When it comes to barbecue, different regions in the United States have their own unique styles and flavors. One of the most iconic and beloved styles is NC style BBQ, which originated in the Tar Heel State. In this article, we’ll delve into the history, characteristics, and secrets of NC style BBQ, exploring what makes it so special and delicious.
A Brief History of NC Style BBQ
NC style BBQ has its roots in the early colonial period, when European settlers brought their own barbecue traditions to the New World. Over time, these traditions merged with the cooking techniques of African and Native American communities, resulting in a distinct style that’s uniquely North Carolinian.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, barbecue became a staple of social gatherings and community events in North Carolina. Pit-cooked meat, often served with a variety of sauces and sides, was the centerpiece of these gatherings. As the state’s population grew and urbanized, different regional styles of BBQ emerged, each with its own flavor profiles and cooking techniques.
The Four Regional Styles of NC Style BBQ
NC style BBQ is often divided into four regional styles, each with its own unique characteristics:
Eastern-Style BBQ
Eastern-style BBQ is the oldest and most traditional style in North Carolina. This style is characterized by:
- Whole hog cooking: The entire pig is slow-cooked over wood or charcoal, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- Vinegar-based sauce: A tangy, acidic sauce made with vinegar, water, and spices is served on the side.
- Simple sides: Traditional sides include boiled potatoes, collard greens, and cornbread.
Lexington-Style BBQ
Lexington-style BBQ, also known as Piedmont-style, is a variation of Eastern-style BBQ. This style is characterized by:
- Pork shoulder cooking: Instead of whole hog, pork shoulders are slow-cooked over wood or charcoal.
- Tomato-based sauce: A sweeter, thicker sauce made with ketchup, vinegar, and spices is served on the side.
- More complex sides: Traditional sides include barbecue slaw, baked beans, and hush puppies.
Western-Style BBQ
Western-style BBQ, also known as Mountain-style, is a distinct style that emerged in the western part of the state. This style is characterized by:
- Pork ribs cooking: Pork ribs are slow-cooked over wood or charcoal, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
- Sweet and tangy sauce: A sweeter, thicker sauce made with ketchup, vinegar, and spices is served on the side.
- Hearty sides: Traditional sides include barbecue beans, coleslaw, and cornbread.
Southwestern-Style BBQ
Southwestern-style BBQ is a variation of Western-style BBQ. This style is characterized by:
- Beef cooking: Beef brisket or beef ribs are slow-cooked over wood or charcoal, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
- Spicy sauce: A spicier, more complex sauce made with hot sauce, vinegar, and spices is served on the side.
- Tex-Mex influences: Traditional sides include barbecue tacos, grilled vegetables, and Mexican street corn.
The Secrets of NC Style BBQ
So, what makes NC style BBQ so special and delicious? Here are some secrets that set it apart from other styles:
- Wood smoke: NC style BBQ is all about the wood smoke. Pitmasters use a variety of woods, including hickory, oak, and maple, to infuse the meat with a rich, smoky flavor.
- Low and slow cooking: NC style BBQ is all about slow-cooking the meat over low heat. This results in tender, juicy meat that’s full of flavor.
- Vinegar-based sauces: NC style BBQ is famous for its vinegar-based sauces, which add a tangy, acidic flavor to the meat.
- Simple ingredients: NC style BBQ is all about simplicity. Pitmasters use a limited number of ingredients, including meat, wood, and spices, to create a rich, complex flavor profile.
The Art of NC Style BBQ
NC style BBQ is an art form that requires skill, patience, and practice. Here are some tips for mastering the art of NC style BBQ:
- Choose the right wood: Different types of wood impart different flavors to the meat. Experiment with different types of wood to find the one that works best for you.
- Use the right sauce: NC style BBQ is all about the sauce. Experiment with different types of sauces to find the one that complements the meat best.
- Cook low and slow: NC style BBQ is all about slow-cooking the meat over low heat. Experiment with different cooking times and temperatures to find the one that works best for you.
- Practice, practice, practice: NC style BBQ is an art form that requires practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out perfectly – keep trying, and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Conclusion
NC style BBQ is a unique and delicious style that’s steeped in history and tradition. With its rich, smoky flavor and tangy, acidic sauces, it’s a style that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re a native North Carolinian or just visiting the Tar Heel State, NC style BBQ is a must-try. So, grab a plate of barbecue and dig in – your taste buds will thank you!
| Regional Style | Meat | Sauce | Sides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern-Style | Whole Hog | Vinegar-Based | Boiled Potatoes, Collard Greens, Cornbread |
| Lexington-Style | Pork Shoulder | Tomato-Based | Barbecue Slaw, Baked Beans, Hush Puppies |
| Western-Style | Pork Ribs | Sweet and Tangy | Barbecue Beans, Coleslaw, Cornbread |
| Southwestern-Style | Beef Brisket or Ribs | Spicy | Barbecue Tacos, Grilled Vegetables, Mexican Street Corn |
Note: The table above provides a summary of the four regional styles of NC style BBQ, including the type of meat, sauce, and sides that are typically associated with each style.
