The Ultimate Homemade Barbecue Sauce: A Sweet, Tangy, and Spicy Recipe Perfect for Pulled Pork & More
Unlock the secret to an incredibly flavorful, easy-to-make homemade barbecue sauce that will become a staple in your kitchen. This recipe, inspired by the distinctive taste of Old Carolina Barbecue Company, is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes. It’s the ideal accompaniment for your next batch of succulent pulled pork, juicy pork tenderloin, or perfectly grilled pork chops. I first had the pleasure of tasting this exact blend during a fascinating visit to the Shoup Brothers Farm in Ohio, and it was so outstanding, I knew I had to share it. Prepare a double or triple batch to ensure you always have this liquid gold on hand – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Crafting the Perfect Homemade BBQ Sauce: Why This Recipe Shines
There’s an undeniable magic to homemade barbecue sauce. While store-bought options offer convenience, nothing compares to the fresh, vibrant flavors and the ability to customize your sauce to perfection. This specific recipe stands out for its exceptional balance – a delightful tang from apple cider vinegar, a comforting sweetness from brown sugar and honey, and a gentle warmth from dry mustard and cayenne pepper. It’s a versatile condiment that elevates any dish it touches, making it far more than just a topping for pulled pork.
Imagine this sauce coating tender ribs, glistening on grilled chicken, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables. Its robust profile makes it a fantastic marinade, a superb dipping sauce, or a glaze that caramelizes beautifully. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few common pantry ingredients and minimal effort. Forget about artificial flavors or preservatives; with this recipe, you’re in control, creating a healthier and undeniably more delicious alternative.
An Illuminating Journey into Ohio Hog Farming: My Visit to Shoup Brothers Farm
Beyond sharing this incredible barbecue sauce recipe, I’m thrilled to take you on a journey to where some of the finest pork originates. A few weeks ago, I had the invaluable opportunity to spend a day at the Shoup Brothers Farm in Ohio, thanks to a partnership with the Ohio Pork Council. This experience was profoundly informative, providing a firsthand look into the intricate world of modern hog farming, from how hogs are raised and cared for to the meticulous process of bringing pork from the farm to our tables.
The Shoup Brothers are not just farmers; they are custodians of a multi-generational legacy, deeply passionate about their work and the welfare of their animals. Their dedication was evident in every aspect of their operation, offering a reassuring perspective on where our food comes from. This visit underscored the importance of connecting consumers with the source of their food, fostering a deeper appreciation for the agricultural practices that sustain us.
Modern Farming Practices and Unwavering Commitment to Animal Welfare
One of the most striking aspects of the Shoup Brothers Farm was the exceptional cleanliness and organization of their barns and facilities. This wasn’t merely for aesthetics; it’s a critical component of their robust biosecurity protocols. Upon entering each barn, we conscientiously changed into fresh plastic shoe coverings. This simple yet effective measure prevents the transfer of potential germs or infections, safeguarding the health of the hogs – a testament to their proactive approach to animal care and food safety.
Furthermore, I was pleased to learn about their responsible use of antibiotics. Contrary to some misconceptions, antibiotics are administered judiciously, and only when a pig or hog is in absolute need of treatment, much like a family pet needing medication. This approach aligns with industry best practices, ensuring animal health while minimizing risks. All pork farmers in Ohio, and indeed across the nation, must adhere to stringent certification and safety standards. Regular check-ups by veterinarians are a standard practice, confirming that the pigs remain healthy and thrive under optimal conditions.
Many readers often ask about the health benefits of eating pork. It’s a common misconception that pork is inherently unhealthy. However, modern farming practices have significantly evolved. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) now classifies pork tenderloin as being just as lean as a skinless chicken breast. Through selective breeding and improved feeding regimens over the years, the quality and nutritional profile of the pork we consume have dramatically improved, offering a lean, protein-rich option for a balanced diet.
A Lifecycle on the Farm: From Farrowing to Market
Our tour began in the farrowing barn, a bustling environment where we witnessed sows at various stages of motherhood – some giving birth, others nursing their newborns, and some initiating the weaning process with their piglets. It was a truly captivating experience to observe the early life stages of these animals. Typically, sows will nurse their piglets for approximately four weeks before they are weaned. The piglets, surprisingly small, weighed in at about three pounds, a stark contrast to their mothers, who can weigh an astonishing 350 to 400 pounds!
Moving to the nursery barn, the energy was palpable. The piglets here were incredibly energetic and lively, darting around their spacious pens. It was a heartwarming sight that, I must admit, reminded me of my own three little ones at home! These young pigs are housed in large, clean pens, and as they grow, they are carefully moved to new pens with other piglets of similar size. Their diet is meticulously formulated, consisting of a balanced mixture of grains, essential minerals, and vitamins, complemented by a constant supply of fresh water – all designed to support their healthy development.
Keeping the piglets and hogs indoors in modern barns offers significant advantages, primarily allowing farmers to protect their health and well-being. As anyone familiar with the region knows, Ohio weather can be notoriously unpredictable, and exposure to harsh elements can be detrimental to animals. These climate-controlled environments shield the hogs from extreme temperatures, strong winds, and heavy precipitation.
Each barn is precisely temperature-controlled, creating an optimal environment that ensures the piglets maintain a consistent, healthy body temperature. This crucial aspect of care minimizes stress, prevents illness, and promotes robust growth, allowing them to thrive and develop appropriately throughout their lives on the farm.
Our final stop was the finishing barn, where the Barrows (neutered male pigs) and Gilts (female pigs that have not yet farrowed) are kept. These hogs remain in this barn, receiving consistent care and nutrition, until they reach their market weight. This carefully managed process ensures that the animals are healthy and ready for consumption, upholding the highest standards of quality from farm to table.
Recreating the Farm-to-Table Experience: Pulled Pork and This Essential BBQ Sauce
The pulled pork sandwiches at the Shoup Brothers Farm were nothing short of legendary, and a significant part of that perfection was this very homemade barbecue sauce. Its rich, nuanced flavor perfectly complements the tender, slow-cooked pork, creating a dish that is comforting, satisfying, and truly memorable. This Old Carolina Barbecue Company copycat recipe brings that authentic, regional BBQ flavor directly to your kitchen, allowing you to recreate that incredible farm-to-table experience with ease.
If you’re ready to assemble your own mouth-watering meal, be sure to check out my pulled pork recipe. Pair it with this sauce, and you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came straight from a championship barbecue pit. The beauty of this sauce is its simplicity in preparation, yet its complexity in flavor, making it a standout addition to your culinary repertoire.
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
3 cups
10 minutes
10 minutes
This Homemade Barbecue Sauce is easy to make and one to keep on hand for the next time you make pulled pork. I first tried this recipe at the Shoup Brothers Farm. It is the perfect mixture of flavors and spices to top on your next pork tenderloin, pulled pork or grilled pork chops. Double or triple the recipe to make a big batch to keep for later!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups tomato ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk all of the ingredients together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Notes
This BBQ sauce is great on all types of meals-especially pulled pork sandwiches, grilled pork chops or a pork tenderloin.
Supporting Ohio Pork Producers and Exploring More Recipes
This post is sponsored by OhioPork.org. As always, all opinions expressed are my own and reflect my genuine experience. Thank you for supporting the brands and organizations that make content like this possible on A Cedar Spoon!