Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes the perfect excuse to fire up your grill and get ready for a season of delicious barbecues. While many people think that barbecue is all about slow-cooking meats over low heat, there’s no denying the importance of a good spicy kick to elevate those classic summer flavors. And if you’re looking for inspiration, look no further than the bold and tangy world of Carolina barbecue.
From the mustard-based pulled pork of the Midlands to the vinegar-infused sauces of Eastern North Carolina, the Queen City has given us a rich culinary heritage that’s worth exploring. In this article, we’ll take a journey through 20 mouth-watering spicy Carolina barbeque recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Stay tuned for some seriously tasty twists on classic barbecue dishes, including slow-cooked ribs, smoky chicken, and even tofu and vegetable options. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just looking for some new ideas to spice up your summer gatherings, we’ve got you covered with these 20 spicy Carolina barbeque recipes.
Carolina Mustard-Based Pulled Pork
Get ready to experience the rich flavors of the Carolinas with this mouthwatering pulled pork recipe, elevated by the addition of tangy mustard. This slow-cooked delight is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or just serving on its own.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style mustard (e.g., Duke’s)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid.
5. Cook for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. If desired, brush with barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Shred the pork with two forks and serve.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Barbeque Sauce
This classic vinegar-based barbeque sauce from Eastern North Carolina is a tangy and flavorful condiment perfect for slathering on pork, chicken, or even using as a dip. With its simple ingredients and effortless preparation, you’ll be enjoying the taste of the Old South in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and reduces by about half.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Lexington-Style Pork Shoulder with Red Slaw
Experience the classic flavors of Lexington-style barbecue with this tender pork shoulder recipe served alongside a refreshing red slaw.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup Lexington-style BBQ rub (or your favorite dry rub)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon white vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ rub, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Smoke or grill the pork shoulder for 8-10 hours, or until tender and falling apart.
5. Meanwhile, combine shredded cabbage, diced red bell pepper, mayonnaise, white vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
6. Stir until combined and refrigerate until ready to serve.
7. Serve pork shoulder with red slaw alongside.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (smoking/grilling) + 30 minutes (assembly)
Slow-Cooked Carolina Barbeque Ribs
Slow-Cooked Carolina Barbeque Ribs: A Classic Southern Delight
Get ready to fall in love with the tender and flavorful Slow-Cooked Carolina Barbeque Ribs. This recipe combines the rich history of North Carolina’s barbeque tradition with a modern twist, resulting in a dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and place in the slow cooker.
4. Brush both sides of ribs with olive oil, then spoon half of the barbecue sauce mixture over each rack.
5. Cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
6. Remove ribs from slow cooker and brush with remaining barbecue sauce mixture.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Honey-Glazed Carolina Chicken Barbeque
This classic Southern dish combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy honey glaze, all wrapped up in the rich flavors of barbeque. Perfect for a summer cookout or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush with the honey glaze.
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy South Carolina Barbeque Shrimp
Experience the bold flavors of the Palmetto State with this mouthwatering Spicy South Carolina Barbeque Shrimp recipe. Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, spicy heat from the jalapeños, and a hint of smokiness come together to create a dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup South Carolina-style barbecue sauce (such as Dancy’s or Sweet Baby Ray’s)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, butter, jalapeño, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp to the sauce mixture; toss to coat.
4. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Carolina Barbeque Brisket with Pepper Rub
Carolina Barbeque Brisket with Pepper Rub Recipe
Savor the classic flavors of Carolina-style barbecue with this tender and flavorful brisket recipe, smothered in a spicy pepper rub.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket
– 1/4 cup coarse black pepper
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F or set up grill for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together black pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the brisket in the smoker or grill and cook for 8-10 hours, or until tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the brisket with barbecue sauce (if using).
6. Let the brisket rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Tangy Carolina Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Get ready for a flavorful twist on classic pulled chicken sandwiches with the tanginess of North Carolina’s barbecue tradition! This recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with a sweet and spicy slaw that adds a delightful crunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup vinegar-based BBQ sauce (such as Carolina-style)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cups coleslaw mix
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and slow cook in the oven for 6-8 hours or until tender.
5. In a bowl, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the pulled chicken onto hamburger buns and topping with slaw.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooking) + 15 minutes (assembling)
Smoked Pork Butt with Carolina Mop Sauce
Smoked Pork Butt with Carolina Mop Sauce: A Twist on Classic BBQ
This recipe brings together the tender, smoky goodness of a slow-cooked pork butt and the tangy sweetness of a Carolina-style mop sauce. Perfect for your next backyard gathering or casual dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 pound boneless pork butt
– 1 cup wood chips (such as hickory or apple)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. Mix mop sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
3. Season pork butt with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
4. Place pork butt in smoker and close lid. Smoke for 8-10 hours or overnight.
5. Every hour, brush pork butt with mop sauce during last 2 hours of smoking.
6. Remove from smoker when tender and slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Carolina-Style Barbeque Turkey Legs
Bring a taste of the Carolinas to your backyard with these tender and flavorful turkey legs smothered in a tangy barbeque sauce. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or family meals, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 turkey legs
– 1 cup Carolina-style barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wood chips or chunks for smoking (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or smoker to medium-low heat (225-250°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the turkey legs with the barbeque mixture, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Place the turkey legs on the grill or smoker, closing the lid if using a smoker.
