Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
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The Carolinas are known for their pork, and many believe that nothing pairs better with savory, succulent pork than mustard.
This sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a hint of spice from a touch of cayenne pepper.
This recipe will guide you through making a classic Carolina Gold barbecue sauce that will truly impress.
What is Carolina Gold sauce?
Carolina Gold barbecue sauce is a mustard-based sauce popular in South Carolina. Many neighbors to the North turn their noses up at the creamy, mustard-filled concoction and prefer a spicy, vinegar-based mop sauce instead.
But there is no denying that the flavors of a great Carolina Gold sauce are absolutely delicious.
It’s a little sweet and tangy, with a slight kick on the back end from a touch of cayenne pepper. The flavors melt together to create a unique sauce that can’t be beaten.
The origin of Carolina Gold sauce can be traced back to German immigrants who settled in parts of South Carolina.
While we’re unable to trace the history of the sauce back to a single creator, it’s most popular in the low country region, near Charleston, and up through the center of the state.
I find that Carolina Gold barbecue sauce pairs best with pulled pork. Whether it’s a plate of pulled pork or a sandwich piled high with savory meat, this sauce complements the smoky, savory flavor of pork perfectly.
Ingredients you’ll need
This sauce is extremely easy to make, and you likely already have all the ingredients to make it right in your kitchen.
- Yellow mustard – The base of this sauce is mustard, and I like to use classic, yellow mustard. You can alternatively use Dijon mustard or a spicy brown mustard, but I find that the simple, tangy flavor of yellow mustard is the best option.
- Honey – To help cut the tanginess of the mustard, honey adds a little sweetness to this sauce. You can use whatever honey you prefer, but high-quality local honey will provide the best flavor.
- Brown sugar – In addition to the sweetness from the honey, a touch of brown sugar is added to enhance the sweet flavor of this sauce. You can use either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, but I prefer light brown sugar to avoid a too-strong molasses flavor.
- Worcestershire – To round out the tangy flavor from the mustard and the sweetness from the honey and brown sugar, I like to add a bit of Worcestershire sauce to add an extra dimension of flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar – The vinegar adds a slight acidity to the sauce, helping to balance the sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper – Adds a touch of heat that brings the whole recipe together. I use just enough to give it a little kick. If you want to increase the spice level, double the amount, and if you are not a fan of spice, cut the amount in half.
Equipment you’ll need
- Medium-sized saucepan or pot – You need a saucepan or a pot that is at least 2 quarts for this recipe. I prefer to use a pan because I find that the sauce comes to a boil faster, but a pot is also perfectly fine. Ensure that you select one with a lid, as the sauce requires simmering with the lid on for approximately 5 minutes.
- Large spoon or silicone spatula – Use whatever spoon or utensil you typically use when making a sauce, as it will work perfectly for this recipe. I like to use a silicone spatula (as opposed to a wooden spoon) because the sauce won’t stick to it.
- Wire whisk – You don’t absolutely need a whisk to mix your sauce, but I like to use one to make the process faster. This sauce whisk is a favorite of mine.
- Mason jar (or similar storage container) – You can store this sauce in the fridge for up to a week, so I recommend a container with a lid.
What to serve Carolina Gold sauce with
This sauce is the perfect combination of sweetness and tang. It pairs wonderfully with various smoked meats, but it is most classically served atop a big pile of pulled pork.
Here are some great recipes that pair wonderfully with Carolina Gold sauce:
- Competition-style pork butt (Smoked pulled pork)
- Pulled pork sliders
- Blackstone Mustard BBQ Wings
- Smoked pork belly
- Whole smoked chicken
- Pig wings
Carolina Gold Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 3 tbsp honey
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt - to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all of the ingredients. Whisk vigorously until well-combined.
- Bring to a soft boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pan. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a mason jar (or similar storage container) and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only. If you’re worried you could always add a side of kale.
About Your Pitmaster
Breanna Stark is a Texas-based competitive pitmaster and barbecue educator. She grew up cooking over charcoal and open flames while camping with her father, sparking a lifelong love of barbecue. Since 2014, she has competed in over 100 IBCA, KCBS, and CBA events, earning recognition for her award-winning chicken and Texas-style barbecue.
Passionate about recipe testing and development to create approachable dishes that help backyard cooks level up their barbecue skills. Breanna shares her expertise with over three million followers on social media.