December 23, 2024
Who doesn’t love a good barbecue? When it’s done to perfection, the meat is tender and juicy, with just the right amount of char and smoky flavor. Barbecue evokes a sense of tradition, bringing people together around a shared meal, often accompanied by good friends, family, and lively conversation. It’s more than just food—it’s an experience that connects us to our roots.
While every region across the U.S. has developed its own unique style of BBQ, North Carolina stands out as one of the earliest and most influential examples of this classic dish.
What Makes North Carolina Barbecue Distinct
North Carolina BBQ has deep roots that span centuries and has played a pivotal role in shaping the barbecue culture we know today. Its origin can be traced back to early colonial times in the region when European immigrants learned traditional cooking techniques from indigenous peoples. The process of slow-roasting meats over an open flame, practiced by native tribes, was quickly adopted by the European newcomers. However, they put their own spin on it, focusing on pork and creating a more vinegar-based, piquant sauce.
At its core, North Carolina barbecue requires low, slow cooking over fire and smoke. During the cooking, the meat is based on a tangy, slightly spicy sauce, which gives it its distinctive flavor profile. Over the centuries, North Carolina barbecue evolved into what we have today.
It’s All About The Pig
North Carolina BBQ's main protein focus is pork! Pork reigns supreme in the pit, no matter where you are in NC. Before refrigeration was commonplace, the whole pig would be cooked to feed a large group of people and to preserve all the meat.
Today, pork still takes center stage, but there are regional differences.
- Eastern North Carolina pit masters stick to older traditions and give the whole pig the royal smoke treatment.
- Western (also known as Lexington) BBQers choose to focus on pork shoulder, likely stemming from earlier Bavarian populations, but still use the classic cooking method. The pork shoulder also takes on more smoke flavor and cooks faster than a whole hog.
Unique Sauce Flavor Profiles
The difference between Eastern and Western NC BBQ doesn’t stop at the protein choice. Unlike the sweeter, tomato-based sauces popular in other parts of the U.S., North Carolina barbecue is known for its tangy vinegar-based sauces.
- Eastern North Carolina favors an acidic, peppery sauce with a punch of capsaicin. The pig is basted with this vinegar-based sauce, which lends a savory, spicy element to the meat.
- Western BBQ die-hards add sweeter flavor profiles by incorporating ketchup or tomato paste. While the vinegar base is still there, Western-style sauce is thicker with underlying notes of sweetness and tang.
No matter which region you enjoy NC BBQ from, vinegar makes both styles unique. It adds brightness and bite, and the vinegar-based sauce helps tenderize and flavor the meat.
Classic North Carolina Side Dishes
No BBQ is complete without signature side dishes. North Carolina barbecue is traditionally served with a variety of classic Southern sides, such as:
- Coleslaw
- Collard greens
- Cornbread
- Corn pudding
- Hush puppies
- Mac and cheese
- Pickles
However, there are a few surprising sides that are favorites in N.C. Lexington coleslaw is a Western take on the typical slaw with the addition of ketchup. Brunswick stew is also prevalent at BBQ joints. It's a rich, hearty stew consisting of potatoes, beans, meat, vegetables, and salted pork.
Want to know where Carolina Mustard Sauce, aka Carolina Gold, fits into all of this?
Despite the name, this tangy, mustard-based BBQ sauce actually hails from South Carolina, not North! It’s a flavorful twist on tradition with a history all its own.
Why We Love North Carolina Barbecue
Depending on where you are in North Carolina, you might hear some debate about what’s “true N.C. barbecue”. However, the state is big enough for both styles to co-exist and each one offers a unique flavor that is hard to savor.
Master Your Barbecue Recipe with Ingredients from US Foods CHEF’STORE
Whether you live in Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greenville, Hickory, or Winston-Salem, you’ll find all your BBQ needs at one of our wholesale grocery stores near you. We stock exceptional meats, condiments, BBQ equipment, and more so you can perfect your pit master skills.
DOWNLOAD OUR INFOGRAPHIC: North Carolina BBQ: East vs. West
