Porker Shine Finishing Sauce

This one's for the folks who love that Carolina-style tang but want it with a backyard BBQ soul. Built on a backbone of cider vinegar and dark brown sugar, this finishing sauce gets a bold upgrade with Fat Man’s Porker Rub—a smoky, savory blend that brings depth, balance, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. This is a perfect finishing sauce for pulled pork, spraying or brushing on ribs for a tangy glaze, or mopping on chicken in the final stretch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t pull punches.

Servings: About 2½ cups
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 10–12 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Porker Rub

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, water, and tomato paste.
  2. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Add the Porker Rub and let the whole mix bubble for 10–12 minutes, stirring now and then. It should start to thicken slightly and smell real nice.
  4. Pull it off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
  5. Use warm as a glaze during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking, or serve it up on the side for dipping, drizzling, or dousing.

Fat Man Tips

  • Want it thicker? Simmer longer. Like it smooth? Give it a whirl in a blender.
  • Spice it up? Toss in a pinch of cayenne or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
  • Storage: Keeps 2–3 months in the fridge when stored in a clean, airtight glass jar. Shake before using. For long-term storage, consider freezing or canning.

 

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