Description
Carolina Gold Sauce is a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy mustard-based barbecue sauce with a perfect balance of vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. This simple recipe comes together quickly on the stovetop and is ideal for adding bold flavor to grilled meats, especially pork and chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
Carolina Gold Sauce 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
- Combine Ingredients: 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 thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to a low setting and continue to simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool down to room temperature. This cooling step helps develop the final flavor profile and ensures the sauce thickens properly.
- Store Properly: Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container or jar. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. The sauce will keep well and develop even more depth after resting for a day.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper to ½ teaspoon.
- This sauce pairs excellently with grilled pork, chicken, or as a condiment on sandwiches.
- Store in the refrigerator and consume within 2 weeks for best flavor and freshness.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the mixture after simmering and before cooling.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the honey or brown sugar quantities to your taste.
