Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce Recipe

Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce is a true South Carolina favorite, known for its bold, tangy flavor and golden color. Unlike tomato-based sauces, this zesty recipe uses yellow mustard as its base, perfectly balanced with vinegar, brown sugar, and savory spices. The result is a mouthwatering sauce that’s sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy—ideal for pulled pork, ribs, chicken, or even fries. Easy to prepare and perfect for canning, this homemade mustard BBQ sauce brings authentic Southern flavor to your kitchen. If you love bold barbecue, this Carolina classic is a must-try for your next cookout!

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What is Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce?

Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce is a staple in South Carolina barbecue traditions. Unlike tomato-based sauces, this style relies heavily on yellow mustard as its base, giving it a uniquely zesty and slightly spicy flavor profile. It’s a versatile sauce, perfect for pulled pork, ribs, chicken, or even as a dipping sauce for fries. The addition of vinegar, brown sugar, and various spices creates a complex flavor that’s both tangy and sweet.

The canning process guarantees a shelf-stable product, ensuring you can enjoy this delectable sauce whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or new to the world of Carolina flavors, this recipe is a must-try. So grab your ingredients, and let’s make some delicious, canned mustard-based BBQ sauce!

Key Ingredients for Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce:

Yellow Mustard (12 cups): The foundation of our Carolina BBQ sauce, providing the signature tang. Use a good quality yellow mustard for the best results.
Apple Cider Vinegar (3 cups): Adds acidity and balances the sweetness, contributing to the sauce’s overall complexity.
Brown Sugar (3 cups, packed): Provides sweetness and a molasses-like depth of flavor. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, depending on your preference.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 cup): Adds umami and a savory depth to the sauce.
Cider Vinegar (1/2 cup) balances flavors with its hint of apple.
Hot Sauce (3/4 cup): Adds heat and complexity. Use your favorite brand. Adjust the quantity if you want a milder or spicier sauce.
Black Pepper (3 tablespoons): Adds a hint of spice and improves the overall flavor profile. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
Smoked Paprika (1/4 cup): Adds a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Garlic Powder ( 2 tablespoons): Offers a subtle garlic flavor that enhances the savory aspects of the sauce.
Onion Powder (2 tablespoons): Provides a subtle onion flavor, complementing the garlic and other spices.
Cayenne Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds heat. Adjust to your preference.
Turmeric (2 tablespoons): Adds color and earthiness.
Pickling Salt( 1/2 cup): Is a pure granulated salt that doesn’t contain iodine or anti-caking agents, both of which can cause clouding or discoloration.

How to Make Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce:

This Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce recipe is easier than you might think! It involves simmering a blend of mustard, vinegar, spices, and a touch of sweetness to create a perfectly balanced sauce. The canning process is straightforward, enabling you to preserve the flavor for months. Get ready for around 45minutes preparation and cooking time before the canning, during canning, follow all guidelines to make sure every jar has a perfect seal and is safe.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare Your Jars: Wash your canning jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse well. Sterilize the jars by placing them in a large pot, covering them with water, and bringing the water to a boil for 10 minutes. Keep the jars hot until ready to use. You can also sterilize the jars in a dishwasher using the sterilize setting. Sterilize lids by placing them in simmering water.
Combine Ingredients: In a large, non-reactive stainless steel pot, combine the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Cider Vinegar, hot sauce, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and turmeric.
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, hot sauce for heat, or vinegar for tang.
Fill the Jars: Using a ladle or canning funnel, fill the hot, sterilized jars with the hot sauce and leaves about 1/2 inch of headroom. If you want an extra smooth sauce consistency you can use an immersion blender at this stage and blend the sauce.
Remove Air Bubbles: Insert a bubble remover or a clean non-metallic utensil down the inside of each jar, gently pressing against the side, rotating, and wiggling to release trapped air bubbles. Re-measure headspace leaving 1/2 inch of room.
Wipe Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or residue.
Apply Lids and Bands: Place a lid on each jar, and then screw on a band until it is fingertip-tight. Do not overtighten.
Process in a Water Bath Canner: Carefully lower the filled jars into a boiling water bath canner. Ensure the jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process for 15 minutes for half-pint jars, if over 1000ft elevation you should process for 20 minutes to ensure a proper vacuum seal.
Cool and Check Seals: Turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the water for 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the canner using jar lifters. Place the jars on a towel-lined surface, leaving space between them for air to circulate. Let the jars cool completely, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours.
Check for Seals: After cooling, check that the jars are properly sealed. The lid should be concave (curved slightly inward) and should not flex when pressed. If any jars did not seal, refrigerate the sauce and use it within a few weeks.
Label and Store: Label the sealed jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place. Properly canned Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce can last for at least one year.

