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Flavorful Sweet and Tangy Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce - featured image

A quick and easy homemade Carolina Gold BBQ sauce with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. Ideal for ribs, chicken, grilled veggies, and sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow mustard (French’s recommended)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup as substitute)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Measure out all ingredients precisely.
  2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, honey, and brown sugar until the sugar starts to dissolve (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and hot sauce if using. Whisk gently to incorporate evenly.
  4. Let the sauce warm on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and develops a glossy sheen. Avoid boiling.
  5. Taste and adjust by adding more honey if too sharp or more vinegar if too sweet. The sauce will mellow as it cools.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Pour into a clean jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using.

Notes

Do not boil the sauce to keep flavors bright. Whisk continuously to avoid lumps. Sauce tastes better after resting at least 24 hours in the fridge. If sauce thickens after refrigeration, stir in a teaspoon of water or vinegar before use.

Nutrition

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