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Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is a tangy, sweet, and smoky Southern-style sauce made with yellow mustard, vinegar, and a blend of spices. Quick to prepare in under 15 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of bright acidity, natural sweetness, and subtle smokiness that enhances grilled chicken, pork, vegetables, and more. Versatile as a marinade, dipping sauce, or sandwich spread, this authentic recipe brings the classic Carolina Gold BBQ flavor right to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow mustard
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 24 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Mustard and Vinegar: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup yellow mustard and 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. Stir together over medium heat to begin melding the base flavors.
  2. Add Sweeteners and Worcestershire Sauce: Whisk in 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Continue heating until the sweeteners dissolve completely, creating a smooth mixture.
  3. Season with Spices: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir continuously to evenly distribute the spices and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Adjust the Consistency: Pour in 2 to 4 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired pouring consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.
  5. Simmer and Cool: Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and allow it to cool before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Use a quality yellow mustard with a sharp and smooth flavor for the best color and taste.
  • Taste the sauce as you go to balance the vinegar tang and sweetness perfectly.
  • Simmer gently to preserve bright flavors and avoid bitterness.
  • Allow the sauce to rest for a few hours to deepen the flavor blend.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, mustard BBQ sauce, Southern BBQ sauce, tangy BBQ sauce, grilling sauce, mustard vinegar sauce