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
- 240 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.
11/7/23 This recipe was updated and may no longer fit specified dietary preferences from previous versions of this post. Previous versions 4/29/19, 5/24/23.
* 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
lauren says
Ooooo! Up in New England it is so rare to see this type of barbecue sauce offered but I truly love it! I am so excited grilling season is here and look forward to trying this recipe.the combination of the tangy mustard and sweet honey and the punch of worcestershire is such a great flavor combo!
Marisa F. Stewart says
Well, I certainly agree with you about the deliciousness of mustard. And naturally to me the minute I hear mustard I think German. I prefer mustard to ketchup any old day. This sauce sounds like just what we need for our pulled pork.
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen says
Love the color of this sauce and how versatile it is! I've never heard of this before but going to make a batch this weekend! Looks so easy!
Kelsey says
I have never had mustard bbq sauce, yours looks great- and I love the history of it being created by Germans settling in Carolina, it just makes sense!
Denise says
This looks incredible! I am imagining all the different meats to try it on. I think chicken will be first on my list.
Tammy says
This sauce is the bomb dot com! It looks fantastic and sounds so flavorful..great shots too!
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli says
That color is epic! And the ingredients are something you can feel good about using. Definitely a keeper recipe!
Melissa Manos says
yumm!!! hall of fame worthy=MUST TRY! and it's so on point with the color of the season! 🙂
Katie Carrick says
Mmmmm, I think my favorite was Mustard BBQ sauce on Pork Chops. The Carolinas do know a thing or 2 about BBQ.
Pech says
Love the photo of it water falling down the meat lol. This sounds like a super tasty sauce for any protein!
Danielle Wolter says
Oh my....I am definitely making this bbq sauce! i love a vinegar based sauce and this sounds incredible!
Aleta says
YUMMMM!!! I am such a fan of bbq sauce myself and actually much prefer yellow mustard to dijon in any one of them. I am so pumped to give this delicious looking sauce a try!
Waz says
Ooh, this mustard sauce looks good! The golden color is stunning, and the combination of flavors sound yummy. Definitely want to give it a try!
Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says
My husband and I both love mustard sauces and this one looks so yummy! Love the golden color!
Becca says
I looooove sauces!! A good sauce can make the entire dish. I can’t wait to try this because it sounds delicious and I love yummy mustards 🙂
Elaine Benoit says
I love a good mustard sauce and yours looks stellar. And yes, I'm thinking hall of fame too! 🙂 I can't wait to try it and it's now on my must make list!
Gloria says
With grilling season here, you can't have too many sauces. This mustard sauce looks amazing. It would go with so many proteins, and even as a great condiment. Love the colour too. What a great gift to take to a BBQ party.
Dan from Platter Talk says
I spent many years in the Carolinas and. have been searching for a recipe like this one for years! Thanks for sharing it and I am looking forward to putting it to a delicious use!
J goodine says
How long will this last ? Will it go bad ?
Colleen says
I love the colour of this barbecue sauce and it sounds delicious with just the right amount of tang and sweetness. I can't wait to try this on grilled chicken. Thanks!
Whip & Wander says
It's fantastic on grilled chicken! Pork and beef too!