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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!
Doesn’t have to be heated up?
No cooking required! That being said, I prefer to have it warm when served with my meat.
This sauce is GREAT!
All I can say is…DELICIOUS 😋
Do you know how long this will keep in the fridge?
I’ve had it keep for at least a week. I imagine it might keep even longer, but we always end up using it.
Hi! Have you ever canned/processed this sauce? Since it’s got so much vinegar/mustard in it I wouldn’t think it would take long to process in the water bath but I’m curious about any wisdom you can share! =)
I haven’t because we always eat it up right away. Plus, it’s so easy to make I don’t ever feel like I need to make it in large batches and preserve it… but I bet you’re right. If you try canning it, will you let me know how it goes? Thanks! Krissy
You can order the original mustard BBQ sauce from Maurice’s Piggie Park, 1600 west Columbia, SC 29169. 1-800-796-0220. They have the mild and spicy sauce. They also sell the best BBQ and something called Hash, the hash is served on rice and the sauce is poured on the BBQ, they ship worldwide frozen.
I’m from S.C. and for me this is the only way to serve BBQ.
10 minutes in a water bath canner is a sufficient time to can this sauce. I used to make and sell Bar-B-Que Sauce and that is what the extension service told me.
I’ve never canned this particular sauce. As long as its in the canner long enough to pop the seal, that’s all the time you need.
I have never tried Mustard BBQ sauce before, but this recipe looked intriguing. I added a little bit more honey than what this calls for knowing my audience. But, it was DELICIOUS! Thanks!
This is so delicious ! It passed the taste test by my husband, a native south carolinian. I’m adding this to my vault of favorite recipes.
This sauce Rocks! I made it for pork and chicken but couldn’t eat it out of the spoon! I used brags apple cider vinegar and followed the recipe to the T which filled a pint jar to the top. I didn’t heat it on the stove and just made it straight in the jar. Thank you so much for posting this delicious sauce recipe.!
So glad you liked it! -Krissy
Krissy, I have lived in South Carolina for 52 of my 53 years, minus a one-year stint in NC for 2nd grade. Your recipe is spot on but with an interesting twist. I have never seen a “chunky” mustard sauce on the table at any of the many BBQ joints I have visited. As someone who writes extensively about SC BBQ, I have to say I am intrigued by the addition of the chipotle and will have to try it out myself. Our family recipe, while obviously a personal favorite, loses the beautiful bright yellow color that you maintain in your recipe with the addition of some darker spices (notably chili powder). If you ever have any questions about SCBBQ, feel free to contact me. I am happy to help in any way.e
This sauce came out really good. I added a teaspoon of liquid smoke and a few dashes of hot sauce. Next time i will cut down the apple cider vinegar to half the amount as I felt it was a little too strong. I served this with beef short ribs.
Do you have recipe for caning this BBQ sauce
Hi Lonnie, I’ve never canned this one since it’s so easy to make. Sorry!