Nora Sinclair
Bold, tangy, and irresistibly rich, Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is a Southern staple that turns any grilled dish into a flavor-packed masterpiece. Originating from South Carolina, this mustard-based BBQ sauce boasts a golden hue and a unique balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky notes. Unlike the more common tomato-based sauces, Carolina Gold cuts through fatty meats like pork and beef with its vinegar bite and zesty complexity, making it a go-to choice for BBQ purists.
Whether you’re glazing ribs, basting pulled pork, or drizzling it over grilled chicken, this sauce elevates any dish with its thick texture and powerful flavor. It also makes a killer dipping sauce for fries or roasted vegetables. A must-have in your condiment collection, Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce brings a true Southern flair to your backyard cookouts.
Ingredients for this Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and ketchup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve. This forms the tangy-sweet foundation of the Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to fully incorporate the spices into the sauce. At this stage, your kitchen will start to fill with a rich, smoky aroma.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will slightly thicken and deepen in flavor. Keep an eye on it to prevent any burning at the bottom.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a pinch of salt, more honey for sweetness, or an extra dash of vinegar for a sharper tang — depending on your preference. The beauty of homemade sauce is that it’s fully customizable.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Transfer it to a clean glass jar or bottle. Once fully cooled, store it in the refrigerator. The flavor will continue to develop and improve after a few hours or overnight.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Tablespoon)
- Calories: 35
- Total Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 0g
Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands or adjustments made to the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce different from regular BBQ sauce?
Unlike tomato-based sauces, Carolina Gold is mustard-based, giving it a tangy kick and golden color. It’s rooted in South Carolina barbecue traditions.
Can I make this sauce less spicy?
Yes, simply omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
What dishes pair best with Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce?
It’s excellent on pulled pork, grilled chicken, ribs, sausages, or as a dipping sauce for fries and veggies.
Can I use Dijon or spicy brown mustard instead of yellow mustard?
You can, but the flavor will change. Yellow mustard gives it the classic tangy profile, while Dijon or spicy brown adds more depth and heat.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
It can be, depending on the brand of Worcestershire sauce used. Look for a certified gluten-free version to ensure safety.
How long should I simmer the sauce?
About 10–15 minutes is ideal to help the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
Can I can this sauce for long-term storage?
Yes, but you’ll need to follow proper canning procedures to ensure it’s shelf-stable. Use sterilized jars and a boiling water bath if you’re experienced with home canning.
Does this sauce get better over time?
Absolutely. The flavors deepen after resting overnight in the fridge, making it even tastier the next day.
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1½ cups
Description
Ready to elevate your BBQ game? This Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce brings bold Southern flavor right to your table. With its signature mustard base, zesty vinegar tang, and a touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect condiment for everything from pulled pork to grilled chicken. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, quick BBQ recipes, or homemade food ideas, this golden sauce fits the bill. Thick, rich, and packed with attitude, it’s ideal for slathering, dipping, or drizzling on just about anything. Bring authentic Southern BBQ flavor to your next cookout with this easy recipe.
Ingredients
1 cup yellow mustard
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and ketchup until smooth.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: add more vinegar for tang, honey for sweetness, or salt to taste.
- Let sauce cool, then transfer to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment