Sweet and Tangy Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe for Home Cooks

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement over this Carolina gold BBQ sauce that blends tangy and sweet notes into a mouthwatering symphony.

Mustard lovers adore the rich, golden hue that defines this classic Carolina-style condiment.

The sauce packs a punch of flavor that elevates grilled meats and backyard gatherings.

Vinegar and honey dance together, creating a perfect balance of zesty and smooth tastes.

Each spoonful tells a story of traditional Southern cooking and culinary passion.

This homemade sauce beats store-bought versions by miles, bringing authentic regional flair to your table.

Prepare to transform your next barbecue with this irresistible golden elixir that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tasty Ways to Use Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

• Zesty Pulled Pork Paradise: Drench slow-cooked pulled pork with this tangy sauce for an authentic Carolina-style sandwich that bursts with flavor.
• Grilled Chicken Glaze: Brush generously over grilled chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to create a caramelized, golden coating with sweet and tangy notes.
• Dipping Delight: Use as a bold condiment for crispy chicken tenders, French fries, or as a unique sandwich spread that adds a punch of regional BBQ character.
• Marinade Magic: Marinate pork chops or chicken breasts for 30 minutes before grilling to infuse deep, rich Carolina-inspired taste into your proteins.

How to Store Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

• Transfer sauce to a clean, sealed glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to one week, maintaining its fresh tangy flavor and vibrant color.
• Pour cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, leaving some expansion space, and freeze for up to 3 months for long-term preservation.
• Warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore original consistency and prevent burning.
• Move frozen sauce from freezer to refrigerator overnight, allowing gradual thawing without compromising taste or texture.

FAQs

• What makes Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce unique?

This sauce originates from South Carolina, featuring a mustard-based flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional tomato-based barbecue sauces, offering a tangy and slightly sweet taste.

• Is this sauce good for specific meats?

It’s particularly excellent with pulled pork, chicken, and grilled meats, complementing the protein with its distinctive mustard and brown sugar blend.

• Can I adjust the sauce's spiciness?

Yes, you can easily modify the heat level by adding more or less black pepper or incorporating hot sauce to suit your personal taste preferences.

• How quickly can I prepare this sauce?

The sauce takes approximately 5-7 minutes to make, with simple ingredients and a quick heating process that allows for fast preparation.

Why You’ll Want to Make Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Again

• Crafting this Carolina Gold BBQ sauce takes mere minutes, making it a super speedy condiment for spontaneous cooking adventures.
• This tangy, sweet sauce elevates everything from grilled chicken to pulled pork, transforming ordinary meals into restaurant-worthy dishes.
• Bypass store-bought bottles and create a fresh, preservative-free sauce with simple pantry ingredients that lets you control the flavor profile and quality.
• Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings where everyone craves a delicious, homemade touch to their favorite grilled foods.

What You’ll Need for Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe

• Yellow Mustard: A tangy and sharp mustard that forms the primary flavor foundation of this Carolina-style BBQ sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a bright, acidic backbone that balances the sauce's overall flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a rich, glossy texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out the sauce's complex flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a subtle umami depth and additional complexity to the sauce.

• Ketchup, Hot Sauce: Work together to add a subtle tomato undertone and a gentle heat to the Carolina Gold BBQ sauce.

Equipment for Homemade Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for mixing and heating ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring sauce and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements for perfect sauce consistency.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate portioning of spices and seasonings.
• Storage Container: Air-tight jar or container to keep sauce fresh.
• Whisk: Optional tool for blending ingredients evenly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Step 1: Assemble Flavor Powerhouses

Grab your saucepan and toss in mustard, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.

These ingredients will dance together to create a tangy Southern-style masterpiece.

• Yellow mustard
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce

Whisk everything together and place the pan on the stove over medium heat.

Step 2: Melt and Blend

Stir the mixture continuously as it warms up.

Watch for the brown sugar to completely dissolve and the sauce to develop a smooth, glossy consistency.

This should take about 5-7 minutes.

The aroma will start to fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering fragrance.

Step 3: Simmer and Develop Depth

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently.

This helps the flavors meld together and intensify.

Keep stirring occasionally to prevent any burning or sticking.

Step 4: Cool and Perfect

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the Carolina Gold BBQ sauce cool down to room temperature.

The sauce will slightly thicken as it cools, creating the perfect drizzling consistency.

Step 5: Store and Enjoy

Transfer the cooled sauce to a clean, air-tight glass jar or container.

It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Use as a glaze for grilled chicken, pulled pork, or as a dipping sauce for your favorite barbecue dishes.

Top Tips for Rich Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Flavor

• Use light brown sugar for a milder sweetness that blends smoothly into the sauce.
• Stir ingredients constantly while heating to prevent burning and ensure even dissolution.
• If sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of apple cider vinegar or water.
• Transfer cooled sauce to a glass jar for optimal flavor retention and easy storage.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick of complexity.

Fun Sauce Variations with Carolina Gold BBQ Base

• Mustard-Free Version: Replace yellow mustard with Dijon mustard for a smoother, less tangy profile that maintains the Carolina-style essence.
• Spicy Carolina Gold: Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to introduce a fiery kick to the classic sauce.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with honey or sugar-free maple syrup for a reduced-sugar option that preserves the signature sweetness.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use agave nectar instead of honey and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a completely vegan-friendly Carolina Gold BBQ sauce.

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Carolina gold bbq sauce blends tangy mustard with sweet honey for a classic Southern condiment. Balanced flavors will elevate grilled meats and bring zesty charm to your summer cookouts.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup honey

Acidic Components:

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Pour all ingredients into a medium saucepan, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor development.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent sugar from burning and promote smooth integration of ingredients.
3. Maintain gentle heat for approximately 5 minutes, watching for complete brown sugar dissolution and sauce reaching a harmonious blend.
4. Remove pan from heat source, allowing the Carolina Gold BBQ sauce to naturally cool to room temperature.
5. Transfer the cooled sauce into a sealed glass container or mason jar with an airtight lid.
6. Refrigerate the sauce, which will maintain optimal taste and quality for up to one week.

Notes

• Adjust heat levels by adding more hot sauce or reducing it for a milder flavor profile.
• Select high-quality mustard for authentic Carolina-style tang and depth of taste.
• Experiment with apple cider vinegar varieties to customize the sauce’s subtle sweetness and acidity.
• Allow sauce to rest overnight in the refrigerator to enhance flavor melding and develop richer complexity.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 48
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg