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
Kari Heron says
First I printed, then I came back to comment. This thing is the sexiest thing I have seen on a spoon in a long time. Fancy officially tickled.
Kelly Anthony says
I've never had a mustard based BBQ sauce. I'm so excited to try your carolina gold bbq sauce.
Maman de sara says
Look at that beautiful color of the BBQ sauce, I cannot wait to make it!
Amanda says
What a gorgeous BBQ sauce--that color especially is such a lovely hue. I didn't know that Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce was a product of German immigration to South Carolina. I always love learning about the history of dishes and how they found their way into our culinary fabric. I can think of so many uses for this sauce--this will be a summer staple in our refrigerator!
Jeannette (Jay Joy) says
We love shredded chicken, pork, and beef in my home. I cannot wait to try this bbq sauce.
Ramona says
I have never tried making my own mustard. I’m such a mustard head since very young, to explain this - many times since I was a kid I love having mustard on bread. Just mustard on toast. Now to make my own mustard it’s just amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. Definitely saved!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
This sounds soooooo delicious. The flavors of the mustard, honey, and vinegar sound so good! I bet this is amazing on the grill!
Geetanjali Tung says
This barbeque sauce looks and sounds delicious. I love that it’s pretty easy to make too! Lovely photos!!
Jacqueline Debono says
The colour of this sauce really is amazing! I can imagine how good it tastes. Can't wait to try it myself once we start bbq season!
Celeste says
This sauce looks amazing, reminds me of some of the sauces I used to enjoy many years ago growing up in Georgia. I don't eat meat but I'm sure I can use it on some of my vegetarian dishes.
Mimi says
OK, I see why you enjoy using it everywhere - I can already agree to this just from looking at these images. They are simply mouthwatering, and there is nothing I can do to stop myself from making this recipe!
April says
I was looking for a good BBQ sauce alternative for a few days now. I am so glad I've stumbled upon your recipe. I think it is perfect for what I have been looking for - thank you!
Vidya Narayan says
Nice to read about the origin of the sauce and loved that colour! I personally love mustard - both the American and Dijon They are perfect for sandwiches and grills.
Stine Mari says
Ok I think I have to make this today! It's Norwegian Constitution Day so all stores are closed, but I think I've got all the ingredients. The color is unbelievable so no wonder they call it Carolina Gold.
Amanda says
I just love the BBQ sauce! The mustard base gives it such a nice kick and beautiful color. I'm so glad I found this just in time for summer.
Trish Bozeman says
Oh man, I am definitely bookmarking this for bbqs this summer! I can't get enough mustard in my life, and we always stick to the ketchup based ones when we make them. I could see myself using as a dip for veggies on skewers too. Can't wait to try it!
Dana says
Girrrrrl. I've been salivating over this sauce since your rib post. I'm still so enamored with the idea of stepping away from the usually red ketchup-based sauces. This sounds perfectly balanced with sweet and tangy! Thanks for posting this recipe. I'm dying to try it!
Jacquelyn Hastert says
Now all I can think about is this sauce! I love mustard and bbq 🙂 I will be mixing this up and throwing a slab of ribs on the grill tonight.
Kylie | Midwest Foodie says
I am such a HUGE mustard fan - I CANNOT wait to try this recipe! Perfect for all the delicious dinners we'll be making on the grill this summer. Thanks for such a great recipe!
Tina says
This is great! I lived in North Carolina for several years and came across this type of condiment lots of times. Yours sounds amazing with all of those layers of flavors. I am definitely going to try this, especially now that BBQ season is starting. Pinning this for reference, thank you!