Tony Roma’s restaurants make a wonderful rack of pork ribs, and this sauce can be used on beef, pork, or chicken.
Tony Roma’s Carolina Barbecue Sauce is a delectable and distinctive sauce that embodies the flavors of the southern United States. Known for its tangy and slightly sweet taste, this sauce is a perfect complement to a wide range of grilled and smoked meats. With its combination of ketchup, red wine vinegar, and molasses, it strikes a delightful balance between sweet and tangy, providing a unique and memorable flavor profile.
One of the key ingredients that sets Tony Roma’s Carolina Barbecue Sauce apart is the addition of liquid smoke. This imparts a rich smokiness to the sauce, reminiscent of traditional slow-cooked barbecues. Along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, the sauce is elevated to a level of complexity that tantalizes the taste buds.
This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways to elevate your barbecue experience. Whether brushed over grilled chicken, basted onto ribs, or used as a dipping sauce for pulled pork, Tony Roma’s Carolina Barbecue Sauce is sure to impress with its bold and flavorful character. Its smooth texture and harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky elements make it an all-time favorite among barbecue enthusiasts, providing an authentic taste of the Carolinas to barbecue lovers worldwide.
SERVES: 4
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1½ teaspoons liquid smoke
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the sauce to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The sauce will thicken as it simmers, reaching a rich and flavorful consistency.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Grilled Chicken: Brush the Carolina Barbecue Sauce generously over grilled chicken pieces for a mouthwatering and tangy glaze. Serve with coleslaw and cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
- Ribs: Baste your ribs with the sauce during the last stages of grilling or smoking for a delectable caramelized coating. The sauce’s sweet and tangy flavors pair perfectly with the smoky goodness of ribs.
- Pulled Pork: Mix the Carolina Barbecue Sauce into your pulled pork for a zesty and flavorful twist. Serve it on toasted buns with coleslaw for a delicious pulled pork sandwich.
- Barbecue Shrimp: Marinate shrimp in the sauce before grilling or sautéing to create a delightful seafood dish with a Southern twist.
- Dipping Sauce: Offer the sauce as a dipping option for chicken tenders, grilled vegetables, or even sweet potato fries for a unique and tasty accompaniment.
- Barbecue Pizza: Use the Carolina Barbecue Sauce as a base for a barbecue pizza, topping it with grilled chicken, red onions, bell peppers, and a blend of cheeses.
- Meatloaf Glaze: Brush the sauce over your meatloaf during the last few minutes of baking to add a flavorful glaze to this classic comfort food.
- Barbecue Sliders: Prepare mini sliders using your choice of meat, such as pulled pork or shredded chicken, and drizzle the Carolina Barbecue Sauce over the top for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party dish.




