This spicy mustard BBQ sauce has the perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. This recipe is easy to make and goes well with grilled chicken, pork, and sausages. Enjoy this delicious twist on Carolina BBQ sauce for your next summer cookout!
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get great new recipes from me every week!
This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Skip the traditional tomato-based BBQ sauce and make this Carolina Gold BBQ sauce instead. This classic Carolina sauce pairs perfectly with pickle de gallo on sandwiches!
This Southern staple is popular for a good reason and will take your dinner to the next level.
Trust me, you'll make the best mustard BBQ grilled chicken, smoked ribs, and pulled beef sandwiches that everyone will love!
📖Why My Recipe Works
- Tomato Paste- I used tomato paste instead of ketchup for this recipe, which allows me to control the sweetness and flavor of the barbecue sauce more.
- Spicy Kick- My version of mustard BBQ sauce has a good spicy kick to it, thanks to the cayenne pepper. You can adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- Mustard- I prefer using yellow mustard over Dijon. It's mild, slightly sweet, and has a better overall flavor in this recipe. No need to be fancy with all that Dijon.
- Tomato Paste- Adds a richer flavor and texture. You can use ketchup but blah.
- Cider Vinegar- Substitute with rice vinegar or white balsamic vinegar.
- Brown Sugar and Honey- Adds sweetness and balances the tangy and spicy flavors. To make the sauce sweeter, add more honey but to make it less sweet reduce the brown sugar. This ensures that the sauce keeps the right flavor profile.
- Worcestershire Sauce- You can swap tamari or soy sauce if you don't have any on hand.
- Seasonings- Use garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Omit the cayenne for a mild version, or use red pepper flakes or hot sauce as a substitute.
⏲️How to Make Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce
- Whisk together all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- You don't need to reduce the sauce; you just need to simmer it for 10 minutes, and the flavors will combine. I like to let it sit overnight for the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop.
- Cool to room temperature and season to taste with salt and additional cayenne before serving. Use it to marinate meat or to serve as a side dip!
Flavorful Idea
Make it the day before to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
More BBQ Sauce Recipes
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?
📖 Recipe Card
Spicy Mustard BBQ Sauce (Carolina Gold)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup yellow mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Whisk together all the ingredients in a small sauce pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.¾ cup yellow mustard, 1 Tablespoon tomato paste, 2 Tablespoons Honey, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Cool to room temperature. Season to taste with salt and additional cayenne as needed.
Notes
🌡️Storing Leftovers
- Store the mustard-based BBQ sauce in an airtight container or mason jar with a lid and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
- To reheat, you can microwave it or heat it on a stovetop over low to medium heat.
Jen Wooster says
Great for shredded crockpot chicken too!