Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Carolina Gold BBQ sauce! This tangy and sweet sauce hails from the heart of South Carolina, and it’s an absolute game changer for any barbecue lover. Imagine slathering this vibrant yellow mustard-based sauce on grilled meats—it’s like a flavor explosion! It perfectly complements everything from succulent pork to juicy chicken, giving them that irresistible Southern flair. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up at home, so you can have that authentic taste without any fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be drizzling it on everything! It’s a must-try for your next cookout or family gathering. Get ready to elevate your grilling game!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup yellow mustard: This is the star of the show! It gives the sauce its signature tangy flavor.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a delightful acidity that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: This will sweeten the sauce and give it a rich, molasses-like depth.
- 1/4 cup honey: For that extra touch of sweetness and a lovely shine in your sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This gives a savory backbone that rounds out all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to enhance the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: This adds some heat; feel free to adjust based on your spice preference!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a warm, aromatic flavor that’s hard to resist.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: It brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
How to Prepare Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
Making Carolina Gold BBQ sauce is super simple and quick! I love how you can throw everything together in just a few minutes, and you’re left with a sauce that packs a punch. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In it, combine 1 cup of yellow mustard and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar. This is where the magic begins, so make sure to mix them well!
- Next, add in 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of honey. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves completely. This might take a little elbow grease, but it’s worth it!
- Now, it’s time for the flavor boosters! Mix in 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, along with 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
- Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are combined. This is where you can taste it and make adjustments if you like more sweetness or heat!
- Once you’re happy with the flavor, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for about a week, but trust me, you’ll want to use it up before then!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up this sauce in just 10 minutes! It’s perfect for those last-minute grilling sessions when you need something delicious in a hurry.
- Unique Flavor: The combination of tangy mustard, sweet honey, and a kick of cayenne creates a flavor profile that’s truly one-of-a-kind. It’s unlike any other barbecue sauce you’ve tried!
- Versatile for Grilling and Marinating: This sauce is fantastic on grilled meats, but it also works wonders as a marinade. Just let your chicken or pork soak in it for a while, and you’ll be amazed at the flavor it imparts.
- Gluten-Free: For those with dietary restrictions, this Carolina Gold BBQ sauce is gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it without worry!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, tailgating, or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, this sauce elevates any meal with its bold flavor.
Tips for Success
To really nail that perfect Carolina Gold BBQ sauce, here are some of my top tips! First, make sure to use quality ingredients—fresh mustard and pure honey can make a huge difference in flavor. If you like a little more kick, don’t hesitate to experiment with the cayenne pepper; just add a little at a time and taste as you go. Also, let the sauce sit in the fridge for at least a couple of hours before using it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and creates a richer taste. And remember, this sauce is super versatile! Try it as a dip for veggies or drizzled over grilled corn on the cob for an extra treat. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this sauce around all summer long!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for Carolina Gold BBQ sauce, perfect for keeping track of what you’re enjoying! Just remember, these values are estimates, so they may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes. Each serving is about 2 tablespoons.
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
This tangy sauce is not only bursting with flavor but also light on calories—making it a fantastic addition to your meals without the guilt. Enjoy it liberally on your favorite grilled dishes!
FAQ Section
Can I use Carolina Gold BBQ sauce for marinades?
Absolutely! Carolina Gold BBQ sauce makes a fantastic marinade thanks to its balance of tangy and sweet flavors. I love using it on chicken and pork, but it works beautifully with ribs and even vegetables if you’re grilling those up! Just let your meat soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes—or longer if you can resist! This allows all those delicious flavors to penetrate and really enhance the taste. Trust me, your grilled meats will be bursting with flavor!
How long can I store Carolina Gold BBQ sauce?
You can store your homemade Carolina Gold BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure it’s sealed well to keep it fresh! If you find you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you can also freeze it for longer storage. Just pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Easy peasy!
Can I adjust the spice level in the sauce?
Definitely! If you like a little more heat, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper. Just add it a little at a time, tasting as you go to find that perfect level of spice for your palate. If you find it too spicy, you can balance it out by adding a touch more honey or brown sugar for sweetness. This sauce is all about your personal taste, so don’t hesitate to play around with it until it’s just right for you!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious Carolina Gold BBQ sauce ready to go, let’s talk about how to enjoy it! This sauce shines on grilled meats, so don’t hold back—drizzle it over juicy grilled chicken thighs or tender pork ribs for that perfect flavor boost. It also makes a fantastic dip for crispy chicken tenders or even roasted veggies; trust me, your guests will keep coming back for more! If you’re feeling adventurous, try it on a pulled pork sandwich—just top with some slaw for that classic Southern touch. And let’s not forget about sides! It pairs beautifully with cornbread, coleslaw, or even grilled corn on the cob. The possibilities are endless, and each bite will transport you straight to a sunny backyard BBQ in South Carolina!
For more information on the history of BBQ sauces, check out this Serious Eats article.
To learn about the health benefits of mustard, visit this Healthline page.
Print
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce: 5 Simple Steps to Flavor Bliss
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A tangy and sweet barbecue sauce from South Carolina.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar.
- Add brown sugar and honey, stirring until dissolved.
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- Use this sauce for grilling or as a marinade.
- Pairs well with pork and chicken.
- Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: carolina gold bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, mustard sauce
