20+ Down East Barbecue Sauce Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!

The History of Down East Barbecue Sauce

The Origins

Down east barbecue sauce, also known as Eastern North Carolina barbecue sauce, has been a staple in the coastal regions of North Carolina for centuries. The sauce is said to have originated from the indigenous Native Americans, who used a similar vinegar-based sauce to preserve their meats. As European settlers arrived, they adapted the sauce to their tastes, adding spices and molasses to create a well-balanced, tangy flavor.

The Spread of Popularity

As the years went by, down east barbecue sauce gained popularity throughout the southern states, with each region adding their own unique twist to the recipe. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that the sauce started to gain nationwide recognition, thanks to the rise of BBQ competitions and the famous pitmaster, Ed Mitchell. His use of down east barbecue sauce on his award-winning pork shoulders brought this sauce into the spotlight and solidified its place in the BBQ world.

The Key Ingredients

Vinegar

The main ingredient in down east barbecue sauce is vinegar, specifically apple cider vinegar. This gives the sauce its signature tanginess and acts as a natural tenderizer for the meat.

Brown Sugar

To balance out the tanginess of the vinegar, brown sugar is added to the sauce. This not only adds sweetness but also helps to create a thick and sticky glaze on the meat.

Spices

Every pitmaster has their own blend of spices for down east barbecue sauce, but the most common ones include black pepper, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper. These spices add a subtle heat to the sauce, making it the perfect complement to any meat.

The Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, until it thickens.
4. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool before using it as a marinade or glaze on your favorite BBQ meats.

In Conclusion

Down east barbecue sauce may have humble beginnings, but it has certainly made a name for itself in the BBQ world. With its tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, this sauce is the perfect addition to any BBQ dish. Give our recipe a try and taste for yourself why down east barbecue sauce has become a staple in many households and restaurants. Happy grilling!