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Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Authentic Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is a tangy, bold, and slightly sweet southern-style mustard-based barbecue sauce. Rooted in South Carolina tradition, this golden-hued sauce combines yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of spices for a vibrant flavor that complements pork, chicken, grilled vegetables, and more. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, it adds a bright, tangy, and mildly smoky kick to any grilled dish and keeps well refrigerated for weeks.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow mustard
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional

  • 2 to 4 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

  1. Combine Mustard and Vinegar: Whisk together the yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar in a medium saucepan over medium heat to create the tangy base.
  2. Add Sweeteners and Seasonings: Stir in the brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined and sugar begins to dissolve.
  3. Simmer and Adjust: Let the sauce gently simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and slightly thicken. Add water one tablespoon at a time as needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
  4. Cool and Store: Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. Transfer to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate. Let the flavors deepen before using.

Notes

  • Use a smooth, tangy yellow mustard for the most authentic flavor and bright color.
  • Simmer the sauce gently and don’t rush to fully develop the complex flavors.
  • Taste throughout cooking and adjust vinegar or sweetness to your preference.
  • Store refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to three weeks.
  • Experiment with adding cayenne pepper for heat or liquid smoke for a smokier flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, mustard barbecue sauce, southern BBQ sauce, tangy BBQ sauce, homemade BBQ sauce, Carolina barbecue, grilling sauce