Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce

Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce is a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy mustard-based sauce that’s a staple in South Carolina barbecue traditions.

Its vibrant golden color and bold flavor make it a versatile companion for pulled pork, chicken, ribs, or even as a dipping sauce for fries. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for adding Southern charm to your next meal!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight jar or container for storage

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spice level to your liking.
4. Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

20 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, approximately 2 tablespoons)

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

Expert Tips

• Adjust Sweetness: For a sweeter sauce, add more honey or brown sugar. For less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly.
• Spice it Up: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes.

FAQs

What makes Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce unique?
It’s mustard-based rather than tomato-based, giving it a tangy and slightly spicy flavor profile distinct from traditional barbecue sauces.

How long does this sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last up to 2 weeks.

Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir well before using.

What dishes pair well with this sauce?
Carolina Gold Sauce is perfect for pulled pork, grilled chicken, ribs, or even as a dipping sauce for fries and roasted vegetables.

Is this sauce gluten-free?
Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check the Worcestershire sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Storing & Reheating

• Storage: Keep the sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Gently warm the sauce on the stovetop or microwave before serving, if desired.

Substitutions & Variations

• Sweetener: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor.
• Acidity: Use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a sharper tang.
• Smokiness: Add a dash of liquid smoke for extra smoky flavor.

Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce

Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce is a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy mustard-based sauce that’s a staple in South Carolina barbecue traditions.

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Equipment

• - Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Airtight jar or container for storage

Ingredients

  

• - 1 cup yellow mustard
• - 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• - 1/4 cup honey
• - 1/4 cup brown sugar
• - 2 tablespoons ketchup
• - 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
• - Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, whisk together the mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth.
• **Simmer the Sauce:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
• **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spice level to your liking.
• **Cool and Store:** Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.