the flavor rather than coat it heavily. This light consistency is part of what makes it unique and beloved.
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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Lexington Style BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Stove
Ingredients Â
- 1½ cups apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar light or dark, either works
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes use more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce to taste
InstructionsÂ
- Start by putting the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and hot sauce into a medium saucepan. Give everything a good stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks smooth and well combined.
- Set the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and slowly bring it to a gentle simmer. You don’t want it boiling hard just enough heat to warm it through and get things moving.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, so all the flavors blend together nicely.
- Once it’s done, take it off the heat and let it cool for a bit. Taste it and adjust the salt or heat if needed, then it’s ready to serve.