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Barbecue sauce, the soul of a Southern BBQ feast, comes in various forms and flavors. From the rich and smoky tomato-based sauces of Kansas City to the sweet and tangy offerings of the Carolinas, there’s something special about the diverse world of BBQ sauces.
This easy recipe shows you how to make the most tangy and delicious Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce, also known as South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce, and explore why this mustard-based BBQ sauce should find a place with your favorite grilling and barbecue recipes.
Carolina’s Mustard BBQ Sauce Tradition
The roots of mustard-based barbecue sauce can be traced back to South Carolina. This state has a rich history when it comes to barbecue, influenced by the German immigrants who brought their love for mustard with them.
The result? A tangy, golden sauce that perfectly complements smoked or grilled meats.
Key Ingredients
- Yellow Mustard: The main ingredient, yellow mustard, provides the sauce with its distinctive color and tangy kick.
- Honey and Brown Sugar: These sweet ingredients balance the tanginess of the mustard, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adding a touch of acidity and fruity notes, apple cider vinegar is a crucial element in this recipe.
- Chipotle Pepper in Adobo: For a hint of smokiness and a touch of heat, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a secret weapon.
- Ketchup: Though not a traditional Carolina ingredient, ketchup adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This umami-rich sauce contributes to the savory complexity of the mustard sauce.
- Garlic and Black Pepper: Garlic powder and black pepper provide layers of flavor and a little kick to the sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
- No Cooking Required: One of the fantastic aspects of this mustard sauce recipe is its simplicity. Unlike other BBQ sauces that require simmering for hours, this sauce is a breeze to make. Simply mix the ingredients together, and you’re good to go.
- Tangy and Sweet: The combination of yellow mustard, honey, and brown sugar creates a sauce that’s both tangy and sweet. It’s the perfect balance that tickles your taste buds.
- A Touch of Heat: With the addition of chipotle peppers in adobo and black pepper, this mustard-based BBQ sauce has a touch of heat that’s sure to please spice lovers.
What Does It Taste Like?
Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce has a unique flavor profile.
It’s tangy, slightly sweet, with a touch of smokiness and heat.
The mustard base gives it a bold and zesty character that sets it apart from a traditional tomato-based sauce.
Why You Should Make It
- Versatility: This mustard-based BBQ sauce isn’t just for pulled pork sandwiches; it goes well with a variety of grilled meats, from chicken and ribs to pork chops.
- Authenticity: If you’re looking to capture the essence of traditional Carolina BBQ, making your own version of this mustard sauce is the way to go.
- Customization: Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. You can adjust the sweetness, heat, or smokiness to create your personal favorite.
- Easy to Store: Once prepared, you can store this sauce in an airtight container for future use. It only gets better with time, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve This Sauce With
- Meats: My favorite option is my Apple Cider Brined BBQ Pulled Pork. I also love this sauce with BBQ Pork Ribs or Roast Chicken.
- Sides: Any kind of BBQ side is fantastic, but I’m especially partial to Classic Potato Salad and Coleslaw with homemade Coleslaw Dressing.
If you enjoy making your own sauces, you may want to also make my Whiskey BBQ Sauce.
So, the next time you fire up the grill, consider adding a touch of Carolina gold to your favorite meats and savor the magic of homemade mustard BBQ sauce.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Worchestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients well.
- For best results, refrigerate in an airtight container overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
- To serve, warm in a pot over very low heat and use on grilled meats like pulled pork or chicken.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post was originally created in April 2015 and has been updated with photos and helpful information. Don’t worry – I didn’t change the recipe!
Small mod…I used blender to not only mince the chipotle and adobo, I made into a paste and doubled the ingredient amount. Also used turbinado sugar instead of brown sugar to nearly double. Turbinado has less molasses flavor but imparts sweetness. The recipe as it stands is great. The tweaks made it awesome.
Although you have a interesting variation, this is not authentic South Carolina Mustard BBQ sauce. I make it on a regular basis from original recipes and this one is not it. However, I am sure your version is good.
I’ve had Maurice’s Mustard Sauce and Krissy’s tops Maurices! It’s obvious you didn’t make Krissy’s Mustard Sauce.
Tim please try the recipe. It will surprise you!
Would dijon mustard work?
Possibly, but I don’t think it would taste anything like what its supposed to. I personally wouldn’t use it in this recipe.
Do you think you could can this sauce?
you bet.
I’ve made your recipe a whole lot of times now, sometimes with little substitutions. It’s my favourite as a glaze on pork chops.
Thanks for the recipe.
I’m making it today as a dip for soft pretzels. Hopefully good!
Wow! This looks great. I wish I had this recipe last weekend when I smoked a pork shoulder. Adding this to my list of recipes to try though! I’m sure I’ll be smoking else soon and will definitely want to try this sauce.
If you want to make it more BBQ put some extra water in and throw it in the smoker for an hour or two.
what a fantastic suggestion!
Born in Western Kentucky, raised in Memphis, spend a lot of time in Texas, and, all I’ve got to say is DAMN, THAT S&!T IS FINE!!!!! Chicken, pork, beef (even cardboard). Eat it with everything!!
If you made a batch, how long would it keep
I think it would keep at least a couple of weeks in the refrigerator. -Krissy
Made this BBQ sauce. Very easy. Tangy and sweet. Good switch up from the original.