Mustard BBQ Sauce is a tangy and flavorful sauce that is a staple in southern cuisine, particularly in South Carolina.
This sauce pairs well with a variety of meats and vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any BBQ or grill-out menu.
The combination of mustard and vinegar, with a touch of sweetness and spices, creates a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good BBQ sauce. It’s an excellent pairing for smoked or grilled meats, particularly pork, and chicken.
This South Carolina mustard bbq sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor and moisture to the meat, creating a mouth-watering combination that is hard to resist. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit individual taste preferences.
With just a few simple ingredients, anyone can create a delicious homemade BBQ sauce that is sure to impress.
Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ pro or a beginner looking to try something new, this recipe is a great place to start.
What is Mustard BBQ Sauce?
Mustard-based BBQ sauce is a classic condiment in Southern BBQ cuisine, particularly in South Carolina BBQ joints, where it originated.
The mustard base gives it a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other types of BBQ sauce, and it pairs particularly well with smoked meats like chicken and pork.
The vinegar in the sauce helps to cut through the richness of the meat, while the addition of spices and sweeteners adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
Overall, this BBQ sauce is a great choice for those who enjoy a tangy, slightly sweet flavor with a bit of heat.
What To Serve With Mustard BBQ Sauce
Carolina mustard BBQ sauce is a tangy and flavorful sauce that pairs well with a variety of meats. Here are some suggestions for meats that go particularly well with this excellent bbq sauce.
- Pork: Mustard BBQ sauce is a classic pairing with pork, particularly pulled pork. The tangy flavor of the sauce complements the richness of smoked pork butt, creating a delicious combination. Try it on a pulled pork and slaw sandwich!
- Chicken: Mustard barbecue sauce is also a great choice for chicken. It can be used as a marinade or a glaze for smoked or grilled chicken breasts, adding a delicious flavor and moisture to the meat.
- Beef: Although it’s not as traditional as pork or chicken, a tangy sauce like this one can also be used with beef.
- It pairs particularly well with brisket or beef ribs, adding a tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the meat.
- Vegetables: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, mustard BBQ sauce can also be used to add flavor to grilled or roasted vegetables.
- It pairs particularly well with root vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes, as well as grilled mushrooms and zucchini.
How To Make Mustard BBQ Sauce
Whisk Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). It’s important to whisk the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that they are well combined and that there are no lumps or clumps in the sauce.
Heat the Mixture
Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning. As the sauce heats up, you may notice that it starts to thicken slightly.
Reduce the Heat
Once the sauce has come to a simmer, reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. This step is important to allow the flavors to meld together and for the sauce to reduce slightly, which will result in a thicker, more flavorful sauce.
Remove From Heat
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Be careful when handling the hot sauce, as it can be very hot and may splatter.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning
After the sauce has cooled slightly, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and black pepper to taste, and adjust the sweetness, acidity, or spiciness to your liking. Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Store the Sauce
Transfer the sauce to a jar or other container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. The sauce will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.
Tips & Tricks For Making Mustard BBQ Sauce
If you’re new to making mustard-based barbecue sauces, here are some tips that can help you get the best results.
Use A Whisk To Blend Ingredients
Whisking or blending the ingredients will ensure that they are well combined and that there are no lumps or clumps in the sauce.
If you don’t have a whisk or blender, you can also use a fork or a spoon to mix the ingredients, but it may take a bit more effort.
Simmer the Sauce Until it Thickens
The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks, but it’s important to simmer it for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and for the sauce to reduce slightly.
Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning.
Store the Sauce Properly
Once the sauce has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep for several weeks, but it’s best to use it within a week or two for maximum freshness.
Experiment with Different Spices
Mustard-based BBQ sauce is a versatile sauce that can be customized with different spices and seasonings to create a unique flavor profile.
Try adding smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder for a smoky, spicy kick, or use brown sugar instead of honey for a richer, deeper flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combination of flavors that you like best!
Adjusting The Flavor of Mustard BBQ Sauce
Mustard-based BBQ sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be customized to suit a variety of taste preferences.
Whether you prefer a sweeter, tangier, or spicier sauce, it’s easy to adjust the flavor of mustard BBQ sauce to your liking. Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe to create a sauce that perfectly suits your taste buds:
Adjusting the Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of honey in the recipe. Start with a small amount, such as an additional tablespoon, and taste the sauce before adding more.
Keep in mind that the sauce will become sweeter as it cooks and the flavors meld together, so it’s best to add honey gradually until you reach the desired level of sweetness.
Adjusting the Tanginess
If you prefer a tangier sauce, you can increase the amount of apple cider vinegar in the recipe. Again, start with a small amount, such as an additional tablespoon, and taste the sauce before adding more.
Remember that the sauce will become more acidic as it cooks, so it’s best to add vinegar gradually until you reach the desired level of tanginess.
Adjusting Spiciness
Mustard-based sauce is typically not very spicy, but if you like a bit of heat, you can add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the recipe.
You can also use a hotter variety of mustard to give the sauce a bit more kick. Be careful not to add too much spice, as it can overpower the other flavors in the sauce.
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Mustard BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the mustard, cider vinegar, honey, sauce (Worcestershire), paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt and black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the sauce to a jar or other container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Mustard BBQ Sauce FAQs
What is mustard-based BBQ sauce?
Mustard-based BBQ sauce is a sauce that features a base of mustard and vinegar, with additional spices and sweeteners added for flavor. It’s a popular option in the southeastern United States, particularly in South Carolina.
What meats go well with mustard BBQ sauce?
Mustard BBQ sauce pairs well with a variety of meats, including pork, chicken, and beef. It can also be used with grilled or roasted vegetables.
How do I make mustard BBQ sauce?
To make mustard BBQ sauce, you’ll need mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and a variety of spices. Mix all of the ingredients together in a saucepan and simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
How do I store leftover mustard BBQ sauce?
Leftover mustard BBQ sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the cooler for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze mustard BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can freeze mustard BBQ sauce for up to three months. Thaw in the cooler before using.
Can I use different types of mustard in the recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of mustard to customize the flavor of your sauce. Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, or spicy brown mustard are all good options.
How much sauce does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups of mustard BBQ sauce.