Friends, this Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce belongs in the bbq sauce hall of fame. It's the perfect balance of zingy vinegar + pinch of sweet + just the right amount of spice - and I am fully enjoying slathering it on just about everything right now. You can whip this sauce up in less than 5-minutes and make dinner over-the-top delicious!
The origins of Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
After 5-minutes of "very careful and arduous" research, I'm inclined to believe this Eater article that claims that we owe the invention of mustard-based bbq sauce to German immigrants settling in South Carolina. After arriving (toting ample amounts of delicious German mustard with them) the first iteration of this delicious sauce was born and dubbed 'Carolina Gold.'
What type of mustard is best to use?
If you've ever made it through my 375 word super long spiel on the various types of mustard in this post, you'll know I am a particularly huge fan of the condiment. Though I use Dijon in many of my recipes, I find that a classic yellow mustard is the best option for this bbq sauce. The mild spice and vinegary flavor of classic mustard provides an excellent base for this bbq sauce and gives it it's signature golden-hue.
What should I serve this bbq sauce on?
Really, the sky is the limit. My favorite way to serve this Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce is on these Pressure Cooker Boneless Beef Ribs, but it's also phenomenal on shredded chicken, pork, and beef. This is a fantastic way to dress up basic grilled chicken and I have a suspicion it would be brilliant on burgers and brats too!
A note for special diets
This Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce is gluten-free, grain-free, low-carb, and easily made friendly for Paleo and Keto diets.
For those following a strict Paleo diet, you may swap the Worcestershire sauce for coconut aminos.
For those following a strict Keto diet who do not want to consume honey (even in such a small amount), you may substitute the honey for 1 tablespoon monkfruit or equivalent sweetener. Please note that these swaps may slightly change the flavor of the bbq sauce.
Estimated nutrition facts for this recipe when swapping honey for monkfruit (per 2 tablespoon serving): cal: 22, fat: 2g, sod: 251mg, carb: 0g, fib: 0g, sug: 0g, prot: 1g
Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Butters & Condiments
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce is the perfect balance of zingy vinegar with a pinch of sweet honey and just the right amount of spice. You can whip this sauce up in less than 5-minutes and make dinner over-the-top delicious!
Ingredients
- 150 g (1 cup) classic yellow mustard
- 43 g (3 tbsp) apple cider vinegar
- 84 g (4 tbsp) honey*
- 17 g (1 tbsp) ketchup
- 14 g (1 tbsp) Tabasco hot sauce
- 12 g (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 10 g (2 tsp) Worcestershire sauce*
- ½ tsp garlic powder*
- ½ tsp chili powder
Instructions
- In a small glass mixing bowl or jar, whisk together all of the ingredients until smooth.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
Nutritional information on Whip & Wander is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
5/24/23 This recipe was updated and may no longer fit specified dietary preferences from previous versions of this post. Previous version 4/29/19.
* Dietary substitutions: May substitute honey for 2 tablespoon monk fruit sweetener if keto / low-carb. May substitute Worcestershire sauce for coconut aminos if paleo. May substitute garlic powder and olive oil for 1 tablespoon garlic-infused olive oil if low-fodmap.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 33
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 251 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 6 g
Keywords: Carolina Gold, BBQ sauce, Mustard, sauce, barbecue
Can this BBQ Sauce be used as a marinade for chicken?
★★★★★
I see no reason why it couldn't. Though there is a fair amount of vinegar in the recipe, so I would not marinate more than 12 hours.
Wonderful! Thank you for taking the time to reply, Jenni. For our first go at this sauce, we will be sticking to your original recipe. We will be trying a batch of this on pulled pork an Friday, and we cannot wait.
Many thanks again and all the best,
Elizabeth
This sauce is great on meatloaf, also. Just lather the top with the sauce as you bake the loaf.
Greetings Jenni,
I hope all is finding you safe and well, and wanted to say thank you for sharing this recipe. I was wondering what kind of chili powder you use for this BBQ sauce. Is it a pure chili powder such as ancho, guajillo, or cayenne, or is it best to use the chili powder that is chili pepper with the addition of other spices, like McCormick or Badia?
Thank you greatly for your time and help.
Elizabeth
Hi, Elizabeth! I generally use the latter as they tend to be milder in flavor and nicely smoky. However, if you have a favorite type of chili powder you can feel free to substitute as desired. I personally think ancho would be really nice in this because it's also very smoky, but slightly spicier than a generic chili pepper blend.
Phenomenal!
I made this for Pork BBQ dinner last night with friends and family after the kids' Christmas program and everyone loved it!! Delicious and easy to make. Several asked for the recipe.
★★★★★
I was looking for something like this to serve with smoked pork chops tonight -- thank you!
★★★★★
I love the idea of mustard bbq sauce, so tangy and delicious!
I can taste all the yummy flavor from here and the photos are gorgeous!
★★★★★
This definitely looks like an award winner. And thanks for all the modification suggestions. Can't wait to try them all!
★★★★★
This is a summertime must, and I just love the vibrant gold color too!
★★★★★
To be honest, usually mustard BBQ sauces are at the bottom of rankings of BBQ sauces because I just think eating that much mustard at once is weird. But THIS. These pictures are amazing - that color and texture looks so good that I'll have to try this!
★★★★★
Omg this looks like it would be good on literally EVERYTHING!! YUM!
★★★★★
This sauce looks amazing!! I love your version and ingredients.
★★★★★
Wow! Wow! Wow! That color!
★★★★★
Wow what a great idea! I've never had gold bbq sauce but it sounds amazing!!
★★★★★
My husband is going to LOVE this! He's always wanted me to try making a good carolina bbq, but I have not been able to replicate it yet. Thank you!
★★★★★
I love to read the story behind the foods..The sauce looks gorgeous and I believe this mustard sauce gives the required heat to the dishes.
★★★★★