- Authentic Eastern North Carolina Style BBQ Sauce Ingredients:
- Tomato Puree (for a sweet and tangy base)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (to balance the sweetness with acidity)
- Brown Sugar (a key ingredient for rich, caramelized flavor)
- Honey (adds a natural sweetness that enhances the overall taste)
- Worcestershire Sauce (gives depth and complexity to the sauce)
- Molasses (provides a deep, molasses-like flavor characteristic of NC BBQ)
- Garlic Powder (for added layers of garlic flavor without the raw taste)
- Onion Powder (adds subtle onion aroma for a more nuanced profile)
- Paprika (both smoked and sweet varieties for color and depth)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to season the sauce with classic flavors)
- Rub Ingredients:
- Coarse Sea Salt
- Brown Sugar
- Paprika (smoked or hot, depending on preference)
- Mustard Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder (for a smoky kick, optional)
- Smoked Paprika (for that authentic NC BBQ flavor)
- Smoking Wood Chips:
- Mesquite (a classic choice for a robust and sweet smoke)
- Hickory (provides a strong, traditional smoke flavor preferred in North Carolina)
- Applewood (offers a milder smoke with hints of sweetness)
- Cooking Ingredients:
- Beef Brisket (the main protein, slow-cooked until tender)
- Pork Ribs (another popular choice for Southern BBQ)
- Chicken (for those who prefer non-meat options or smaller portions)
- Additional Seasoning:
- Liquid Smoke (to mimic the flavor of natural smoke without the open flame)
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Steps
### How to Make Bubba Toms Eastern North Carolina Style Barbecue
Bubba Toms is a beloved brand that specializes in authentic eastern North Carolina-style barbecue, known for its sweet and tangy sauce without any vinegar or tomato. If you're looking to recreate this flavor at home, follow these detailed steps using SEO-friendly formatting.
#### Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef brisket (pulled apart after cooking)
- 1 cup Bubba Toms Original Sauce
- Salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning
#### Equipment:
- Large smoker or grill
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
**1. Prepare the Brisket:**
- Begin by trimming any excess fat from your beef brisket to ensure even cooking.
- Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika.
**2. Apply Bubba Toms Original Sauce:**
- In the last 30-45 minutes of cooking, brush on the Bubba Toms Original Sauce for added flavor and moisture retention.
**3. Preheat Your Smoker or Grill:**
- Preheat your smoker to around 225°F (107°C) or adjust as needed.
- For a grill, ensure it's hot enough for indirect cooking but not so high that the meat dries out quickly.
**4. Slow Smoking:**
- Place the seasoned brisket in the smoker on an indirect heat source.
- Cover and let it cook slowly for approximately 15-20 hours or until the internal temperature reaches around 195°F (90°C).
- Check occasionally to ensure that the brisket is not drying out by adding wood chips if necessary.
**5. Resting the Meat:**
- Once cooked, remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
**6. Shredding the Brisket:**
- After resting, use two forks to shred the brisket against the grain.
- Place the shredded beef back in a bowl and add the remaining Bubba Toms Original Sauce, mixing well until thoroughly coated.
### Tips for Authentic Flavor:
- **Use Proper Wood Chips:** Use hickory or mesquite wood chips to enhance the natural flavors of eastern North Carolina barbecue.
- **Monitor Smoking Temperature:** Consistent low temperatures help achieve that perfect fall-apart texture.
- **Add Water Pan:** Place a pan filled with water in the smoker to maintain humidity, which prevents the meat from drying out.
### Conclusion:
By following these steps and using Bubba Toms Original Sauce, you can create an authentic eastern North Carolina-style barbecue experience at home. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this recipe will transport your guests back to the coastal regions of North Carolina where true barbecue originates.