Pig Pickin’ Vinegar Sauce

FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE & CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD 

A thin, puckery sauce of this style opened Cheryl’s eyes to the wonders of barbecue decades ago while she was traveling south on a family vacation in the Chevy station wagon. Few things so eye-opening are simpler to whip together. This vinegar slather complements any kind of smoked pig, whether it be a whole hog, shoulder, or even a passel of country-style pork chops.

Pig Pickin’ Vinegar Sauce is a classic and iconic BBQ sauce that hails from the Southern United States, particularly popular in North Carolina. This sauce is a beloved accompaniment to whole roasted or smoked pigs, often served during large outdoor gatherings and traditional pig pickin’ events, hence the name. It’s a vinegar-based sauce, which sets it apart from the more tomato-based sauces commonly found in other BBQ styles.

The main components of this sauce are vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. The vinegar provides the tangy and acidic base, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors. The salt and black pepper enhance the taste profile, and the cayenne or red pepper flakes bring a mild heat that complements the smoky flavors of the roasted pig.

The beauty of Pig Pickin’ Vinegar Sauce lies in its simplicity and versatility. Its bright and zesty flavors cut through the richness of the pork, enhancing its natural taste without overwhelming it. It’s also excellent for basting the pig during the cooking process, adding moisture and flavor to the meat.

In addition to its traditional use with whole roasted pigs, Pig Pickin’ Vinegar Sauce can be drizzled over pulled pork sandwiches, smoked chicken, or grilled meats, adding a tangy kick that excites the taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, attending a pig roast, or simply craving a taste of Southern barbecue, Pig Pickin’ Vinegar Sauce is sure to elevate your culinary experience with its unique and delightful flavors.

MAKES: ABOUT 2½ CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups cider vinegar or white vinegar
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar or granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt, or more to taste
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne or crushed hot red chile flakes

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium-size bowl, stir together all of the ingredients until the sugar dissolves. Alternatively, you can shake everything together in a covered quart-size canning jar for easy storage and mixing.
2. Serve the sauce at room temperature or chill it, covered, for later use. It will keep almost indefinitely in a covered container in the refrigerator.
3. If serving the sauce with pulled pork, mix enough of the sauce into the meat to make it moist before serving, and offer additional sauce on the side for extra flavor.

VARIATIONS:

• Eastern North Carolina Style: This variation uses apple cider vinegar as the base, along with red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Some versions also include a dash of hot sauce or cayenne for added heat. It’s known for its thin consistency and sharp, peppery taste.
• Lexington Style (Western North Carolina): Also known as “dip” or “dip-style” sauce, this variation combines vinegar with ketchup or tomato sauce, brown sugar, and a blend of spices like black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. It strikes a balance between the tanginess of vinegar and the sweetness of tomato-based sauces.
• South Carolina Mustard Sauce: In this version, yellow mustard takes the place of vinegar as the primary base. It’s mixed with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spices like black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. This sauce offers a unique tangy-sweet flavor with a hint of spiciness.
• Alabama White Sauce: Unlike the traditional red vinegar-based sauces, Alabama White Sauce features mayonnaise as its primary ingredient, along with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and a blend of spices. It pairs exceptionally well with smoked or grilled chicken.
• Fruit-infused Variations: Some creative cooks add fruit purees or juices like apple, peach, or pineapple to the classic recipe. These fruity variations add a touch of sweetness and complexity to the sauce, making it a delightful companion to a variety of grilled or smoked meats.