Of all the types of BBQ sauce found across the Carolinas, this Carolina gold sauce is my absolute favorite that I’ve tried! This mustard-based Carolina gold BBQ sauce is lighter and tangier than tomato-based sauces, but it still packs a punch! The combination of mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce creates a symphony of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors. I love to slather it on pork and chicken, and it’s a great dipping sauce too!
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I love classic BBQ sauce, but sometimes I want something a little different. This Carolina gold BBQ sauce is the lighter, tangier cousin of heavier tomato-based BBQ sauces, and it’s sooo yummy! I love it on chicken and pork especially; its bright and tangy flavor makes everything taste better.
What’s in This Carolina Gold Sauce Recipe?
- Mustard: Yellow mustard creates the signature gold color and tangy taste. Don’t try to get fancy with brown or whole-grain mustard– trust me, classic yellow is the way to go.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce.
- Sugar: Light brown sugar adds rich sweetness to the sauce to balance the tanginess.
- Honey: Adds a bit of floral sweetness to the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds rich umami flavor to the sauce.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika create a savory and spicy depth of flavor.
Tips for Success
- For a milder sauce, reduce the cayenne pepper; for a spicier sauce, add more to taste.
- The flavor will continue to develop as the sauce sits in the fridge, so I love to make it a few days ahead!
How to Store
You can store this Carolina gold sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing it for up to 6 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy Carolina gold BBQ sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled or smoked meats, such as pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and even burgers. It can also be used as a dipping sauce or marinade. I love to dip french fries in it– so yummy!
Carolina Gold Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.1 cup yellow mustard, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ½ cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Once the sauce has simmered, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or a jar for storage.
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Carolina Gold Sauce Step by Step
Mix the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of yellow mustard, ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, ½ cup of light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of ground paprika. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce has simmered, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or a jar for storage.
Saucey!