Why You’ll Love This Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce

This Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce is a game-changer for several reasons. Its unique tangy and slightly spicy flavor, thanks to the mustard base and blend of spices, sets it apart from typical tomato-based BBQ sauces. The fact that you can make it at home not only guarantees fresher, more flavorful results but also allows you to customize the heat and sweetness to your liking.

The money savings from making it yourself instead of buying pre-made sauces is a significant bonus, especially if you use it often. The end result is a versatile sauce, perfect for pulled pork, chicken, ribs, or even as a zesty dipping sauce. If you already love a good smoked paprika BBQ sauce, step up your flavor game with the difference of vinegar and tangy mustard with this one! Enjoy this delicious mustar based canned sauce with your family for a fantastic culinary experience!

What to Serve Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce With:

Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:

Pulled Pork: The classic pairing! The tangy sauce cuts through the richness of the pork.
Ribs: Perfect for slathering on smoked ribs, adding a zesty kick.
Chicken: Use it as a marinade or basting sauce for grilled or roasted chicken.
Coleslaw: Drizzle a bit of the sauce over your coleslaw for a tangy twist.
Grilled Vegetables: Add a unique flavor to grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
French fries: it makes a unique dip.

Top Tips for Perfecting Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce:

Adjust the Heat: Control the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your preference.
Use High-Quality Mustard: The quality of the yellow mustard significantly impacts the final flavor. Opt for a reputable brand for the best results.
Simmer Slowly: Simmering at a low temperature allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t rush this step!
Don’t Skip the Smoked Paprika: The smoked paprika adds a crucial element of smoky flavor, so don’t leave it out. If you don’t have smoked paprika, a touch of liquid smoke can be added, but use it sparingly.
Proper Sealing: Ensure the sauce is at 180°F or higher and follow canning guidelines carefully.

Health Benefits of Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce:

While BBQ sauce might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about health foods, this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce does offer some potential benefits:

Mustard Seeds: Source of selenium, which has anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as plant nutrients known as glucosinolates, which have antioxidant properties.
Spice Power: Spices such as turmeric provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that can improve overall health.
Low Fat: A fat-free option.
Controllable Ingredients: Making it yourself will allow you to use a natural and healthier brown sugar substitute, or a better oil than store-bought options.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Sealed Jars: Properly canned jars should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. They can last for at least one year and potentially longer, as long as the seal remains intact.
Refrigerated Sauce: Once opened, or for any jars that did not seal properly, store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
Freezing is Not Recommended: Freezing is not recommended for the canned sauce as thawing can often change the texture of the sauce, making it less appealing.

Final Thoughts:

This Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce recipe is a versatile and flavorful addition to any BBQ enthusiast’s repertoire. Its tangy, slightly spicy flavor complements a wide range of dishes, and the fact that you can make it and can it yourself guarantees fresh, customized results. Give it a try, and elevate your next BBQ experience!

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Carolina BBQ Mustard Sauce FAQs:

Q: Can I use different types of mustard?

A: While yellow mustard is traditional, you can experiment with other types such as Dijon mustard for a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: Can I make this sauce without canning it?

A: Yes, you can. Just skip the canning process and store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.

Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A: Increase the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your liking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Q: Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?

A: Yes, you can substitute honey, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

Q: Why is it important to sterilize the jars?

A: Sterilizing the jars ensures that any bacteria or mold is killed, which prevents spoilage and ensures the sauce is safe to eat.