5. Cook for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Pimento Cheese Stuffed Barbeque Burgers
A twist on the classic burger, these Pimento Cheese Stuffed Barbeque Burgers add a creamy, cheesy surprise to every bite. Perfect for backyard gatherings or casual meals with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 4 hamburger buns
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup pimento cheese spread (see note)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon barbeque seasoning
– 4 slices of cheddar cheese
– Lettuce, tomato, and onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and barbeque seasoning. Mix well.
3. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten slightly into patties.
4. Place a spoonful of pimento cheese spread on one half of each patty.
5. Top with another patty to form a “sandwich”.
6. Grill burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Assemble burgers on buns and top with cheddar cheese.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Note: Pimento cheese spread can be found in most grocery stores or made at home by combining cream cheese, pimentos, and spices.
Carolina Barbeque Tofu for Vegetarians
Get ready to taste the sweet and tangy flavors of Carolina-style barbecue with this vegetarian twist on a classic recipe! By marinating extra-firm tofu in a mixture of vinegar, tomato paste, and spices, you’ll create a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 block extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the tofu from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill the tofu for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly charred.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Carolina Glaze
Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Carolina Glaze: Sweet and Smoky Perfection
This recipe combines the tender, unctuous texture of pork belly burnt ends with the tangy, slightly sweet flavors of a traditional Carolina-style barbecue glaze. The result is a dish that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup barbecue glaze (see below)
Barbecue Glaze:
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine pork belly cubes, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Toss until the pork is evenly coated with the dry rub.
4. Spread the pork out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 2 hours or until caramelized and tender.
6. Brush with barbecue glaze during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs (optional).
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Sweet and Smoky Carolina Barbeque Beans
A classic Southern twist on traditional baked beans, these Sweet and Smoky Carolina Barbeque Beans combine the rich flavors of molasses, brown sugar, and smoked paprika with a hint of vinegar. Perfect for your next backyard barbecue or picnic.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, combine beans, onion, and garlic.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the bean mixture and stir to combine.
5. Cover the pot with lid or foil and bake for 6-8 hours, or until beans are tender.
6. Remove from oven and stir in apple cider vinegar.
7. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Grilled Barbeque Oysters with Carolina Sauce
Elevate your oyster game with this unique fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Grilled barbeque oysters smothered in a tangy Carolina sauce will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 oysters, shucked and rinsed
– 1/4 cup barbeque sauce
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together barbeque sauce, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the oysters.
4. Place oysters on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re slightly charred and tender.
5. Remove from heat and brush with melted butter.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Carolina-Style Barbeque Stuffed Potatoes
Experience the bold flavors of North Carolina’s BBQ tradition with this creative twist on classic baked potatoes. Sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, crispy bacon, and creamy sour cream come together to create a delightful side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1/2 cup Carolina-style barbeque sauce (such as vinegar-based)
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub and poke the potatoes, then bake for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
3. While potatoes are baking, mix barbeque sauce with crumbled bacon in a small bowl.
4. Once potatoes are done, slice them in half lengthwise and fluff the flesh with a fork.
5. Top each potato with the barbeque-bacon mixture, followed by a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. If desired, add shredded cheddar cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including baking time)
Barbeque Pork Sliders with Cole Slaw
Get ready to satisfy your cravings with these mouthwatering barbeque pork sliders paired with a tangy and crunchy cole slaw. Perfect for parties, picnics, or just a quick snack.
Ingredients:
For the pork sliders:
– 1 pound ground pork
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Barbeque sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the cole slaw:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine ground pork, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into small patties.
3. Grill the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Assemble sliders with barbeque sauce on top of the pork.
5. For the cole slaw, combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including prep time)
Crockpot Carolina Pulled Pork
Get ready to fall in love with this mouthwatering pulled pork recipe, infused with the bold flavors of North Carolina. This slow-cooked delight is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
– 1/4 cup beer or water
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place the pork in a Crockpot and pour in the barbecue sauce and beer or water.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Carolina Barbeque Cornbread Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins combine the warmth of Carolina barbeque with the comfort of classic cornbread. Perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch, these muffins are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Carolina barbeque sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and barbeque sauce.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Spicy Barbeque Fried Chicken Wings
Get ready to fire up your taste buds with these crispy and spicy barbeque fried chicken wings!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Barbeque sauce for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Pour buttermilk into a separate large bowl.
4. Dip each chicken wing into the buttermilk, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place on a plate or tray.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry wings in batches until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
6. Drain wings on paper towels and toss with hot sauce.
7. Bake wings in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp up.
8. Serve with barbeque sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes total, including preparation time.
Summary
Get ready to heat up your summer grilling with these 20 spicy Carolina barbeque recipes! From classic pulled pork and ribs to innovative dishes like honey-glazed chicken and pimento cheese-stuffed burgers, there’s something for every palate. Try the tangy vinegar-based sauce from Eastern North Carolina or go big with smoky brisket and pepper rub. And don’t forget the vegetarian options, including barbeque tofu and cornbread muffins. Whether you’re a BBQ newbie or a seasoned pro, these recipes are sure to bring the heat this summer.
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