How to Make Carolina’s Lexington BBQ Sauce

Pork barbecue affinity among North Carolinians is sharply divided. On each side of the state, the preparation of the pig is different. So, too, is the vinegar-based barbecue sauce. Within the nuance of vinegar-based sauces, many are fiercely loyal to Lexington BBQ sauce.

From Raleigh down east toward Ayden, Kinston, Wilmington, and Greenville, smoked pork enthusiasts are fiercely loyal to a simple, thin, and tangy solution made of vinegar and pepper.

West of the state’s capital city, particularly Carolina BBQ served around Lexington, Winston-Salem, Shelby, and across the Piedmont, the favorite vinegar barbecue sauce – or “dip” – adds varying levels of tomato ketchup and sugar to the watery mixture of vinegar and pepper. This is Lexington BBQ sauce.

Of course, Carolina vinegar barbecue sauce recipes fill the internet. Many drafted through trial and error. Others from the hand of the pitmaster. Some are better than others.

But the Lexington BBQ sauce I swear by comes in the careful cursive handwriting of Memaw, who raised her family in Davidson County, not far from the county seat city of Lexington.

Lexington BBQ Sauce from the Source

While the whole hog barbecue methods of Eastern Carolina have been largely unchanged since the 1800s, different variations emerged in the N.C. Piedmont by World War I. As they did, more and more tomato ketchup – or something akin to it – crept into the sauce.

Mass production of American-style ketchup could be a culprit, and the deep German heritage of the region’s population probably had a role, too. A taste for sweet and sour German favorites combined with a preference for cooking fatty pork shoulders. Ultimately, Lexington BBQ was born.

According to barbecue historian John Shelton Reed, the first commercial barbecue restaurants serving Lexington BBQ emerged in Lexington and Salisbury around 1919. Jess Swicegood and the duo of Sid Weaver and George Ridenhour opened Lexington’s first two barbecue joints. All direct descendants of German immigrants, they cooked pork shoulder low and slow, chopped it coarsely, and served it in sandwiches with Lexington BBQ sauces made from vinegar – and tomato ketchup.

Soon others followed the flavor. Business boomed. More barbecue stands sprung up, and so did debate over East vs. West.

By the mid-1950s, when my wife’s maternal grandfather, Herbert “Sam” Ketcham planted his family in north Davidson County, Lexington style reigned supreme in the Piedmont. Sam operated businesses in Davidson County for decades. And as his life partner of 62 years, Velvie “Memaw” Ketcham, managed the family home, she collected all the best local recipes.

A Gift of Lexington BBQ

When this Alabama boy married a North Carolina girl, our rehearsal dinner guests could choose their preference: ribs from Dreamland in Tuscaloosa or Lexington barbecue … from Lexington.

All the best barbecue sides were there, too. So were my wife’s grandparents, Sam and Velvie, or Memaw and Papaw as I knew them by that point.

After a few years spent dating their granddaughter, they were family, and so were their favored flavors of Lexington Barbecue. It is only natural that nuptial gifts from the family included plenty of new recipes. Now, more than 15 years later, there are a few cards in that recipe box that have seen more love than the others.

The Lexington BBQ recipes for sauce and slaw have the most wear. Even though I should know the mix by heart at this point, I always enjoy taking a peek.

First and foremost, the Lexington BBQ sauce – but if you are at the barbecue joint, it is called dip.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups of apple cider vinegar

½ cup water

10 tablespoons of tomato ketchup

1 tablespoon sugar

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

A few dashes of Worchester Sauce (I like to go heavy-handed here …)

A pinch of crushed hot red pepper flakes (… and here.)

Fresh ground black pepper to taste 

Combine the ingredients and bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let stand until cool.

Lexington BBQ Slaw Completes the Sandwich

You can’t have Lexington barbecue without the slaw.

Reliant on the same vinegar-ketchup flavors of the dip, the slaw brings a cool crispness to the sandwich. It is a great, light counter to the meat and bun. Really, it serves to moisten the meat and the bread a little, like a Southern-style lubricant designed to delight as the meat medicine goes down.

Ingredients:

4 cups of shredded or chopped raw cabbage (chopped is best)

¼ cups of sugar

1/3 cup of ketchup

2 tablespoons of white vinegar

1 teaspoon of salt

½ teaspoon of black pepper

Dash of red pepper

Combine ingredients and refrigerate until it is time for barbecue.

This recipe comes courtesy of Memaw, too, but honestly, who has time to finely chop 4 cups of cabbage? In a pinch, I’m always going to make my own meat and sauce, but I have no qualms about turning to Southern Taste red slaw for a quality stand-in.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lexington BBQ Sauce

Is Lexington the BBQ capital of the world?

While Lexington, NC, holds a significant place in barbecue culture, it is not officially recognized as the BBQ capital of the world. Barbecue capitals are subjective and often tied to regional preferences and traditions. However, Lexington’s contribution to barbecue cuisine is widely celebrated and recognized within the barbecue community.

What is Lexington best known for?

Lexington, NC, is primarily known for its famous Lexington-style barbecue, characterized by its use of tomato-based sauce with vinegar, pepper, and sugar. The city is also known for its historic downtown area, which features charming shops, eateries, and cultural landmarks. Additionally, Lexington hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Lexington Barbecue Festival celebrating its rich barbecue heritage and community spirit.

Where did Lexington-style BBQ come from?

Lexington-style BBQ originated in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, specifically in and around the city of Lexington. Influenced by German immigrants and regional culinary preferences, Lexington-style BBQ sauce evolved to incorporate tomato ketchup and sugar. Ketchup and sugar distinguishing it from the vinegar-based sauces found in Eastern North Carolina. (Get an Eastern Carolina sauce recipe here.) Over time, Lexington-style BBQ gained popularity and became synonymous with the region’s barbecue culture.

Who owns Lexington Barbecue?

Lexington Barbecue, like many longstanding barbecue establishments, is typically family-owned and operated. Specific ownership details may vary, but it’s common for such establishments to be passed down through generations within the same family. In this case, the barbecue business has been passed down through the Monk family. Wayne Monk started the business in 1962. Wayne Monk was inducted into the North Carolina BBQ Hall of Fame‘s inaugural class in March 2024. His son, Rick Monk now operates the business. Rick’s son Nathan Monk is now involved in the business where he is manager.

Why is Lexington BBQ called Honey Monk?

Wayne Monk and Sonny Hunneycutt opened Lexington Barbecue in 1962. Sonny dropped out of the business, but the name stuck around. Some believe the nickname “Honey Monk” reflects the combination of honey-like sweetness from the added sugar and the Monk family’s association with the sauce’s popularity in the Lexington area.

Can you eat 1-year-old BBQ sauce?

While unopened commercially bottled BBQ sauce can typically last for an extended period, it’s essential to check for signs of spoilage before consuming. Once opened, BBQ sauce should be refrigerated and used within a reasonable timeframe. Use the sauce within several months to maintain quality and safety. If BBQ sauce shows signs of mold, unusual odor, or changes in texture, it’s best to discard it.

Can BBQ sauce go bad?

Yes, like any food product, BBQ sauce can go bad. Factors such as exposure to air, moisture, and temperature fluctuations can contribute to spoilage. Signs of spoiled BBQ sauce include mold growth, off odors, changes in texture, or separation of ingredients. To ensure safety and quality, it’s essential to store BBQ sauce properly and check for signs of spoilage before consumption.