Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Name: Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Yellow Mustard; 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar; 1/2 cup Brown Sugar; 2 tablespoons Honey; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

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Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is a mustard-based sauce that takes less than 10 minutes to make. Slightly tangy and a little bit sweet it’s perfect for pulled pork, ribs, chicken wings, and more.

Carolina gold bbq sauce dripping off a wooden spoon into a mason jar.

What is Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

This famous southern bbq sauce originated in South Carolina from none other than German immigrants who thought mustard would go well with the vinegar-based sauce. Well, they were right!

The result was a sweet and tangy sauce that’s smooth and delicious on everything from Pulled Pork Butt to chicken wings or even used as a condiment sauce. Not only is it delicious it’s now a sauce staple in bbq restaurants to backyard barbecues all across the south, especially here in Charleston.

Ingredients

Both North Carolina and South Carolina swear putting vinegar in your barbecue sauce is the only way to make it. There’s a good reason too because the vinegar helps tenderize the meat. This version, not to be confused with Carolina BBQ Sauce, which has ketchup, has mustard instead. It’s also made using pantry staples so it’s easy to make.

Mustard – You’ll need a classic yellow mustard to get that brilliant gold color and smooth texture. Other mustards such as Dijon or ones with a grainy texture won’t provide the right flavor or texture.
Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar works best and if you use this sauce to baste your meat while cooking, grilling, or smoking it, it helps to tenderize it.
Brown Sugar – Most of the sweetness in this sauce comes from the brown sugar and a little from the honey too. It’s a key ingredient to balance the tanginess.
Honey – Adding honey, or maple syrup if you’d like an earthier flavor, smooths out the flavors of the sauce while adding sweetness.
Worcestershire Sauce – This sauce is a flavor explosion of sour, sweet, and spicy, which brings a powerful taste to the overall sauce. It’s also commonly used in many southern dishes.
Spices – There are only a few spices in this sauce, which allows you to add more or less if you like. You’ll black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.

How to Make Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce

Mustard bbq sauce process steps 1 and 2.

Mix all the ingredients together. Place all the ingredients into a medium-sized saucepan, whisk to combine, and set it over medium-high heat.
Simmer. Allow the mustard barbecue sauce to come to a boil then reduce the heat to a medium-low and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made using pantry staples. You only need a handful of ingredients to make this bbq sauce and it’s made using all pantry staples. It’s easy to make anytime you need it.
Quick and easy. It takes less than 10 minute to prepare and can be made in one medium-sized saucepan. Little time and little mess.
Can be used on just about anything. It goes without saying that this sauce is good on any and all kind of bbq, but it’s great for grilling, marinating, or even using as a dipping sauce.

Storage

Let the sauce cool to room temperature before pouring it into a jar and sealing it with an air-tight lid. I prefer to use a mason jar. Keep it stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Tasty on all types of bbq. This sauce is tangy, which makes it great for all types of bbq. Whether you’re making some quick Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot or preparing some slow-cooked Oven-Baked Ribs, this sauce goes great on it all. My kids love it slathered on Pulled Pork Sliders and chicken wings.
Use it as a dip. You can also use this mustard barbecuse sauce as a tip for chips, pretzels, fried mozzarella sticks, or as an extra dip for things like chicken wings.
The perfect condiment. Drizzle some over tacos and hot dogs or use it on burgers or sandwiches.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Want a thicker sauce? This mustard-based bbq sauce is typically runny and not as thick, but you can thicken it if you like. To do so continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 5 to 10 minutes for a thicker sauce. This will not only intensify the flavors but cook them down into a thicker version.
Spice it up. If you like your sauce will a little kick then I recommend adding some hot sauce to the mixture to bring some heat. You can also increase the amount of cayenne pepper you use.

FAQS

What does Carolina gold taste like?

Carolina gold sauce is a tangy and smooth sauce that has hints of sweetness with a peppery kick. It’s great for all kinds of bbq and a southern sauce staple.

Does bbq sauce need to be cooked?

Whem making homemade bbq sauce you need to cook it in order to bring out the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.

What can you use to substitue vinegar in bbq sauce?

Vinegar is used in bbq sauce to add a tangy flavor that is also acidic and if you don’t have any or want to replace it you can use lemon juice instead. This will add a lemon flavor to the sauce though.

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