Barbecue is a cherished tradition in many parts of the United States, but few regions are as renowned for their distinctive flavors as the Carolinas. While many associate BBQ with tomato-based sauces, Carolina BBQ stands out with its unique mustard-based sauce. This sauce is from the South and tastes a bit sour, a bit sweet, and very yummy. It goes great with meat cooked on the grill or smoker. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a home cook looking to elevate your BBQ game, this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce recipe is a must-try.
How Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Made Its Way to the U.S 
The roots of Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce trace back to the German immigrants who settled in South Carolina in the 1700s. These immigrants brought with them their love for mustard, which soon found its way into the local cuisine. Soon, the mustard-based sauce became a staple in South Carolina differentiating itself from the vinegar and tomato-based sauces found elsewhere.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor
Making Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce is all about getting the taste just right, here’s what you’ll need
- 1 cup yellow mustard: The star of the show, providing that characteristic tang.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: For acidity and depth.
- 1/3 cup honey: The honey makes the sauce less sour and a bit sweet.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: The brown sugar makes it sweeter and gives it a yummy, sticky taste.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: For additional sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: It makes the sauce taste better.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: For little warmth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: The garlic powder makes it taste good.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: It makes the sauce taste a little bit like smoke.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Add salt and pepper to make it taste good.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Mix the Ingredients: Get a bowl that’s not too big and not too small. Pour in all the stuff like mustard, vinegar, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, that Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create your Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce.
Simmer the Sauce: Move the mixture to a saucepan and turn the heat to a gentle simmer. To avoid Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce sticking to the bottom of the pan, stir it well.
Season to Taste: As the sauce simmers, taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. You can also tweak the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar, respectively, to perfect your Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce.
Let It Cool: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency (this usually takes about 10-15 minutes, remove it from the heat and let it cool. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, resulting in a rich Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce.
Store and Serve: Pour the cooled sauce into a clean jar or bottle. You can put this in the fridge for two weeks. This Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce can be used as a marinade or basting sauce or even a finishing sauce for your smoked meats.
Serving Suggestions 
Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce and pulled pork or ribs make for a magical meal. Its tangy and sweet profile cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Here are some ideas.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Toss your pulled pork in a generous amount of Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce and serve it on a soft bun with coleslaw. The creamy slaw and tangy sauce are a match made in heaven.
Ribs: Brush the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce onto your ribs during the last 30 minutes of cooking to create a sticky, flavorful coating.
Chicken: Use the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce as a marinade for chicken thighs or drumsticks. Grill or bake the chicken until cooked through, basting with additional sauce as it cooks.
Brisket: While brisket is often associated with Texas BBQ, it pairs wonderfully with Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce. Slice the brisket thin and serve with a side of sauce for dipping.
Vegetarian Options: Don’t overlook this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce for your vegetarian dishes. It’s excellent on grilled vegetables, tofu, or even as a dressing for a hearty grain bowl.
Customizing Your Sauce
One of the best things about making your BBQ sauce is the ability to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to consider for your Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce:
Spicier Version: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Sweeter Version: Add more honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce.
Smokier Version: Increase the amount of smoked paprika or add a dash of liquid smoke.
Herbed Version: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
Tips for Success
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality mustard and apple cider vinegar for the best flavor. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final taste of your Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce.
Consistency: If your Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or more vinegar. If it’s too watery, cook it longer to make it thicker.
Taste as You Go: There is nothing wrong with tasting and seasoning the food and adjusting as the cooking process is going on.
This is the best way to ensure your Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce turns out just the way you like it.
Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard: The star of the show providing that characteristic tang.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: For acidity and depth.
- 1/3 cup honey: The honey makes the sauce less sour and a bit sweet.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: The brown sugar makes it sweeter and gives it a yummy sticky taste.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: For additional sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: It makes the sauce taste better.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: For little warmth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: The garlic powder makes it taste good.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: It makes the sauce taste a little bit like smoke.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Add salt and pepper to make it taste good.
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: Get a bowl that's not too big and not too small. Pour in all the stuff like mustard, vinegar, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, that Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Now, mix it all up well with that whisk thing. Ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create your Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Season to Taste: As the sauce simmers, taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. You can also tweak the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar, respectively, to perfect your Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce.
- Let It Cool: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency (this usually takes about 10-15 minutes, remove it from the heat and let it cool. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, resulting in a rich Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce.
- Store and Serve: Pour the cooled sauce into a clean jar or bottle. You can put this in the fridge for two weeks. This Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used as a marinade, basting sauce, or finishing sauce for your grilled or smoked meats.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce shines when paired with pork, particularly pulled pork or ribs. Its tangy and sweet profile cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Here are some ideas. Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Toss your pulled pork in a generous amount of Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce and serve it on a soft bun with coleslaw. The creamy slaw and tangy sauce are a match made in heaven. Ribs: Brush the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce onto your ribs during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful coating. Chicken: Use the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce as a marinade for chicken thighs or drumsticks. Grill or bake the chicken until cooked through, basting with additional sauce as it cooks. Brisket: While brisket is often associated with Texas BBQ, it pairs wonderfully with Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce. Slice the brisket thin and serve with a side of sauce for dipping. Vegetarian Options: Don’t overlook this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce for your vegetarian dishes. It’s excellent on grilled vegetables, tofu, or even as a dressing for a hearty grain bowl.The Joy of Homemade BBQ Sauce 
It’s fun to make your own BBQ sauce! It’s a simple process that allows you to control the flavors and create something truly special. This Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the South and a delicious way to elevate your BBQ dishes.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, preparing a family dinner, or simply experimenting in the kitchen, this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce is sure to become a favorite. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Carolinas with this mouthwatering mustard BBQ sauce.
FAQs
What sets Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce apart from other BBQ sauces?
Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce is mustard based, offering a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. It’s different from tomato-based sauces common in other regions.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce?
Yes, you can customize it. Add more honey or brown sugar for sweetness and more hot sauce or cayenne pepper for spiciness. Taste and adjust as you go.
How long does Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to two weeks in the fridge. Always check for spoilage before using.
What dishes go well with Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce?
It pairs well with pulled pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, and even vegetarian dishes like grilled vegetables and tofu.
Can I use Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce as a marinade?
Yes, it’s great for marinating. The acidity helps tenderize meat, while the sweetness adds flavor. Marinate for several hours or overnight for the best results.
