Description
This Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce is a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy condiment perfect for slathering on grilled meats or using as a dipping sauce. Made with classic mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of spices, this sauce is cooked gently to develop rich flavors while maintaining its smooth texture. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a bold mustard-based barbecue sauce with a hint of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp liquid smoke
- 6 dashes hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Slurry
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp water (room temperature)
Instructions
- Prepare the slurry: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, stirring until smooth. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Mix the sauce ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, liquid smoke, and hot sauce. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Simmer the sauce: Using a rubber spatula, transfer the sauce mixture into a small saucepan. Heat the sauce over low heat, whisking frequently to avoid sticking or burning. Allow it to simmer gently for about 3 minutes until it starts to bubble lightly, being careful not to let it boil.
- Thicken with slurry: Add the previously prepared cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook on low heat, whisking constantly, for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cool and refrigerate: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to a jar or airtight container and seal with a lid. Refrigerate the sauce overnight to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Serve: When ready to use, gently warm the sauce in a small pot before serving. This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a tangy dipping sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to achieve your desired heat level.
- Do not boil the sauce; gentle simmering prevents bitterness and preserves flavor.
- Refrigerating overnight enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- This sauce complements pulled pork, chicken, and grilled vegetables especially well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
