Easy Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce: A Sweet, Tangy Mustard-Based Sauce with a Hint of Spice for Your Grill

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is a distinctive mustard-based sauce that originated in South Carolina. Unlike traditional ketchup-based BBQ sauces, Carolina Gold stands out with its bright yellow color and tangy, slightly sweet flavor. The mustard provides the perfect base for a balanced sauce that’s sweetened with honey and brown sugar, enhanced with apple cider vinegar for a bit of zing, and rounded out with savory Worcestershire sauce and aromatic spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder. Whether you're grilling chicken, pork, or even veggies, this versatile sauce will add a layer of bold, delicious flavor to your dishes.

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Historically, mustard-based BBQ sauces are a staple in South Carolina’s barbecue tradition, where they’ve been used for generations. These sauces reflect the influence of German immigrants who brought mustard to the South in the 1700s. Unlike the tomato-based sauces more common in other parts of the U.S., mustard-based BBQ sauce offers a unique combination of tanginess and sweetness, making it a beloved condiment in Southern cuisine.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 10 Servings):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 400mg

Serving Suggestions

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is ideal for slathering on grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or pork. The tangy-sweet sauce beautifully complements the smoky flavor from the grill. You can use it as a glaze while cooking, brushing it on towards the end to avoid burning the sugars, or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side for extra flavor. Beyond barbecue, this sauce works wonderfully as a dip for fried foods like chicken tenders or even roasted vegetables, adding a bright, bold note to any dish. It’s a fantastic choice for BBQ sandwiches or pulled pork sliders, where its tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the meat.

For a more creative use, drizzle this sauce over grilled shrimp skewers or add a spoonful to a grilled cheese sandwich for a surprising burst of flavor. Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is incredibly versatile, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it to enhance a wide range of meals, not just barbecue.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve made your Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container or glass jar. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 2 weeks. Over time, the flavors will deepen, making it even more flavorful as it sits. If you’re planning a barbecue or meal prep, you can easily make this sauce ahead of time and have it ready to go when needed.

For those who like to can or preserve sauces, Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce can be jarred and processed for longer-term storage, following safe canning practices. This allows you to have a homemade BBQ sauce ready anytime the craving strikes, especially during grilling season.

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Easy Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup prepared yellow mustard
• ½ cup brown sugar (or a brown sugar substitute like allulose)
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for more spice if desired)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the sauce base: In a medium saucepan, combine the yellow mustard, brown sugar, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk the mixture until smooth and all the ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Add the seasonings: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. The smoked paprika will lend the sauce a mild smokiness, while the cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat. Adjust the cayenne according to your spice preference.
3. Simmer and thicken: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir frequently to prevent the sugars from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
4. Adjust to taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey or brown sugar. For more tanginess, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper.
5. Cool and serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool. As the sauce cools, it will thicken even more, so don't worry if it seems a little thin while still warm. Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving, allowing the flavors to fully develop.

Extra Tips:

• If you want a stronger smoky flavor, you can add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce. This complements the smoked paprika and gives the sauce a more robust, grilled taste.
• For a thinner sauce, add more apple cider vinegar or water until you reach your desired consistency. This is especially helpful if you’re using the sauce as a marinade or dressing.
• If you’re looking for a keto-friendly or low-sugar version, swap out the honey and brown sugar for sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener or eryth