Carolina BBQ Peppers Recipe

Bell peppers: These colorful vegetables add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the dish. Choose any color you prefer for a vibrant presentation.

Carolina-style bbq sauce: This mustard-based sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, providing a unique flavor profile that complements the peppers perfectly.

Olive oil: Used to help the sauce adhere to the peppers and to prevent sticking on the grill.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the peppers and the sauce.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the overall flavor.

To enhance the flavor of the bell peppers, consider marinating them in the bbq sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This allows the peppers to absorb more of the Carolina-style bbq sauce, resulting in a richer, more intense taste. Additionally, make sure to preheat the grill properly to achieve those perfect char marks and a smoky flavor.

• bell peppers - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers offer a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor, which can add a different dimension to the dish.

• carolina-style bbq sauce - Substitute with mustard-based bbq sauce: Mustard-based BBQ sauce is similar in tanginess and can provide a comparable flavor profile.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and a more complex flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can add a subtle heat without altering the color of the dish.

• Allow the grilled peppers to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the peppers soggy.
• Place the cooled peppers in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The Carolina BBQ peppers will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Lay the cooled peppers on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the peppers to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the peppers in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the grill or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• For a quick reheat, you can also use the microwave. Place the peppers on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Carolina BBQ peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the peppers with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the Carolina BBQ peppers in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the Carolina BBQ peppers in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are warmed through.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Place the Carolina BBQ peppers on the grill.
  3. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have a slight char.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Carolina BBQ peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Grill: Used to cook the bell peppers to achieve a tender and slightly charred texture.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

• Basting brush: Used to brush the peppers with the BBQ sauce mixture.

• Tongs: Used to handle and turn the peppers on the grill.

• Knife: Used to cut the bell peppers in half and remove the seeds.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the bell peppers.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the BBQ sauce and olive oil.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper.

Pre-make the sauce: Prepare the Carolina-style BBQ sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-cut peppers: Buy pre-cut bell peppers from the store to skip the cutting step.

Marinate in advance: Marinate the bell peppers in the BBQ sauce mixture the night before.

Grill in batches: If you have a small grill, cook the peppers in batches to save time.

Use a grill basket: A grill basket can make flipping the peppers easier and faster.