What is NC Style BBQ?
NC Style BBQ, also known as North Carolina-style barbecue, is a style of barbecue that originated in the state of North Carolina. It is characterized by its use of wood-smoked meat, typically pork, and a vinegar-based sauce. The style is divided into four distinct regional styles, each with its own unique flavor profile and cooking techniques.
NC Style BBQ is known for its rich, tangy flavor, which is achieved through the use of a combination of wood smoke, vinegar, and spices. The meat is typically slow-cooked over wood, which gives it a tender, fall-apart texture. The vinegar-based sauce is applied during the cooking process, adding a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the meat.
What are the four regional styles of NC Style BBQ?
The four regional styles of NC Style BBQ are Eastern-style, Lexington-style, Western-style, and Southwestern-style. Eastern-style BBQ is found in the eastern part of the state and is characterized by its use of whole hog and a vinegar-based sauce. Lexington-style BBQ is found in the Piedmont region and is known for its use of pork shoulder and a sweeter, tomato-based sauce.
Western-style BBQ is found in the western part of the state and is characterized by its use of pork shoulder and a vinegar-based sauce. Southwestern-style BBQ is found in the southwestern part of the state and is known for its use of pork shoulder and a sweeter, tomato-based sauce. Each regional style has its own unique flavor profile and cooking techniques, making NC Style BBQ a diverse and exciting culinary experience.
What is the difference between Eastern-style and Lexington-style BBQ?
The main difference between Eastern-style and Lexington-style BBQ is the type of meat used and the flavor profile of the sauce. Eastern-style BBQ uses whole hog, while Lexington-style BBQ uses pork shoulder. Eastern-style BBQ sauce is vinegar-based, while Lexington-style BBQ sauce is sweeter and tomato-based.
The flavor profile of Eastern-style BBQ is often described as tangy and acidic, while Lexington-style BBQ is often described as sweeter and more complex. The cooking techniques used in each style also differ, with Eastern-style BBQ often being cooked over wood and Lexington-style BBQ being cooked over charcoal or gas.
What is the history of NC Style BBQ?
NC Style BBQ has a rich and varied history that dates back to the early colonial period. The style is believed to have originated in the eastern part of the state, where European settlers brought their own barbecue traditions with them. Over time, African and Native American influences were incorporated into the style, resulting in the unique flavor profile and cooking techniques that characterize NC Style BBQ today.
NC Style BBQ gained popularity in the mid-20th century, with the establishment of roadside barbecue joints and restaurants throughout the state. Today, NC Style BBQ is a beloved culinary tradition that is enjoyed by people all over the world.
How is NC Style BBQ typically served?
NC Style BBQ is typically served with a variety of sides, including coleslaw, baked beans, and hush puppies. The meat is often served on a plate or on a bun, and is accompanied by a variety of sauces and toppings. In Eastern-style BBQ, the meat is often served with a side of boiled potatoes and collard greens.
In Lexington-style BBQ, the meat is often served with a side of red slaw, which is a type of coleslaw made with red cabbage and vinegar. The sides and toppings used in NC Style BBQ vary depending on the regional style and personal preference.
What are some popular NC Style BBQ joints?
Some popular NC Style BBQ joints include Skylight Inn in Ayden, Parker’s Barbecue in Wilson, and Scott’s Bar-B-Q in Goldsboro. These joints are known for their traditional cooking techniques and authentic flavor profiles. Other popular joints include Lexington Barbecue in Lexington and Bridges Barbecue Lodge in Shelby.
These joints offer a range of regional styles and flavor profiles, making them a great destination for anyone looking to experience the diversity of NC Style BBQ. Many of these joints have been featured in food publications and have received awards for their barbecue.
Can I make NC Style BBQ at home?
Yes, you can make NC Style BBQ at home. While it may be difficult to replicate the exact flavor profile and cooking techniques used in traditional NC Style BBQ joints, you can make delicious and authentic-tasting barbecue with a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking equipment. You will need a smoker or grill, as well as a variety of spices and sauces.
You can find many recipes for NC Style BBQ online, or in cookbooks and food publications. Some popular ingredients used in NC Style BBQ include vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic. With a little practice and patience, you can create delicious and authentic-tasting NC Style BBQ in the comfort of your own home.