Western Carolina sauce request - Smoque BBQ

[robbpf]

Hi everyone!

I am originally from the NW Suburbs of Chicago and lived in the Irving Park neighborhood in Chicago for 8 years before moving to Sydney, NSW. My obsession with BBQ can be completely blamed on my undying love for Smoque BBQ, whenever I fly back to the states I make sure to stop by multiple times to enjoy the perfection that is their brisket among other delights. I also bring back ~12 or so bottles of their Memphis and Spicy Memphis BBQ Sauce to Sydney. Unfortunately Smoque BBQ does not sell their Western Carolina Sauce, this in lies my problem Does anyone have good knockoff or close recipe in the same style as Smoque BBQ's? I can get Lillies Q Carolina Sauce in Australia, its a good substitute but it doesnt satisfy my cravings.

Any thoughts or recipes to share to point me down the right direction of making my own knockoff? I'm looking for ballpark of vinegary and peppery goodness. thanks for any advice!

[LA Pork Butt]

robbpf North or South Carolina?

[robbpf]

Western North Carolina

Smoque BBQ: Of all the Carolina versions, Barry Sorkin prefers the western Carolina variety of 'cue at his Irving Park restaurant.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-carolina-barbecue-in-chicago-20150319-story.html

[robbpf]

You can see differences in Carolina sauces on the main site, map here illustrates it very well. https://amazingribs.com/files/fixed-.../carolinas.jpg

full article:https://amazingribs.com/tested-recip...-buy-set-award

[MBMorgan]

Have you looked through the recipes here? https://amazingribs.com/tested-recip...-sauce-recipes

[robbpf]

Lexington Dip Sauce is in the ball park but looking to see if anyone has anything closer.

https://amazingribs.com/tested-recipes/barbecue-sauce-recipes/lexington-dip-classic-hill-country-north-carolina-barbecue

[Mark E.]

In terms of the Carolinas, I am not familiar with a named Western Carolina sauce. Broadly speaking, my knowledge includes many North Carolina sauces which have a vinegar base. Some Carolina sauces which may have mustard as a main ingredient. This can be further refined by local recipes down to which county of the Carolinas or anywhere for that matter, one lives in.

amazingribs as mentioned above, is a great source.

M.

[robbpf]

The western carolina sauce, from my understanding, is a vinegar base and also includes tomato. Unlike the eastern north carolina versions which are void of tomato, they are nearly exclusively vinegar with some seasoning added (peppers, salt, etc).

https://amazingribs.com/tested-recipes/barbecue-sauce-recipes/benchmark-barbecue-sauces-how-make-them-and-how-buy-set-award

[LA Pork Butt]

robbpf try mixing these ingredients together and bringing them to a simmer. Up or lower the ketchup to your liking or the vinegar or the sugar or the pepper or the salt.

1 cup cider vinegar
2/3 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

[Mark E.]

Always glad to find a redirect to reinforce my meager knowledge-missed the map robbpf had a redirect to. Thanks.... -got my sauce preference going at Wilburs BBQ in Goldsboro (mid 80s). Had the pleasure of being invited to a Pig Pickin (me, a northern accent) at my neighbors farm as well (vinegar based sauce made in the old gallon glass jugs).

M.

[LA Pork Butt]

robbpf this one might be more like what you are looking for.

ü1 Cup ketchup (Hot type)
ü1 Cup water (bottled plain if you have fluorinated/treated)
ü1⁄4 Cup apple cider vinegar
ü1 onion chopped fine
ü3 cloves crushed garlic
ü2 TBS brown sugar
ü2 TBS molasses
ü2 TBS dry mustard
ü1 tsp cayenne

[FishTalesNC]

If you search for "Lexington" style BBQ sauces you may have additional luck, as that location is what made that western NC style famous.

[Potkettleblack]

Yeah, you're looking for something like this:

https://barbecuebible.com/recipe/lexington-vinegar-sauce/

Lexington... North of Charlotte, West of Greensboro and Winston-Salem.

[buschj1971]

robbpf I don't know if you're still checking this thread, but I just came across it (I'm a new pitmaster sub).

I lived in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago for about 5 years, up until 2014. I went to Smoque all the time, and particularly liked their Memphis and Carolina sauces, too. I now live in Boston, so I emailed Barry Sorkin to ask for the recipes, and he very graciously sent me the ingredient lists. Here's what he sent for the Carolina sauce:

Carolina

Tomato Sauce
Coca Cola
Cider Vinegar
A-1 Sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Yellow Mustard
Fresh Lemon Juice
Corn Oil
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Brown Sugar
Salt
Chili Powder
Black Pepper
Garlic Salt
Dry Mustard

Hope that helps!

[Donw]

Great info in your first post! While you have been around for a few months I still want to say welcome to the Pit.

[RonB]

Welcome to The Pit.