Carolina barbecue is a regional style that is characterized by its vinegary sauce and slow-cooked, pulled pork. It’s a simple yet flavorful style that has captured the hearts of barbecue enthusiasts around the world.
The Two Main Styles of Carolina Barbecue
- Eastern North Carolina Style: This style is known for its vinegar-based sauce, which is tangy and slightly sweet. The pork is often chopped rather than pulled, and it’s typically served on a white bun with a sprinkle of hot sauce.
- Western North Carolina Style: This style uses a tomato-based sauce that is similar to Kansas City-style barbecue sauce. The pork is typically pulled and served on a bun with coleslaw.
Key Ingredients and Techniques
- Pork Shoulder: This is the primary meat used in Carolina barbecue. It’s slow-cooked until it’s tender and juicy.
- Vinegar-Based Sauce: This tangy sauce is a hallmark of Eastern North Carolina barbecue. It’s typically made with vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Tomato-Based Sauce: This sauce is more common in Western North Carolina and is similar to Kansas City-style barbecue sauce.
- Wood: Hickory and oak are popular woods for smoking pork in Carolina barbecue.
Making Your Own Carolina Barbecue
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder
- Apple cider vinegar
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Liquid smoke (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder with a mixture of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Smoke the Pork: Smoke the pork shoulder low and slow, around 225°F (107°C), until it reaches an internal temperature of 200°F (93°C).
- Make the Sauce: Combine vinegar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and liquid smoke in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- Pull the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, pull it apart with two forks.
- Serve: Serve the pulled pork on buns with the vinegar-based sauce.
Side Dishes for Carolina Barbecue
- Coleslaw: A classic side dish that complements the tangy flavor of the barbecue sauce.
- Baked Beans: A sweet and savory side dish that is perfect for barbecue.
- Cornbread: A versatile side dish that can be served plain or with butter and honey.
- Potato Salad: A creamy and comforting side dish.
By following these tips and experimenting with different flavors, you can create delicious Carolina-style barbecue at home.