Description
This authentic Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe delivers the perfect balance of tangy mustard, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic spices. Ready in just 20 minutes, this homemade South Carolina mustard-based barbecue sauce is perfect for pulled pork, ribs, and grilled chicken. Unlike traditional tomato-based sauces, Carolina Gold Sauce offers a unique flavor profile that’s both tangy and sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard (French’s or Gulden’s work best)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric (for extra golden color)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for smoky depth)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Gather all ingredients and measure them out before you begin. Use a medium saucepan and a whisk for best results.
- Create the Base: In your medium saucepan, whisk together the yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar until completely smooth.
- Add Sweeteners: Gradually whisk in the brown sugar and honey, ensuring they dissolve completely.
- Incorporate Spices: Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, white pepper, celery seed, and turmeric. Whisk thoroughly.
- Heat and Simmer: Place over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If using butter or liquid smoke, stir in during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a clean jar or bottle for storage.
Notes
Pro Tips:
• Keep heat low during simmering to prevent mustard from breaking
• Start with less sugar and adjust to taste
• Sauce improves with time – make ahead for best flavor
• Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 months
Variations:
• Spicy Gold: Add extra cayenne or diced jalapeño
• Sweet Gold: Add extra tablespoon of honey
• Smoky Gold: Increase liquid smoke to 2 teaspoons
• Bourbon Gold: Add 2 tablespoons bourbon in last 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe, mustard BBQ sauce, South Carolina barbecue sauce, homemade BBQ sauce, Carolina Gold sauce, pulled pork sauce, tangy BBQ sauce, easy BBQ sauce recipe