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This Carolina Gold BBQ sauce has a mustard base and the perfect bit of zing and sweetness! A great homemade mustard BBQ sauce for pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, and more!
If you’ve been grilling or smoking BBQ for any amount of time, you’ve probably tried every tomato-based sauce under the sun. Kansas City sweet and thick, Alabama white sauce, Texas mop sauce – they’re all fantastic in their own right.
But if you’re ready to shake things up and add a tangy, bold flavor profile to your grilling arsenal, then you need to try Carolina mustard BBQ sauce. This South Carolina specialty brings a zingy, slightly sweet punch that’ll have you wondering why you waited so long to make it!
I’ve been making this Carolina gold sauce for years, and it’s become one of my go-to recipes whenever I’m smoking pork. The tangy mustard base cuts through rich, fatty meats like a dream, and the hint of sweetness from honey and brown sugar keeps everything perfectly balanced.
And the best part? This Carolina mustard sauce comes together in about 20 minutes on the stovetop, with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
What is Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce?
Carolina mustard BBQ sauce, also known as “Carolina Gold,” hails from South Carolina and is the state’s signature BBQ sauce. Unlike the thick, sweet tomato-based sauces you’ll find in Kansas City or the vinegar-forward sauces of Eastern North Carolina, this golden sauce is built on a mustard base.
The result? A tangy, slightly sweet sauce that’s thinner in consistency than most BBQ sauces, making it perfect for basting, dipping, or drizzling over smoked or grilled meats.
This sauce is traditionally served with pulled pork, but trust me – once you try it, you’ll want to slather it on everything from ribs to chicken to smoked sausage!
What to Serve with Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
Carolina mustard BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile, but it really shines when paired with pork. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Smoked Pulled Pork – This is the classic pairing! Drizzle the sauce over pulled pork sandwiches or mix it directly into the shredded meat for maximum flavor.
- Smoked Ribs – Brush it on baby back ribs or even direct heat beef ribs during the last 15-20 minutes of smoking, or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Smoked Chicken – The tangy sauce cuts through the richness of smoked chicken thighs or drumsticks beautifully.
- Grilled Sausage – Slather it on smoked sausage or brats for a flavor-packed bite.
- Smoked Pork Chops – Use it as a glaze or dipping sauce for juicy smoked pork chops.
You can also use this sauce as a dipping sauce for grilled veggies, fries, or even as a spread for sandwiches!
How to Make Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
Like most homemade sauces, this mustard-style BBQ sauce is simple to make. Just combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan, and whisk until the sugar dissolves. Then simmer the sauce on the stovetop for about 20 minutes. For a thicker consistency, simmer a bit longer on low heat to allow more moisture to evaporate.
Variations and Substitutions
- For a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper to a full teaspoon or add a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce along with the other ingredients.
- You can substitute the ketchup with your favorite BBQ Sauce.
- The honey can be substituted with maple syrup.
Storage Notes
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. The flavors will continue to deepen and improve over the first few days.
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce (Mustard-Style)
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and no lumps remain.
- Bring the mix to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent it from scorching on the bottom.
- Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically. The sauce will thicken slightly.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool in the saucepan for about 10 minutes. Pour the sauce into a jar or airtight container, seal it with the lid, and let it cool completely on the counter before transferring to the fridge. For the best flavor, let it rest in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Notes
- Storage – Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. The flavors will continue to deepen and improve over the first few days.
- Consistency Notes – If your sauce is thinner than you expected, remember that Carolina style mustard sauce is traditionally thinner than a Kansas City style tomato-based sauce. If you still prefer it thicker, simmer it for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat to allow more moisture to evaporate.
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